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The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Gloucestershire has appointed Maggie Blyth as the new interim Chief Constable of Gloucestershire Constabulary.
PCC Chris Nelson confirmed the appointment – only the second time in the constabulary’s 185-year history that a woman has been at the helm.
Ms Blyth is being seconded to Gloucestershire from the College of Policing and will formally take up her new role on Tuesday 22 October 2024.
Her appointment follows the suspension of Chief Constable Rod Hansen pending an inquiry by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
30 years’ experience as a public servant
Ms Blyth has more than 30 years’ experience as a dedicated public servant, having started in the Probation Service and then going on to specialise in youth justice.
After working for local government child protection services for 10 years, she completed the College of Policing’s strategic command course, after which she was promoted to Assistant Chief Constable in May 2019, overseeing local policing and public protection across Hampshire.
In October 2021, she took up the role of National Police Lead for VAWG at the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) where she was responsible for designing and delivering the first national police strategy for tackling VAWG, implementing the first national threat assessment and advising the Government on plans for a new national co-ordination centre for tackling VAWG. In November 2023, Maggie joined the College of Policing as its deputy Chief Executive.
Commenting on her new interim role, Ms Blyth said, “It is an honour to be leading Gloucestershire Constabulary, the oldest county force in the country, with officers and staff who exemplify what it means to be a public servant.
“My intention is to lead the Force during this chapter and provide officers and staff with stability and leadership to meet the vision of the Police and Crime Prevention Plan set between the Police and Crime Commissioner and the public.
“In addition to my role as Interim Chief Constable, I will remain the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for tackling violence against women and girls. My immediate focus now is on delivering for the people of Gloucestershire and I look forward to getting to know my new colleagues in the coming weeks.”
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