Fed chair pays tribute to retiring Chief Constable
27 March 2024
Gwent Police Federation has paid tribute to Chief Constable Pam Kelly, who will retire this year after three decades of service to policing.
CC Kelly’s career began with Dyfed Powys Police as a PC in 1994, after she had initially volunteered as a Special Constable.
In 23 years of service with Dyfed Powys Police, she rose to Assistant Chief Constable before moving to Gwent Police in 2017 as Deputy Chief Constable, and then becoming Chief Constable in 2019.
Matthew Candy, Gwent Police Federation chair, said: “On behalf of the Federation branch I’d like to thank CC Kelly for her years of dedication and service to policing, not only to Gwent Police but also to Dyfed Powys Police as well.
“Policing has been through turbulent times in recent years, most notably during the pandemic, and CC Kelly led the Force through that unprecedented period with understanding and skill.
“The Federation has had a good working relationship with CC Kelly and the chief officer team for the benefit of our members, and we hope that can continue with her successor.
“We wish her all the best in a well-deserved retirement.”
Gwent Police Chief Constable Pam Kelly.
CC Kelly’s received the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) service to UK policing in the Platinum Jubilee honours and she is the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for workforce.
She said: “It has been a huge privilege to serve as the chief constable of Gwent Police, the bravery and commitment shown by officers and staff is truly inspirational.
“Policing has changed enormously since I joined the service but the basics of working hard to prevent and detect crime and protect communities has and always will be at the heart of policing.
“It has been a fantastic career, and I would encourage anyone who would like to join the service to do so – it is such an opportunity to make a difference.
“I have announced my retirement ahead of the police and crime commissioner elections and will work closely with the newly elected commissioner to appoint my successor before retiring later this year.”
She added: “The last few years have been very challenging for UK policing, and for Gwent Police, and we have dealt robustly with all these challenges.
“I very much hope that our work in shaping organisational change has paved the way for our superb staff to deliver the best service possible for our communities.
“The staff, partners and community within Gwent have been outstanding to work with.
“It is a community that is strong with a real ability to work together to make change. It has been my absolute privilege to serve and be a part of policing for the last 30 years.”
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