TEMPORARY Chief Constable Gareth Morgan has taken up the reins at Avon and Somerset Police following the retirement of John Long on Monday, August 31.

The force's Chief Constable Nick Gargan remains away from his desk, suspended while the process that requires him to resign from his post begins.

He had returned to work, working on national policing initiatives, but Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens told Mr Gargan he should "resign or retire" after he was allowed back to work this summer after receiving a number of final warnings.

 

 

Assistant Chief Constable Louisa Rolfe has been temporarily promoted to temporary Deputy Chief Constable and Chief Superintendent Kay Wozniak will join the chief officer group as temporary ACC for specialist operations.

Mr Morgan worked closely alongside Mr Long for 11 months prior to the latter's retirement.

Speaking about his new role, Mr Morgan said: "I recognise the trust that has been placed in me to undertake the role of temporary chief constable.

"I came to Avon and Somerset nearly a year ago and every day during this time I have seen outstanding officers and staff serving their communities in the finest traditions of British policing, doing their very best in often difficult and challenging circumstances.

"It is a privilege to lead these men and women as I take on this new role and I remain determined to keep the public at the forefront of all that we do.”

Mr Morgan started his policing career with West Midlands Police.

In 2000 he was selected to attend the FBI National Academy at Quantico.

He held senior operational roles including as an area commander and as head of Public Protection.

In addition he led the ‘Mergers Team’ for the West Midlands region and led strategic reviews of local policing and public protection within force.

In 2011 following his attendance at the strategic command course he took up the post of Chief of Staff to the President of the Association of Chief Police Officers, before joining West Mercia and Warwickshire Police as assistant chief constable for local policing.

He joined Avon and Somerset Constabulary as temporary Deputy Chief Constable in October 2014 and was confirmed in post in July.