A former chief inspector who is now the chair of the Suffolk Police and Crime Panel says he believes the key to its success is keeping its independence but working collaboratively.

Mark Jepson, a district councillor, has been chair of the panel for two years, after working for 30 years in Suffolk Constabulary before retiring in 2011.

He now draws on his own experiences of the Force, while continuing to both support and challenge the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Tim Passmore.

“I’m proud of the time I spent at Suffolk Police and I enjoyed my 30 years there, but this is now and that was then. And, although I can use my experience within the Force to support my role as chair of the panel, I pride myself on having a pragmatic view at all times,” said Mark.

“I never say ‘we used to do that’ because I don’t think that’s fair. The way policing works has changed tremendously, and it’s important that I approach my role with an open mind.

“It’s vital that people recognise we’re not here to scrutinise Tim, we’re here to challenge and support him - not to always agree with him necessarily but to ultimately ensure the Force is delivering as good a service as possible.”

The Police and Crime Panel is made up of county and district councillors, who all have an interest in policing. 

Their role is to hold the Police and Crime Commissioner to account, with the PCC holding the Chief Constable to account.

“Although we’re councillors, I don’t view myself as a politician. We run the panel as a panel, rather than a political party. And I see myself as someone who plays a role in improving the area that we live in,” continued Mark.

“I feel proud to have developed a really strong panel and have worked hard to build relationships with both the PCC and the Force. I really do believe that all of our work is more effective if we have good relationships.

“It’s important that while we keep our independence we also work collaboratively, together.”

Mark joined Suffolk Police in 1981, having spent three years as a cadet. His varied career included working on the frontline, as a detective and an inspector, all roles which he says have helped ‘shape’ him into the person he is today. 

After retiring, Mark worked in social housing for seven years before becoming a town councillor and then a district councillor.

“I had a wonderful career,” he continued, “And I love policing Suffolk, I will always be a supporter of the work they do but the day I left, I left policing and becoming a councillor is a whole new chapter in my life.

“It’s actually quite exciting for the shoe to be on the other foot, now holding the PCC to account.”