Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

The Chief Constable of Gwent Police has been recognised in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Chief Constable Pam Kelly has been awarded a Queen’s Police Medal for her contribution to policing.

CC Kelly joined Gwent Police as Deputy Chief Constable in 2017, before getting the top job in 2019, following the retirement of her predecessor Julian Williams.

She began her policing career as a volunteer in the Special Constabulary, before becoming a regular officer at Dydyd Powys Police in 1994. She has spent much of her career working in the Criminal Investigation Department, dealing with covert policing, public protection and professional standards.

CC Kelly said it was a “great privilege” to receive the honour and continued: “I’m honoured to be a part of policing in Wales and the wider United Kingdom, and I’m particularly proud to lead a fantastic team at Gwent Police.

“I will cherish this honour and I must take this opportunity to thank and commend the great people that I work with every day, without whom this would not have been possible.”

CC Kelly received praise from Gwent’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Jeff Cuthbert, who said: “Since I appointed CC Kelly in 2019, her leadership has been tested in ways we could never have anticipated.

“Responding to the pandemic, severe weather events and concerns within our communities in response to global issues, has required great leadership.”

Mr Cuthbert said he was “continually impressed with the way CC Kelly has responded to the demands of the last few years” and added: “She is driving a culture change within Gwent Police and is ably served by a strong chief officer team. Together they are focussing on protecting and reassuring our communities.”