Force set to appoint its first female Chief

9 November 2022

Suffolk Police Federation chair Darren Harris has welcomed the news that the Force is set to have its first female Chief Constable in Rachel Kearton.

She has served as Suffolk’s Deputy Chief Constable since 2019 and stepped up to the top job in a temporary capacity since September when Steve Jupp left the role.

Rachel is expected to be handed the reins permanently when the Police and Crime Panel meets on 2 December and she has already received the public endorsement of Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Tim Passmore.

Darren commented: “I would like to congratulate Rachel Kearton on her imminent appointment as our new Chief Constable – and on making history as the first woman to lead Suffolk Constabulary.

“I wish her every success in her new role, and I look forward to working closely with her on behalf of Police Federation members. We jointly face many challenges, from cost of living to mental health and high workloads. I am hopeful that the Federation and the new Chief Constable will enjoy a very constructive working relationship.”

Rachel was named by the PCC as his preferred candidate on Monday following a rigorous selection process last week with Suffolk Police Federation being part of the recruitment as a member of the internal stakeholder panel.

Mr Passmore said: “This was a unanimous decision by the interview panel.  Rachel was a strong candidate and impressed us with her forthright commitment to public service and delivering for the people of Suffolk.

“Rachel has a wealth of experience and knows the enormous challenges ahead for us in Suffolk including finance, increasing demand and the changes in the pattern of crime. Improving public trust and confidence will be fundamental to her role.”

Rachel joined Suffolk Constabulary in September 2015 as Assistant Chief Constable, following a career break during which she worked for the Foreign Office in Turkey. She previously served with the Hampshire, West Yorkshire and Northumbria police forces.