Introducing Chris Hobbs - the new Secretary of Norfolk Police Federation

13 March 2024

Chris Hobbs is the new Secretary of Norfolk Police Federation. Chris – who has been a police officer for 17 years and a Fed Rep since 2020 - took over from Sam Hawkins this Spring.

What made you go for the Secretary role?

I became deputy secretary in 2023 and I think I knew then that I would like to go on to become the secretary, if the opportunity arose, to apply for the role. I think the reason why I wanted to do it was just ultimately… it’s the most enjoyable work I’ve ever done in policing, supporting our members. You can pick up detective cases and run with them to Crown Court, support the victims and sometimes you get a good result. But for me the most rewarding work I’ve had, had been in the last 4 years, supporting people within Norfolk and the members that need Federation help, for whatever reason, and getting a “thank you” at the end after you’ve represented them well. I just thought, if I could do this on a full-time basis, then that would be amazing and rewarding.

Give us a brief history of your career?

I joined the police in March 2007, originally working for Devon and Cornwall Police, I left there in May 2018 to come to Norfolk. I managed to do a level transfer as a sergeant to Norfolk, and have been here now for nearly 6 years. After 18 months in Norfolk I became a DS in child protection and then CID. Most recently I’ve worked in the control room as a sergeant.  I kind of see my career in two halves now. I’ve done 17 years. Maybe I’ve got another 17 to go, so, this is almost the halfway point for me. I’ve still got a lot of energy and time left to go, and I’d love to spend it doing Federation work. This is what I’ve found the most interesting, rewarding, and you feel like you’re making a difference to people. I’ve always been very people-focused and oriented in all of my policing really. This is the role that, for me, magnifies that. That point where it is all about the people that you’re representing.

What do you want to achieve as Secretary?

I'm just at the start has been a lot to learn. Although I had been Deputy Secretary, until you actually start doing it full time, you don’t realise the breadth and the responsibility of the role. My aim is, to come in and work really hard for our members, but also to fully learn and immerse myself in the role. To learn and then have longevity is what I’d like to bring to the role. I see this as a role that, with the support of the Norfolk Police Federation Board, I will continue the excellent work being carried out by our branch and hope to improve some of the things we are doing. I think sometimes you have to give your top three aims…… I’d say, to work hard for the members, to support the branch and the Board, and the final thing really is to support our Chair, Andy Symonds. I would like to emphasise, he does a really sterling job for Norfolk, and he’s been there for a long time, working really hard. I hope to support him in my capacity as the Secretary and work well together collaboratively.