Suffolk’s Police and Crime Panel has confirmed the formal appointment of Rachel Kearton as Suffolk Constabulary’s Chief Constable.
Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore presented his proposal to appoint Rachel following a robust recruitment process held last month. The panel unanimously supported the appointment.
Rachel had been acting Chief Constable since the departure of former CC Steve Jupp in September. She joined Suffolk Constabulary in 2015 as Assistant Chief Constable and was promoted to Deputy Chief in 2019. Prior to joining Suffolk, Rachel served with police forces in Hampshire, West Yorkshire and Northumbria.
Following her appointment Rachel said, “ I am immensely proud to be appointed as Suffolk’s Chief Constable. I believe the quality of officers, staff and volunteers in Suffolk is very high. I am honoured to lead such an exceptionally dedicated workforce. My Chief Officer Team and I are committed to relentlessly pursuing high standards and to serving to all communities, fairly and equitably.”
Tim Passmore added, “Rachel has a wealth of experience and knows the enormous challenges ahead for us in Suffolk including finance, increasing demand and the changes in the pattern of crime. Improving public trust and confidence will be fundamental to her role. I have no doubt that she is the right person to lead the Constabulary in its delivery of my Police and Crime Plan.”