Nottinghamshire Police’s next chief constable has vowed to ensure the county's police force 'puts the public first'. Kate Meynell was questioned by a special Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Panel hearing on Wednesday, September 21, before being officially and unanimously confirmed in the role.
The current Deputy Chief Constable at Derbyshire Constabulary is now set to return to work at the force where she began and spent most of her career. In 2018 she took up the role of Assistant Chief Constable at Nottinghamshire Police, before moving to the neighbouring police force.
Following her new appointment, she said: “What is really important is making sure communities feel safe and listened to. It is about putting the public first, working as a team with really clear standards so everyone is clear what Nottinghamshire Police is about.
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“I want to make sure we have a service that is fit for the future, where we use data effectively and are evidence-led in the way we do our work. Also, I want a workforce that is engaged and empowered because it is the workforce that will deliver what we are looking for. I very much believe in being a team.
“It is really important if we are to be successful as an organisation that the public have trust and confidence and we are seen to be legitimate.
The appointment follows recommendations received by the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Panel, following a special confirmation hearing held at County Hall in West Bridgford yesterday. Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry named Kate Meynell as her preferred candidate for the role in August following a rigorous assessment and interview process.
She will take the helm from current Chief Constable Craig Guildford in December, after he departs to take up the top job at West Midlands Police. Kate added: “I’m looking forward to coming back to Nottinghamshire. I grew up in Nottinghamshire and it’s a place I’m proud to call home.
“I have enjoyed my time working in Derbyshire alongside some great colleagues, but this is a dream job for me. Nottinghamshire Police has a positive, strong workforce and I do feel we have the opportunity now to continue the improvements that Craig Guildford has started. The force has moved a long way forward under his leadership.
“I genuinely care passionately about the force and want to build on the good work that has been done and build relationships with external partners and communities.”
Kate spent most of her career serving with Nottinghamshire Police after joining in 1993 and being posted to Bulwell. Her previous roles include a two-and-a-half-year spell as Assistant Chief Constable when she led the force’s knife crime strategy and chaired the county's strategic response to the Covid pandemic.
Commissioner Caroline Henry said she was delighted that her recommended candidate had now been confirmed. “Kate is an outstanding leader and I am looking forward to working closely with her,” she said.
“Craig Guildford has been an excellent Chief Constable over the last five years at Nottinghamshire Police, during which crime has fallen, officer numbers have reached their highest in over a decade and neighbourhood policing has expanded.
“I’m delighted that the panel agreed that Kate has all the qualities to succeed in this role. I believe Kate is the right person to take this work forward as we continue to Make Notts Safe.”
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