Gloucestershire Police officers and staff will help choose their new boss

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Martin Surl is inviting representatives from every level of the organisation to play a role in selecting the next chief constable.

Each candidate will be asked to give a brief presentation about their career in policing so far, how they have been shaped by their experiences, why they are applying for the role and what they can bring.

Then members of the audience - which will consist of officers, PCSOs, Specials, support staff, and representatives from groups the chief constable will be working with - will have the opportunity to question the candidates.

Mr Surl said: “One of the most important decisions – some might say it is the most important - a Police and Crime Commissioner has to make is the appointment of a chief constable.

“My vision for the Constabulary depends on a leader who cares about the communities we serve and the workforce he or she leads.

"It will be someone who can enthuse and empower others and champion organisational transformation in the face of diminishing resources.

“Increasing public confidence is high on my list of priorities and that means engaging positively with a wide range of partners and other agencies.”

Gloucestershire Constabulary is currently headed by temporary Chief Constable Rod Hansen who was appointed following the retirement of Suzette Davenport in April.

Mr Hansen was given a one-year contract while the debate continued over possible changes to the governance of Gloucestershire’s Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS). The question of fire service reform has now been deferred.