Suffolk Constabulary revealed it has poached Rob Jones from the Metropolitan Police and Warwickshire Police announced Alex Franklin-Smith has been confirmed in post after working as Temporary Assistant Chief Constable. Both will lead on local policing.

The two promotions are of people who have experience outside of the constabularies and are not long-servers, issues raised by HM Inspectorate in its review of promotion among senior ranks.

Rob Jones is transferring on 11 May after 24 years with the Met where he was most recently the BCU Commander in Central London, with responsibility for local policing in Westminster, Hammersmith and Fulham and Kensington and Chelsea.  He has also worked at Scotland Yard on transformational change. 

He is an experienced public order commander and was previously head of crime and partnerships in Hackney. Other previous posts have included Borough Commander for Newham and Lewisham.

Chief Constable Steve Jupp said: "Rob was an outstanding candidate for the position, bringing his knowledge and broad range of experience to the role here in Suffolk. He lives locally and knows the county of Suffolk well.  He will be a fantastic addition to the Chief Officer Team and we look forward to him joining our family.”

Alex Franklin-Smith, who was appointed Temporary Assistant Chief Constable of Warwickshire in August 2018, has developed his career significantly since joining the force from Surrey in 2007. His promotion began with immediate effect.

In 2008 he joined the National High Potential Development Scheme and worked in a variety of uniform and detective roles up to the rank of Superintendent.

In 2012, he was seconded to the National Crime Agency (NCA) where he led a number of projects to tackle serious organised crime, terrorism and international drug trafficking. On his return from the NCA, Warwickshire made him Director of Intelligence for Warwickshire Police.

He started his career in 2002 with Surrey Police and has post graduate and masters qualifications in Leadership and Management. In March, graduated from the College of Policing’s Strategic Command Course. He is also a strategic public order and firearms commander.

Chief Constable Martin Jelley QPM said: “Clearly Alex takes up his position during what is a challenging time for the county and force but I know he has the skills and motivation to play a key role both now and in the future for Warwickshire Police. Alex has a proven track record in Warwickshire which I have no doubt he will build positively upon.”