Nomination may result in third force with two women at helm
SUSSEX IS to become only the third UK police force area where the top two policing roles are held by women.
Deputy Chief Constable Jo Shiner has been nominated to take over as chief constable for the South-East-based police force, it was revealed on Tuesday.
If confirmed for the top job, Ms Shiner will work alongside Sussex police and crime commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne.
This would make Sussex Police just the third force in the country where the area’s top two policing roles – chief constable and PCC – are held by women.
It will join the Metropolitan Police (Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick and PCC Sophie Linden) and North Yorkshire Police (Chief Constable Lisa Winward and PCC Julia Mulligan).
Tuesday’s announcement comes after a recruitment process which began in March following
Nominated to take over as chief constable for the Sussex police force.
the retirement announcement from current Sussex Police Chief Constable Giles York.
Ms Shiner, who has nearly 28 years of policing experience, has been in her post at Sussex Police for the last 18 months.
Previously, she was assistant chief constable for Kent Police.
She said: “I feel very humbled and privileged to be given the opportunity to be the preferred candidate for the chief constable of Sussex.
“Sussex Police is a fantastic force and, subject to confirmation by the Police and Crime Panel, I am committed to ensuring that we continue to provide the very best possible service to the public, through protecting our communities and making Sussex a hostile environment to criminals.
“I look forward to continuing to work closely with the police and crime commissioner, colleagues and partners to provide the best policing to the community.”
During her career, Ms Shiner has undertaken a wide variety of roles, including as a firearms, public order and critical incident commander.
Her elevation to the Sussex Police top job will be subject to a confirmation hearing on June 26.