Norfolk’s new PCC meets senior officers

Norfolk’s newly-elected Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has met with senior police officers to discuss how he and the Constabulary will work together over the next three years to keep Norfolk safe.  

Giles Orpen-Smellie, who was officially sworn in as PCC last week, met with Chief Constable Simon Bailey and Deputy Chief Constable Paul Sanford at Norfolk Police HQ in Wymondham. 

Deputy Chief Constable Paul Sanford will step up to lead Norfolk Police from the end of June 2021 when Simon Bailey retires. It will be Giles’ responsibility as PCC to recruit a permanent Chief Constable for Norfolk. 

Giles said: “It was great to meet Simon and Paul and our initial discussions have been very positive. 

“The working relationship between a PCC and their police force’s senior officers is a really important one. It’s to be expected that PCCs and Chief Constables won’t agree on everything and we should both feel free to challenge each other’s views. But ultimately the relationship must be productive one – with the needs of the county and its communities at its heart. I’ll be consulting with the people of Norfolk about their priorities ahead of developing my Police and Crime Plan and this will play a big part in setting the direction for policing in the county in the coming years. 

“I’m confident of a good working relationship with the Constabulary going forward and look forward to meeting more of Norfolk’s dedicated police officers and staff.” 

Commenting on their positive meeting, Chief Constable Simon Bailey said: “It was a great opportunity to meet and discuss our initial thoughts around a way forward for the force and I am sure that our relationship with the PCC and his office will continue to grow as the months pass.”