Gwent Police chief constable to retire later this year

The chief constable of Gwent Police is set to retire after five years in the top job.

Announcing her intention to step down, CC Pam Kelly said it had been a “huge privilege” to serve in the role and praised the “bravery and commitment” shown by officers and staff.

Having started her policing career with Dyfed Powys Police in 1994, CC Kelly joined Gwent Police in 2017 as deputy chief constable.

She went on to get the top job in 2019, following the retirement of her predecessor Julian Williams.

In 2022, CC Kelly was awarded a Queen’s Police Medal for her contribution to policing.

However, during her time as chief constable, CC Kelly has had to deal with numerous cases of police misconduct, including allegations of racism and sexism.

Reflecting on her time in policing, CC Kelly said: “The last few years have been very challenging for UK policing, and for Gwent Police, and we have dealt robustly with all these challenges.

“I very much hope that our work in shaping organisational change has paved the way for our superb staff to deliver the best service possible for our communities.

“The staff, partners and community within Gwent have been outstanding to work with.

“It is a community that is strong with a real ability to work together to make change. It has been my absolute privilege to serve and be a part of policing for the last 30 years.”

CC Kelly has said she will retire “later this year”, and vowed to “work closely” with Gwent’s newly-elected police and crime commissioner.

Incumbent Jeff Cuthbert, who has served as Gwent’s police and crime commissioner since 2016, is not standing for re-election this year, with voters going to the polls on May 2.