New Police Chief Constable For Suffolk

8 February 2013, 15:16 | Updated: 8 February 2013, 15:18

Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore formally announced the appointment of Douglas Paxton as the new Chief Constable for Suffolk today.

Mr Passmore and an appointments panel, selected Douglas Paxton following a rigorous process of interview and assessments on Tuesday 29 January. This decision was subject to confirmation by the Police and Crime Panel, which was considered today at a meeting in Endeavour House.

Douglas, who is married with two children, returns to Suffolk where he served for 12 years. He joined Suffolk Constabulary in 1989 and rose to the rank of Superintendent, serving as Deputy Area Commander for the west of Suffolk. He moved to West Midlands Police in 2002 where, for three years, he was in charge of a large division in Birmingham city centre. Most recently he was Deputy Chief Constable in Staffordshire.

Tim Passmore said, “I am very pleased to welcome Douglas Paxton as the next Chief Constable for Suffolk.

"Douglas impressed us with his sound knowledge of the county and all its different communities and businesses.  His innovative approach to policing and partnership working will be particularly important as we work more closely with partners to get the very best value for the council tax payer.

“I look forward to working with Douglas to devise Suffolk’s long-term plan for policing over the next 5-6 years, in line with my Police and Crime Plan.”

Speaking for the first time as Chief Constable, Douglas Paxton said, “I feel very honoured and delighted to be returning to the force I joined as a new recruit 24 years ago.

“I share a strong affinity with Suffolk and its people having spent 12 very happy and formative years of my early career serving its communities.

“I look forward to working with Commissioner Passmore and I’m determined to build on the positive legacy and leadership of Chief Constable Simon Ash to make Suffolk an even safer place to live, work and visit.”