THE CHIEF Constable of Warwickshire Police has announced her retirement from the force after 35 years of service.
Debbie Tedds was appointed Chief Constable in 2021, having first joined Warwickshire Police in March 1989.
She said she is very proud to have been the first female Chief Constable in the force’s history.
“My tenure as Chief Constable coincided with the rebuilding of Warwickshire Police as a standalone force following the exit of the alliance with West Mercia Police.
“This was an immensely challenging time but having achieved that and with the force headed in the right direction, I believe now is the right time for me personally to step back from the role and pursue other opportunities.”
Warwickshire police and crime commissioner Philip Seccombe said: “On behalf of the residents of Warwickshire I want to thank Debbie for her long service at her home force.
“She had the unique distinction of serving in every rank on her way to the most senior role, something of which I know she is rightly proud.
“I think history will show her biggest contribution as helping to secure the agreement that enabled Warwickshire Police to exit the alliance on a secure footing, facilitating its transformation into the force it is today.
“I very much appreciated her support at the time in achieving this and I now wish her all the best for her retirement.
“It remains an exciting time for Warwickshire Police and I am confident that officers and staff will continue to provide the best policing services to the public while I seek a permanent successor to Debbie.”
Deputy Chief Constable Alex Franklin-Smith has stepped up in an interim basis while recruitment takes place.
