Warwickshire Police Force's first female chief constable retires

Debbie Tedds was the force's first female chief constable



The chief constable of Warwickshire Police has announced her retirement after 35 years of service.

Debbie Tedds took up the role in 2021, having joined the force in 1989.

She was the first female chief constable of the force, which was established more than 160 years ago.

"It has been the privilege of my life to serve Warwickshire Police over a wide variety of roles during my policing career," she said.

Warwickshire Police said its deputy chief constable, Alex Franklin-Smith, would step up on an interim basis and the recruitment process for the role was being finalised.

Ms Tedds' term as chief constable coincided with Warwickshire Police becoming a standalone force, following the exit of the alliance with West Mercia Police.

She described this as an "immensely challenging time" and added that she believed the force was going in the right direction.

"I believe now is the right time for me personally to step back from the role and pursue other opportunities," she said.

Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe thanked her for her service.

"She had the unique distinction of serving in every rank on her way to the most senior role," he said.

“I think history will show her biggest contribution as helping to secure the agreement that enabled Warwickshire Police to exit the alliance on a secure footing, facilitating its transformation into the force it is today."

Police force appoints new chief constable



The new chief constable of Warwickshire Police has been named as Alex Franklin-Smith.

Mr Franklin-Smith, who replaces Debbie Tedds after she retired in September, said it was an "honour and a privilege" to have been appointed.

He had been working as interim chief constable since then and Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe, said "I have been impressed by his work to date".

Having recommended Mr Franklin-Smith for the permanent role, Mr Seccombe said: "He was extremely impressive throughout the selection process and I had no hesitation in nominating him for the position."

The appointment was confirmed at a meeting of the Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel on Monday.

Afterwards, Mr Franklin-Smith said he would start work on a "new policing plan that serves all our communities".

Ms Tedds, who was the first female chief in the force's 160-year history, retired after three years in the job.

Mr Franklin-Smith said he would start work on a "new policing plan that serves all our communities".

What exactly does he mean by that?

There is supposed to be only one community.