Olivia Pinkney (right), the former Deputy Chief Constable of Sussex Police, took up the role of Hampshire Constabulary’s new Chief Constable on 4 April. Her appointment follows a recruitment process held by Simon Hayes, the Police and Crime Commissioner, which also involved senior community stakeholders and partners from 18 organisations across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, as well as a two-day interview.
Prior to her role as the Deputy Chief Constable for Sussex Police, Mrs Pinkney was Assistant Inspector of Constabulary with HMIC, leading independent professional assessments of police efficiency and effectiveness for the public. She also served as Assistant Chief Constable for Surrey and Sussex Police, and was the Southeast lead for serious and organised crime. Nationally, Olivia led for the police on tackling organised immigration crime including people trafficking. She was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in the New Year Honours 2016.
Simon Hayes, Police and Crime Commissioner, said, “I believe that Olivia Pinkney has all the necessary qualities needed in a modern Chief Constable of Hampshire Constabulary: experience, dignity, understanding, and humility. This appointment is hugely important for the future development of Hampshire Constabulary, but it is not just about the constabulary itself, the Chief Constable must work strategically, and with our partners across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”
