Chief Constable blog - April 2026

Firstly, I would like to express my huge thanks to the Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, Clare, Countess of Euston, who retires from this prestigious role on 15^th April.  The Lord-Lieutenant is His Majesty the King’s representative in Suffolk and attends events, presenting medals and awards to organisations on behalf of HM The King throughout the county.   Clare, Countess of Suffolk, has presented many police officers and staff with their long service awards at our annual ceremonies over the past 12 years for which I am extremely grateful.   She has been a steadfast and highly valued supporter of the constabulary and, throughout her time in office, has taken a close, personal interest in policing.  She has given outstanding service to Suffolk during her tenure, and her commitment, encouragement and advocacy have left a lasting legacy, and she will be remembered with great respect and gratitude by the police and partners across the county.

The incoming Lord Lieutenant, appointed by the King, is Mark Pendlington.   Mark, who brings wide-ranging experience across the public and private sectors, including industry, education, voluntary organisations and economic development, has led numerous national and regional initiatives promoting enterprise, skills, youth opportunity, community wellbeing and volunteering.  I worked closely with Mark previously when he was High Sheriff of Suffolk from 2023 to 2024.    He is deeply committed to the county, and I very much look forward to working with Mark going forward.

I would also like to take the opportunity of thanking the High Sheriff of Suffolk, Gulshan Kayembe, for all her help and support over the past year.  Appointed annually in April, the High Sheriff remains the Sovereign’s representative in the county for matters relating to the judiciary and the maintenance of law and order.  Throughout her tenure Gulshan has shown unwavering commitment to supporting our communities, championing the work of the voluntary sector, and strengthening relationships across the judiciary, emergency services, and civic organisations.  The constabulary is truly grateful for her service to the organisation and the people of Suffolk.

I welcome Oliver Paul DL as the incoming High Sheriff for 2026-2027.  Oliver's love of Suffolk and his desire to make the county a better place for all is manifested in many activities particularly his involvement in promoting the visitor economy with a focus on Ipswich. Since 2005, Oliver has been at his family roots on the Shotley Peninsula where he has developed farming interests and helped establish the Suffolk Food Hall. This venture is an exemplar for local food, independent businesses, and collaborations. I look forward to working closely with Oliver over the coming months.

National Response Policing Week runs from 20^th to 26^th April which provides the Constabulary with the opportunity to highlight the fantastic work that our frontline response officers do across the county 24 hours a day and 365 days of the year.  Our Response Investigation Teams, provide the initial response to all emergency incidents and the follow up investigation to crime incidents such as violence in public spaces, criminal damage, drug related offences and missing people.  When the public call us, often in one of the worst moments of their lives, they rightly expect us to arrive quickly, act professionally and protect them. This interaction often determines the confidence that people have in the police and the opinion the public hold, for years to come, about policing in Suffolk – it is therefore vital that we are effective when we respond to such emergency situations. 

When we introduced the new operating model for local policing the purpose was to strengthen community links with the public and ensure the Constabulary continues to provide the best possible policing service. This was done as a response to the rising and changing demands that are presented, and our planning included the views of the public and workforce.  This model ensures that our officers are where people need them to be, when they are needed most - with community engagement at the heart of what they do.  So, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of our response officers for the courage and professionalism that they demonstrate in all that they do. 

Finally, I was delighted to be recently interviewed by Mark Jepson on Suffolk Sound radio – a non-profit organisation providing media access to local news, issues and interests.  I covered various topics including officer conduct, budgets, performance and local policing.  If you didn’t hear it and would like to there is a “listen again” option for 16^th March.