Avon and Somerset Police Federation welcomes new Temporary Chief Constable

5 July 2021

Avon and Somerset Police Federation will be working with the force’s new Temporary Chief Constable to support officers in the difficult and demanding role they carry out.

Sarah Crew has stepped up to the role with immediate effect, having served as a police officer in Avon and Somerset Police since 1994 and as Deputy Chief Constable since 2017.

CC Andy Marsh retired last week.

Iain Prideaux, Chair of Avon and Somerset Police Federation, said: “The Constabulary is constantly evolving and talented officers are rising to the challenge of new roles and responsibilities.

“With recent promotion results seeing Federated ranks given leadership positions in steering the 8 base model, preparing members to mentor and tutor the uplift in staff and deal with the now pre-Covid levels of reported crime, I encourage CC Crew to have officer wellbeing in focus.

“Mr Marsh leaves a legacy of kindness in leadership and the demands of 2021 will need that focus so officer fatigue and a lack of development and opportunity is avoided.

“National Federation Chair John Apter and I will be visiting CC Crew next week as part of his visit to the region and she has accepted an invitation to address our branch council when we meet in person, in August.

“We benefit from a good working relationship with chief officers and I am looking forward to helping Sarah Crew see officers lived experience.”

Tony Henley, Federation Secretary-Elect, said: “With the departure of Andy Marsh I congratulate and welcome Sarah Crew to her new role at T/CC. I am looking forward to working with Sarah to build on the work that has previously been accomplished.

“At the heart of this is serving the public by preventing crime and - in collaboration with other public bodies - creating safer communities. Alongside this is the important part we play in supporting our officers in the difficult and demanding role they play in our society. I am hopeful that Sarah will continue this with our support.”

CC Crew said: “I am incredibly proud to take on the role of Temporary Chief Constable at Avon and Somerset Police – a force I have been honoured to work for since September 1994. Andy has been an outstanding leader and on behalf of our organisation, I would like to thank him for everything he’s achieved during his time as Chief Constable.

“I would like to pay tribute to all our officers, staff and volunteers who are making a difference every day and have tirelessly served the public during what’s been an incredibly challenging year.

“Looking ahead, I am wholly committed to delivering outstanding policing to all of our communities and building on the already strong and positive relationships with the public, our partner agencies and community leaders from across Avon and Somerset.”

The formal process to recruit a Chief Constable will take place over coming weeks with the new Chief Constable appointment due to be made by this Autumn.