The new Chief Constable of Gwent Police has been announced.
Carmel Napier, the force’s current Deputy Chief Constable, will take over from the retiring current Chief Constable, Mick Giannasi, at the end of March.
Deputy Chief Constable Napier said: “It’s a great honour to have been appointed to this important role. I will work to serve the residents of Gwent to the best of my ability, and look forward to taking up this exciting challenge.
“I am taking over a committed and vibrant force which is well placed to tackle the challenges ahead. Mick Giannasi has been an excellent chief who will leave an outstanding legacy.
“I look forward to maintaining the force’s high performance and its focus on providing the best possible service to the public of Gwent.
“The force has seen crime fall in recent years and I am dedicated to continuing that fight against crime, making the streets of Gwent a safe place to live, work and visit.”
Chair of Gwent Police Authority, Cilla Davies said: “We are extremely pleased to have been able to appoint someone with such extensive experience across different areas of policing. This experience will prove invaluable as we continue to look for ways to further improve our service to the public of Gwent.
“There is little doubt that the future path is going to be a difficult one to navigate. The current financial challenges faced by the force will require resolve, vision and a lot of hard work. The Authority will fully support the new Chief Constable as we tackle these issues together.”
Paying tribute to the outgoing Mick Giannasi, Ms Davies added: “Mick has given Gwent and Wales exemplary service and has been an exceptional leader. He has led the force through a fundamental restructure which has prepared us well for the operational and financial challenges ahead.
“On behalf of Gwent Police Authority I wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”
Profile of the new Chief Constable
Carmel Napier was appointed as Deputy Chief Constable for Gwent Police in September 2008. In addition to her responsibilities, much of Carmel’s time has been dedicated to driving the force’s major restructural change programme ‘Staying Ahead’ and focussing on increasing public confidence.
From September 1 2010 she was seconded for six months to lead on All Wales collaboration as well as leading on serious and organised crime, counter terrorism and other regional specialist investigative activities across Wales. In this seconded role she reported to four Chief Constables and Police Authorities in Wales as well as line managing specialist investigative regional and programme teams.
Prior to joining Gwent Police, Carmel spent two years as an Assistant Chief Constable in Essex Police. She was responsible for the Territorial Policing portfolio, which included the front line service delivery areas of Neighbourhood Policing, Volume Crime, Special Constabulary and Stansted Airport.
Previous to her service at Essex Police, Carmel spent time at North Yorkshire Police.
Carmel started her policing career in 1983 at Hertfordshire Constabulary where she spent 17 years progressing through the ranks in a variety of general and specialist investigative roles.
Carmel is married to Jim, a retired businessman. She obtained an honours degree in English and Music.