HAMPSHIRE'S chief constable has announced she will leave the force next year.

Olivia Pinkney has spent more than 31 years in various police forces. 

She said announcing her departure now would "allow (a) smooth transition and handover" to the new chief constable who will start on April 1, 2023.

Daily Echo: Hampshire and IOW police force Hampshire and IOW police force (Image: Hampshire and IOW police force)

The top officer said: "I strongly believe that every large organisation needs to evolve through new leadership to ensure we are able to continually be at the forefront - in our case of great policing. 

"The day I was appointed chief constable will always be one of the proudest days of my life and every day since I have witnessed the brilliance of those I have been lucky enough to serve with.

"Even on the darkest days, people step up and bring light. They try to do the right thing. Going the extra mile, sticking to their values, and putting the public first.”  

Mrs Pinkney added: "What the future holds beyond that I do not know, but my heart remains rooted in public service.

"I am not going to another job in policing. I said all along the only chief job for me is Hampshire and I remain true to that.”  

She thanked the public for their ongoing support of policing. 

The new chief constable is expected to take on the duties and office by the end of November 2022.

Her deputy, Ben Snuggs, will become acting chief constable while Mrs Pinkney is leading the Strategic Command Course until mid-December.

Donna Jones, the Police and Crime Commissioner, said she wants an ambitious, strategic and straight-talking successor.

She said: “It has been an absolute pleasure working with Olivia. We have become a formidable team, and we will continue to work closely until her last day.

“As your police and crime commissioner, I have the responsibility to find the next chief and to achieve this I am looking for an ambitious leader to share my vision for safer communities in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for years to come.

“The successful candidate will have the drive to deliver a reduction in crime, to improve detection and prevention rates, and to make the two counties some of the safest places to live in Britain.”