The deputy chief constable of Sussex is to take the top job in Hampshire, subject to a confirmation hearing.
Olivia Pinkney is the preferred choice of Hampshire police and crime commissioner Simon Hayes. He tweeted his preference loud and clear yesterday (Thursday 25 February).
And her current boss the chief constable of Sussex, Giles York, tweeted his “huge congratulations”. She has been Mr York’s deputy for 18 months.
According to her Sussex Police profile, “Olivia is deputy chief constable for Sussex Police. It is her responsibility to deliver the operational plan for the chief constable to meet the police and crime commissioner’s Policing and Crime Plan.
“She is also responsible for the work which will ensure Sussex communities receive the policing service they need within a significantly reduced budget.
“Prior to this she was assistant inspector of constabulary with HMIC, independently inspecting police forces and policing, in the public interest.
“She previously served as assistant chief constable for Surrey and Sussex Police, leading their joint operational business, their plan to collaborate more fully, and was the south east lead for serious and organised crime.
“Nationally, Olivia led for the police on tackling organised immigration crime including people trafficking.
“Born in Devon, Olivia studied mathematics at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge. She is a trustee of Lifecentre, a Sussex-based charity supporting survivors of sexual abuse, and also of CAADA, a national charity supporting a strong multi-agency response to domestic abuse.
On Linked in, she wrote:I joined Avon and Somerset police after graduating from university. I worked in a variety of policing areas, from neighbourhood policing in Exmoor through to Detective Inspector in Bristol. I _was head of Special Branch, investigated major crime and developed a domestic abuse response for the force. For 3 years I enjoyed leading policing across Bath and North East Somerset as Chief Superintendent.
Plsd to announce Olivia Pinkney @OPinkney as my preferred candidate as next Chief Constable Hants & IoW @HantsPolice Ratification 11 March
— Simon Hayes (@HayesHantsPCC) February 25, 2016
If 11/3 goes well, a joy to be part of @HantsPolice. Sad to say goodbye @sussex_police.Both full of great people. https://t.co/6iiMDCMVXO
— Olivia Pinkney (@OPinkney) February 25, 2016
Very sad to say goodbye to you too. Huge congratulations to you my friend. @OPinkney @HantsPolice @sussex_police @HayesHantsPCC
— CC Giles York (@CCGilesYork) February 25, 2016