The appointment of the new Chief Constable for Avon and Somerset, Nick Gargan, was approved by the Police and Crime Panel on Wednesday (January 16th).
Nick Gargan, 46, the Chief Constable of the National Police Improvement Agency (NPIA) was put forward as the preferred candidate following a rigorous and open interview process headed by Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens last Friday.
Ms Mountstevens said: “I am delighted the Police and Crime Panel has agreed that Nick is the best person for the job. He was an outstanding candidate in a very strong field and I am proud that we had such great interest. I am looking forward to working with him to provide the best possible police service for the communities of Avon and Somerset.”
Speaking after the confirmation hearing Chair of the Police and Crime Panel Cllr Nigel Ashton said: “The panel were unanimous in its view. All members were impressed in the quality of the candidate and the way the whole process was run. The Panel asked Mr Gargan wide ranging questions from rural policing, commanding major incidents to partnership working and we were all impressed with his answers. He shows obvious commitment to Avon and Somerset Police and the area he will serve.”
The panel heard that Mr Gargan is an experienced chief officer who has been working on a national level and has been involved in Ministerial High Level Working Group on Value for Money. He was the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Lead on investigations as well as holding roles with Thames Valley and Leicestershire Constabulary.
MrGargan said: “I am very proud to be the next Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset – it is a super force that has made superb improvements. I’m delighted to step in and continue that improvement. We now face the challenge of building on that success in a tough financial climate. It is a big job but there is an excellent team at Avon and Somerset Constabulary and I look forward to working with them and the Police and Crime Commissioner, Sue Mountstevens. I am confident that together we will continue to reduce crime and provide an excellent policing service.”
Mr Gargan is due to take up his role on March 1st.
