HAMPSHIRE could be set to get its first female chief constable after the police and crime commissioner confirmed his preferred candidate for the role.
Simon Hayes, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, has announced that he will back Olivia Pinkney for the vacant role.
Mr Hayes said his decision was made after a “rigorous recruitment process” involving partners from 18 organisations across the county.
Ms Pinkney is currently the deputy chief constable for Sussex Police and has been in that role since March 2014.
She said: “Hampshire Constabulary is a brilliant force with great people serving all of the communities of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
“I am delighted to have been selected as the preferred candidate, and it will be an honour to have the opportunity of serving alongside them.”
The commissioner will now take his preferred candidate to the Police and Crime Panel on Friday, March 11, and after the panel’s consideration the appointment will be confirmed.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here