After being chosen as the preferred candidate of Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Jo Shiner has been confirmed as the new Sussex Chief Constable.
The announcement comes after a rigorous recruitment process, which began in March, following the retirement announcement from Chief Constable Giles York. Jo Shiner has been Deputy Chief Constable for Sussex Police for the last 18 months. Previously, she was Assistant Chief Constable for Kent Police.
The Police and Crime Panel confirmed the appointment at their meeting on 26 June 2020.
Mrs Bourne said, “Jo Shiner has a wealth of operational policing experience at all levels and has already demonstrated a passion for Sussex, its people and police force, in her role as Deputy Chief Constable over the last 18 months. Throughout this time she has really impressed me with her commitment to making our county an even safer place in which to live and work. She believes in achieving this through proactive policing, tougher enforcement, successful community engagement and a greater policing presence in our towns and villages. These are all the things the public have told me they want.
“She has already demonstrated strong leadership within the force and a deep understanding of the complexities facing our communities, with a passion to protect the most vulnerable. I am confident that, going forwards, Jo will be an inspirational, hard-working and hands-on Chief Constable for Sussex Police.”
Jo’s career in the police spans almost 28 years, during which time she has undertaken a wide variety of roles. These have predominantly been operational, both in uniform and within the Child and Adult Protection Unit, CID and as a firearms, public order and critical incident commander.
As Deputy Chief Constable, Jo is responsible for the smooth and effective running of Sussex Police and delivering the services that the communities deserve. Jo has also supported the recruitment and delivery of the additional officers through both the Op Uplift programme and the local precept investment. In addition, in January 2020 Jo took over the NPCC National Lead for the policing of Children and Young People. She is also the NPCC National Lead for Police Fitness.
Jo Shiner said, “I feel very humbled and privileged to be given the opportunity to be the preferred candidate for the Chief Constable of Sussex. Sussex Police is a fantastic force and, subject to confirmation by the Police and Crime Panel, I am committed to ensuring that we continue to provide the very best possible service to the public, through protecting our communities and making Sussex a hostile environment to criminals.
“I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Police and Crime Commissioner, colleagues and partners to provide the best policing to the community.”
