The new Chief Constable for Gwent Police has been confirmed.
Pam Kelly took the top job on a temporary basis in June this year when former Chief Constable Julian Williams retired.
Chief Constable Kelly, who joined as Deputy Chief Constable in 2017, was put forward as the permanent replacement by Gwent Police Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert.
The Gwent Police and Crime Panel, which is made up of councillors from across Gwent’s five local authorities, met at County Hall in Usk on Monday, August 12, and confirmed the appointment.
Ms Kelly 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.
Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert said: “Pam Kelly came through the selection process as an outstanding candidate. Her knowledge, experience and commitment to the people of Gwent was demonstrated strongly. The Police and Crime Panel have agreed that she is the best candidate for the job and I would like to thank them for their support.
“I would like to formally congratulate Pam Kelly on her new role and I look forward to working closely with her.”
Confirmation of the appointment of a Chief Constable by the Police and Crime Panel is a requirement under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011. The panel’s role is to ensure the selection and appointment process for Chief Constables is conducted openly and fairly.
Chief Constable Pam Kelly said: “I am honoured that the recommendation to be Chief Constable by the Police and Crime Commissioner was endorsed by the Police and Crime Panel.
“Having lived all of my life in Wales, I am immensely proud to be able to lead a Welsh police force.
“Policing affects us all and I don’t underestimate the responsibility I have to make sure we are there for the people that need us the most.
“With over 24 years of service, I am very conscious of the demands on our workforce and the changing shape of policing. We are constantly evolving but with the right people, the right training and the right support for our officers and staff, we will deliver a service that works for our communities.
“We are not alone in our responsibilities; together we need to continue to forge strong partnerships in order to keep Gwent safe. Many hands make light work and we must continually look to identify where we can nurture opportunities of joint working that support our communities.
“My main motivation through my career has always been to help the most vulnerable in our communities and to hold those responsible for committing crimes to account. Now that I’ve been appointed Chief Constable, this motivation is more important to me than ever.
“I am confident that with the support of my officers and staff, we are very well placed to continue to deliver the service that our communities have rightly come to expect.
“We now need to build on what currently works and embrace a mind-set that explores new technologies and skills to take Gwent Police into the future.
“I want Gwent officers to be proud of the service that we deliver together, I want the younger generations from all communities in Gwent to want to be part of this service, and I want our communities to have the confidence that we will be there when they need us most.”