Hampshire and Isle of Wight's first female chief constable to step down
A search has begun to find a replacement for Olivia Pinkney
Hampshire Police are searching for a new chief constable after Olivia Pinkney announced she is stepping down.
The force's first female chief constable will leave in April after seven years in the job and 31 years in policing.
Chief Constable Pinkney said: "It is far from the end of my time in force yet, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank the public for their ongoing support of policing.
"To thank those organisations who continue to forge ever stronger local partnerships with policing, and to thank every single member of the Hampshire police family for what you continue to do for us all.
"I made the decision back in late June and I am announcing it now to help with a smooth transition and handover.”
Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones, who is leading the recruitment process, said she wanted an ambitious, straight-talking leader.
The new chief constable is expected to be named by the end of November.