Gloucestershire’s new top cop appointed amid controversy (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Former Deputy Chief Constable of Northamptonshire police Suzette Davenport has been appointed as Gloucestershire’s new Chief Constable by newly-elected Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl

10:30am Thursday 17th January 2013 in News By Ian Craig

THE appointment of Gloucestershire’s new Chief Constable has been confirmed amid controversy around her role in a murder investigation.

Former Deputy Chief Constable of Northamptonshire police Suzette Davenport was appointed to the position by newly-elected Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl last week.

However, her appointment was not confirmed by the Gloucester Police and Crime Panel (GPCP) – which has the power to veto the decision – until this Monday.

Ms Davenport is currently under investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) over complaints around her handling of an investigation into a 2002 gangland murder.

GPCP chairman Cllr Brian Calway said he had “serious concerns” over the way she was appointed.

“We believe that the issue of the IPCC investigation was not properly considered,” he said. “Specifically, interview panel members did not have sufficient information to balance the candidate’s performance against the risks to Gloucestershire Constabulary.”

He added the panel had since considered the issue and had been given all necessary information regarding the investigation.

Ms Davenport, 49, will be the force’s fourth Chief Constable in three years after Mick Matthews – who was only appointed to the role in June 2012 – announced he would step down to take up a role in Cyprus.

She will take up her new role on February 1 and will be the first woman to lead the force in its 174-year history.