View the Constabulary's structure by clicking on the following link: Force Structure - this opens in a new window 18kb - (pdf)
Simon Ash - Chief Constable
Simon Ash is Suffolk Constabulary's Chief Constable. He was born in Kent and, after studying at Birmingham University, joined Kent County Constabulary in 1982.
There, he held various positions through the ranks until 1993 when he was promoted to the rank of Chief Inspector (Operations) in Folkestone. Two years later he was promoted to the rank of Superintendent and became Head of Personnel and then spent two years as Area Commander of Maidstone and Malling.
In 2001 Simon joined Hertfordshire Constabulary as Assistant Chief Constable, Operations, and held that position until 2003 when he was promoted to Deputy Chief Constable. As Deputy Chief Constable he was responsible for Organisational Intelligence, Human Resources and Corporate Communication.
On June 4th, 2007 he joined Suffolk Constabulary as Chief Constable.
He has a BA (Hons) Degree in Geography, MA in Organisational Management and a Diploma in Applied Criminology and Police Studies from Cambridge University.
Simon is married and has two children. His interests include golf and he is a keen football supporter.
Jacqui Cheer - Deputy Chief Constable
Jacqui Cheer is Suffolk Constabulary's Deputy Chief Constable.
Mrs Cheer joined the force in July 2006 and prior to this worked within the Home Office’s Reform Unit.
During her 22 years of service, all within Essex Police, Mrs Cheer gained operational experience of counter-terrorist policing, policing large public events (such as the Southend Air Show) and working with a range of partners to reduce crime, detect more offences and minimise anti-social behaviour.
As Deputy Chief Constable, Mrs Cheer's portfolio includes Professional Standards, Human Resources and Change Management.
Mrs Cheer is married and currently lives in North Essex.
Gary Kitching - Assistant Chief Constable
Born in 1957, Gary spent his formative years in central London before moving with his parents to Surrey. Following three years at university in Wales he returned to London in 1979 to join the Metropolitan Police Service. Starting his career in Brixton, Gary spent the majority of his early service in South London working in places such as Streatham, Tooting, and Battersea. He was posted to a range of operational roles including leading both community and public order teams. He was also part of the development team for London's first computerised crime reporting system.
In 1996 he transferred on promotion to Hertfordshire Constabulary and over a period of ten years has led all of the Force’s operational teams and was also responsible for strategic planning. In addition to his departmental responsibilities, in 2001 he led the Constabulary's reorganisation team and was responsible for introducing the National Intelligence Model in Hertfordshire. As the Area Commander for Eastern Hertfordshire and a keen exponent of community policing, he led one of England’s neighbourhood policing pathfinder sites. Gary was also employed in the role of Temporary Assistant Chief Constable in Hertfordshire with responsibility for Protective Services.
He joined Suffolk Constabulary in May 2008 and since that time he has held three portfolios – territorial policing, strategic change and most recently Protective Services together with Criminal Justice.
Gary is a keen on trekking and fell walking. He has travelled extensively around the world and ideal holidays combine exploration with long walks. Fortunately Gary's wife Cath and their labrador share his interests!
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Stewart Gull - Temporary Assistant Chief Constable QPM
Stewart Gull is Temporary Assistant Chief Constable. He is responsible for territorial policing across the County, delivered by the new County Policing Command.
Stewart has 29 years service having worked across the County and served in both uniform and CID in every rank. He was the Head of the Protective Services Department before taking up his current role in October 2009.
Between 2006 and 2008 Stewart led the investigation into the murder of five young women in Ipswich culminating in the offender’s conviction at Ipswich Crown Court in February 2008.
In June 2009 Stewart was recognised in the Queens birthday honours list with the award of a Queens Police Medal (QMP) for services to policing.
Stewart grew up and went to school in Ipswich at Copleston High School where he is now a community governor.
Stewart is married with two children. Stewart is a keen sportsman participating in and watching a variety of sports, but his real passion is for ski-ing and snowboarding.
Paul Marshall - Temporary Assisstant Chief Constable
Paul is Temporary Assistant Chief Constable responsible for Finance, Facilities Management, Procurement, ICT, Information Compliance and Security and Business Support. He joined the Suffolk Constabulary in 1982 and has served in a variety of roles in both uniform and CID, including Sector Commander at Mildenhall, Staff Officer to the Chief Constable, Western Area Crime Manager and Director of Intelligence.
In January 2006 he was appointed as the Head of the Corporate Development with a variety of responsibilities including corporate communications, business change and development, research and consultation, performance management and audit and inspections.
Before moving to his current role, he was appointed Western Area Commander overseeing the policing of Forest Heath, St. Edmundsbury, Mid Suffolk and the District of Babergh. During this time he successfully graduated from the Strategic Command Course making him eligible to apply for a position as a Chief Officer.
He is married with two daughters and in his spare time he is involved in community work, DIY and gardening.
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