Norfolk Chief Constable announces retirement after 35 years
Simon Bailey will be stepping down in June.
Chief Constable Simon Bailey has led Norfolk Constabulary for the last eight years, and has confirmed he will be retiring in June 2021.
As well as leading the force locally, he's also held the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) portfolio for Child Protection and Abuse Investigations since 2014.
Since 2016 he's been the NPCC lead for Violence and Public Protection.
Mr Bailey said: “I have been extremely proud to lead Norfolk Constabulary as Chief Constable for the last eight years.
"However, after 35 years in policing, the time has now come to look to pastures new.
"So, following careful consideration, I have made the decision to retire on Wednesday 30 June 2021.
“During my tenure as Chief Constable, the force has faced many challenges, including the last year policing in a pandemic and I am indebted to the support given to me from a dedicated and talented team of chief officers, alongside that of our Police and Crime Commissioner, Lorne Green.
“I also want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of my officers and staff for their hard work, commitment and dedication in policing our county and making Norfolk Constabulary a force to be truly proud of.
“As the NPCC lead for child protection, violence and public protection, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate group of people, responsible for leading our service’s response to some of the biggest challenges within law enforcement today.
"Together, I believe we have made a real difference and immensely proud of the work we have achieved.”
Reaction to the retirement announcement:
Norfolk's Police and Crime Commissioner, Lorne Green, has issued this statement: "The Chief Constable of Norfolk, Simon Bailey, has notified me of his decision to retire from the force on 30 June 2021.
“Over the past eight years, Mr Bailey has led Norfolk Constabulary with dedication and a commitment to deliver the best in policing for our county.
“Mr Bailey has been an inspirational and courageous leader with a clear vision on how to re-fashion policing in Norfolk to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
“His 2020 programme for change has made our constabulary one of the best in the country and he is recognised locally, regionally and nationally as one of the top police officers.
“His national leadership over many years on Operation Hydrant, addressing issues of child sexual abuse, has been nothing short of exceptional.
“He will leave the force in a strong position, as one of the few recognised nationally as outstanding for efficiency; a legacy of which he can be proud and one that will enable his successor to continue to ensure Norfolk Constabulary maintains its reputation for excellence.
“In line with my responsibility as PCC, and to ensure continuity, I can confirm that Deputy Chief Constable Paul Sanford will take on the role of Temporary Chief Constable as of 1 July 2021.
“Following the elections in May, it will be the duty of the new PCC to appoint a permanent Chief Constable and Mr Sanford will hold the temporary role until that time.
“Having joined Norfolk Constabulary in 1999, Mr Sanford has more than 20 years' experience as a police officer and I have absolute confidence in his outstanding leadership qualities and understanding of modern policing to support a new Police and Crime Commissioner coming into office.”
Leader of Norfolk County Council, Andrew Proctor, had this to say: "I'd like to thank Simon for his tireless work to keep our communities safe.
“He has been a strong leader locally and has played a prominent role nationally.
“I have enjoyed working closely with Simon and his team and I wish him well for the future."