PCC Announces Preferred Candidate for Chief Constable of Surrey

Published on: 18 Mar, 2019
Updated on: 20 Mar, 2019

David Munro, Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner, has announced that Gavin Stephens is his preferred candidate as new Chief Constable of Surrey (March 18). The appointment is subject to a confirmation hearing by the Police and Crime Panel on Friday, April 5.

Mr Stephens, the Deputy Chief Constable, has been acting as the temporary Chief since January after Nick Ephgrave moved to the Metropolitan Police.

Gavin Stephens, the PCC’s selected candidate for the post of Surrey’s chief constable.

His suitability was tested during a thorough assessment day which included questioning from some of Surrey Police’s key stakeholders, preparing and delivering a presentation and being interviewed by an appointments panel chaired by the PCC.

PCC Munro said: “Gavin has the skills, experience and passion to lead Surrey Police into an exciting future and I am delighted to offer the post of Chief Constable to him. I have every confidence that he will be an outstanding leader.”

Mr Stephens said: “I’ve always been proud to be a constable in Surrey Police. I’m absolutely delighted to have been offered, and accepted, the role of Chief Constable. I passionately believe that Surrey Police has a bright future, building on the firm foundations put in place by Nick Ephgrave over recent years. We have a duty, together with our partners, to keep our communities safe, and feeling safe. As we’ve seen over this weekend, this is a responsibility that extends from neighbourhood to national security.

“I’m privileged to lead, and work with, so many talented people who are dedicated to making Surrey a great place to live, work and visit. I look forward to working with you all to make Surrey Police an outstanding organisation, which plays a central role in the success of our county.”

Mr Stephens joined Surrey Police in 1996 as a constable, having worked in Cambridgeshire Constabulary for three years. He has served at every rank in Surrey and has worked across a range of roles including leading work on Neighbourhood Policing, Serious & Organised Crime and Professional Standards.

He is the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Neighbourhood Policing, Police Community Support Officers, Social Media and Digital Engagement. He has recently led on new national guidance for Neighbourhood Policing and is working with all forces in the UK to improve the service provided to local communities.

Mr Munro himself was deselected by the Tories for next year’s PCC election but has refused to rule himself out as an Independent candidate.