New Chief Constable approved by panel

Colette Paul, currently deputy chief constable of South Wales Police, was unanimously recommended by The Bedfordshire Police and Crime Panel.

Beds Police and Crime Commissioner Olly Martins said Ms Paul would make “an excellent Chief Constable”.

Ms Paul said: “I am proud and privileged to be appointed the Chief Constable of Bedfordshire and thank the Police and Crime Panel for their endorsement. I very much look forward to working with the Commissioner and the Senior Officer Team to deliver our shared vision for policing. I can’t wait to start and look forward to meeting with our partners to work together to deliver the very best for the people of Bedfordshire.”

Mr Martins said Ms Paul will “bring a new perspective” to tackling crime in Bedfordshire.

He said: “I am sure that Colette Paul is the right person to grasp the challenges that we face in tackling crime, and that she will build on the strong legacy of improved performance that the departing Chief Constable Alf Hitchcock leaves. She will be leading a very able force that repeatedly proves its ability to punch above its weight.”

Strengths that Ms Paul will bring to the force include her commitment to building confidence in all communities.

Chair of the panel, Councillor Fiona Chapman MBE, said: “The Panel had no hesitation in recommending that Ms Paul’s appointment be confirmed. The Panel had every confidence that her experience and skills would enable her to lead the Bedfordshire force effectively. She also has the personal skills which will allow her to work well with all communities in Bedfordshire, to build their confidence in the force.”