Suffolk’s Chief Constable announces she will retire in October

Suffolk’s Chief Constable Rachel Kearton has announced she will retire in October 2026.

Rachel joined Suffolk Constabulary as Assistant Chief Constable in 2015, becoming Deputy Chief in 2019. She has led the force as Chief Constable since September 2022 and retires after 37 years in policing across several forces. 

Following her announcement Rachel said, “It has been a huge privilege to have led Suffolk police since 2022. Becoming a chief constable was never part of my career plan, such as it was, and I certainly never dreamt that I would live in Suffolk.  Now, I cannot imagine how empty my life would have been without doing either.  Both make me immensely proud.

“Being a leader of an organisation is never easy, but I have been extremely fortunate to have had the support of amazing police officers and staff. They are working tirelessly in serving the people of Suffolk – showing courage, compassion, professionalism and putting the community at the heart of everything they do.

“I will leave the organisation on October 7 with some very fond memories and some proud achievements. These include overseeing a fall in crime consistently since December 2022 and the successful introduction of our local policing model that has strengthened community links with the local public.

“I also must express my gratitude to the people of Suffolk - policing is a partnership, and the trust and co-operation we receive from our communities and our partner agencies makes a positive difference every day.  Their kindness and willingness to support each other and my officers and staff is what make Suffolk such a special place. Thank you.”

Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said: “Rachel has been an effective leader and leaves Suffolk Constabulary in a strong position, with more police officers than we have ever had in the county.

“I would like to thank her for her support particularly in the delivery of the new local policing model, which has had a very positive impact on local policing, and the introduction of the Right Care Right Person mental health initiative, which has changed the way people in need of specialist mental health care are treated.  

“During her tenure as Chief, performance has improved significantly. The Constabulary is currently ranked second for the lowest level of recorded crime, making it consistently one of the safest counties in the country; in 2020 it ranked 13th. The Constabulary has also been graded as ‘Good’ by the HMICFRS which is a huge credit to Rachel particularly considering the pressures placed upon the Constabulary as one of the lowest funded police forces in the country.

“I have had a very productive working relationship with Rachel, and this has played its part in us successfully maintaining Suffolk’s reputation as a one of the safest places in which to live, work, travel and invest.  I thank her for her service and wish her all the best for a happy and fruitful retirement.”

The recruitment process to identify Suffolk’s next Chief Constable will commence immediately.

Chief Constable Kearton joined Hampshire Police in 1989, she has also served with West Yorkshire Police and Northumbria Police.

During a varied career there have also been secondments to His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Service, and the Home Office.

Rachel joined Suffolk Constabulary as Assistant Chief Constable in 2015, after a career-break working for the British Embassy in Ankara, Turkey. She was promoted to Deputy Chief Constable four years later.

She is currently the national lead for Race Religion and Belief.  She also Chairs the Police Sport UK Committee, and the Senior Women in Policing Network.

She was previously the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Alcohol Harm and Vulnerability, and for Acid and Corrosive Substance Attacks, and also the NPCC Workforce Representation & Diversity Committee.