Chief Constable of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Constabulary stepping down after 31 years in policing

The chief constable of Hampshire Constabulary will be stepping down from the role next April.

Olivia Pinkney announced last week that she will leave Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Constabulary after 31 years of police service.

She was appointed chief constable in April 2016 and during her time in charge, Hampshire Constabulary had the second highest percentage increase in officers of any police force in the country, behind the City of London.

Chief constable Pinkney said: “It is far from the end of my time in force yet, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank the public for their ongoing support of policing.

“To thank those organisations who continue to forge ever stronger local partnerships with policing, and to thank every single member of the Hampshire police family for what you continue to do for us all.

“I made the decision back in late June and I am announcing it now to help with a smooth transition and handover.”

Police and crime commissioner Donna Jones will begin the recruitment process for the new chief constable immediately, with the aim of making the decision on who the new chief will be by the end of November.

The PCC said: “It has been an absolute pleasure working with Olivia. We have become a formidable team, and we will continue to work closely until her last day.

“Knowing this news at this early point provides time for a well-planned transition and handover period.

“As your police and crime commissioner, I have a responsibility to find the best chief for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight residents.

“There is of course competition between forces for the best chiefs, so I am casting the net wide to make sure that I can choose from the best candidates within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and beyond.”