Kent chief to retire, but will return to lead the force under new contract

Chief Constable Tim Smith’s contract to lead Kent Police was to run until December 2027 but under an agreement with PCC Matthew Scott, he will now retire on 28 February after 33 years service with the force and begin a new four year contract to run until December 2029.

Matthew Scott said that the request to extend the tenure had come from the chief who has been in post since December 2022. He explained that to do so meant that the chief would have to retire next month and return on 1 April. The PCC has appointed Deputy Chief Constable Peter Ayling to serve as Temporary Chief Constable during this period.

“I am pleased to make this recommendation to the Police and Crime Panel. Over the past two years, Mr Smith has delivered improved performance, following difficult HMICFRS inspections, cut waiting times for people contacting our Force Control Room, implemented the new Neighbourhood and Divisional Policing Models and crucially, helped to cut crime.”
Matthew Scott, Kent Police and Crime Commissioner.

The decision must be ratified at a meeting of the Kent Police and Crime Panel, which will take place on Tuesday 4 February.

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Catherine Levin

Catherine writes and commissions content from across the emergency services as well as interviewing senior leaders. She also hosts our webinar series exploring timely topics with a range of speakers.

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