New beginnings

5 August 2020

Friday 31 July 2020 marked the end of an era for Derbyshire Constabulary with the retirement of Chief Constable Peter Goodman.

Mr Goodman had been Chief Constable for three years and was part of the chief officer team for 13 years.

As a Federation, we had enjoyed a good working relationship with him. He was very much of the opinion that the police conduct process should be based around learning and development rather than sanction and punishment and that is an ethos that we support.

We wish Mr Goodman a long and happy retirement and thank him for the incredible contribution he made to policing in Derbyshire. He will be missed.

But, of course, as one door closes, another one opens and we were pleased to learn last week that the PCC has chosen Rachel Swann as his preferred candidate for Mr Goodman’s successor.

Once again, we can honestly say that we have developed a good working relationship with Rachel during her time as DCC. In very simple terms, she gets it. She understands the pressures officers are under, she appreciates the need to prioritise their wellbeing and she represents a very safe pair of hands to take the Force forward.

We are looking forward to working with her and seeing how she shapes the future of Derbyshire Constabulary and the way in which it serves its communities.

Of course, she will be taking over as Chief Constable at a critical time. We may be slowly adapting to what is widely referred to as the ‘new normal’ and officers and staff are coming back to offices and police bases but we are also being warned of a second wave of coronavirus and officers will be on the front-line helping ensure the public adheres to any new restrictions that might be imposed.

There will be challenging times ahead. But I know that officers will continue to do their best to serve and protect their communities.

Stay safe.