Police chief to retire after 36 years in service

The temporary chief constable of a police force is retiring after 36 years of public service.

Maggie Blyth joined Gloucestershire Constabulary in October 2024, 10 days after Chief Constable Rod Hansen was suspended over allegations of gross misconduct.

Blyth, who has had a special focus on violence against women and girls, confirmed she will not put her name forward for the selection process for a permanent chief constable as "it is time to prepare the way for my successor".

She will remain in the role until a new chief is appointed by Chris Nelson, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), with her contract due to end in December.

The PCC announced a recruitment process to appoint a permanent chief constable in July, following Hansen's contract ending and retirement.

"It has been – and continues to be – a privilege and an honour to be Temporary Chief Constable and to lead such committed, professional and dedicated police officers, staff and volunteers helping to keep people in Gloucestershire safe from harm," Blyth said.

"I have also been impressed with the partnership working between so many organisations in the county and the support we provide to one another."

Prior to joining Gloucestershire Constabulary, Blyth was Deputy Chief Constable at the College of Policing and spent three years as the national chief officer lead for policing on violence against women and girls and chair of the national Violence and Public Protection Board.

She said she was proud of the progress Gloucestershire Constabulary had made "in addressing a number of issues".

"This is no longer a force that is struggling, but one that has strong foundations in place to move forward with clear direction and confidence," Blyth said.

Nelson said he was hugely grateful to Blyth who joined Gloucestershire Constabulary "in its time of need".

Nelson said Blyth, along with her deputy Katy Barrow-Grint, addressed "deep-seated cultural problems" in the force.

"The constabulary is now more financially stable and on the long road to improving its overall performance," he added.

"The crime survey of England and Wales places us second-best nationally for public trust and confidence."

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