The formal appointment of CC Rachel Kearton was announced today. 

It means that Suffolk will be one of 16 forces to have a female Chief at the helm. 

The proposal was presented by PCC Tim Passmore last month following Steve Jupp leaving in September. 

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

She was promoted to Deputy Chief Constable in Suffolk in 2019 and has been the temporary Chief since September. 

She is also the national lead for Workforce Representation and Diversity. 

CC Kearton said: “I believe the quality of officers, staff and volunteers in Suffolk is very high. I am honoured to lead such an exceptionally dedicated workforce.

“My Chief Officer Team and I are committed to relentlessly pursuing high standards and to serving to all communities, fairly and equitably.

PCC Passmore said: “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. I have no doubt that she is the right person to lead the Constabulary in its delivery of my Police and Crime Plan.”