Chief Constable to leave policing for private sector role

Warwickshire Police Chief Constable Alex Franklin-Smith has announced he will step down in April after nearly 24 years in policing to pursue opportunities in the private sector.

Franklin-Smith’s career has included roles with Surrey Police, West Mercia Police and 19 years with Warwickshire Police, as well as a secondment to the National Crime Agency. He described leading Warwickshire Police as the “absolute highlight and privilege” of his policing career.

“Policing plays a pivotal role in society and is often described as a job like no other,” he said. “I believe the Warwickshire public are incredibly fortunate to have the talented and hard-working officers and staff committed to protecting them day in and day out.”

Alex Franklin-Smith.

At 44, Franklin-Smith said he still considers himself “mid-career” and is looking forward to helping deliver improvements and reform across the public safety and justice sectors from outside policing.

“I will be sad to leave the role of Chief Constable, but I am excited to have an opportunity to move to the private sector,” he added. “None will match the level of pride I have felt in these last 18 months leading Warwickshire Police.”

Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe accepted the chief constable’s decision and praised his contribution to the force.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to Alex for his service and commitment to the people of Warwickshire,” Seccombe said. “During his time in charge, Alex has begun important work to shape a new culture within the force… I am confident that the progress that has been made so far will continue.”

Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe.

Seccombe said interim leadership arrangements and a recruitment process for a new chief constable would be announced in due course.

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