![](https://emergencyservicestimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ESS-Button-resized.png")
Following the appointment of Chief Constable Kier Pritchard in January, Ministry of Defence Police has appointed Simon Dobinson as its new Deputy Chief Constable.
Simon has served with the Ministry of Defence Police since November 2024, previously holding the rank of Assistant Chief Constable for Territorial, Crime and Support. During that time, he played a key role in strengthening relationships across Defence and supporting the prioritisation of policing and security assets linked to homeland security.
His policing career has spanned the Ministry of Defence Police, Essex Police, Metropolitan Police Service and collaborative roles with Sussex Police and Surrey Police. He has worked across specialist operations and neighbourhood policing, holding roles at every level.
Simon has specialist expertise in hostage negotiation, public order and armed policing, serving as a firearms officer, chief firearms instructor and in several firearms command positions.
As a chief officer with the Metropolitan Police Service, he led on security responsibilities including the Protect strand of the Government’s CONTEST strategy, aviation security across London airports, estate and physical security strategy, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear preparedness.
“I am honoured to take on the role of Deputy Chief Constable of the MDP, a Force that is truly unique in providing specialist policing to defend Defence and protect the homeland.
“Having served as Assistant Chief Constable, I have witnessed first-hand the dedication and professionalism of our officers and Civil Servants. I look forward to continuing to support the MDP in delivering the highest standards of policing to protect our nation’s assets, infrastructure and personnel.”
Simon Dobinson.
In 2022, Simon moved to a joint role across Sussex Police and Surrey Police, overseeing armed policing, public order, dogs, roads policing, emergency planning and local resilience. He also chaired boards focused on police powers scrutiny, road safety partnerships and the Sussex Local Resilience Forum.
Alongside his operational roles, Simon has served as the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for aviation security and airport policing, working with commercial, government and law enforcement partners to improve coordination across the sector.
He is also a member of the Forward Institute and has sponsored programmes to improve inclusivity, diversity and equality within policing organisations. Simon holds a Master’s degree in Risk, Crisis and Resilience Management.
“Simon brings extensive experience from across his policing career, and I am confident that he will continue to play a key role in strengthening the MDP as we enhance our capability to support Defence, foster a positive culture, and achieve our strategic objectives.”
Kier Pritchard, Chief Constable.
To read similar articles, check out our People and skills channel.
