News / Andy Marsh
Former chief constable named CEO of College of Policing
The former chief constable of Avon & Somerset Constabulary is to become the new CEO of the professional body for everyone working across policing.
The College of Policing is an operationally independent arm’s-length body of the Home Office which supported the controversial ‘blading’ techniques used by police during the kill the bill protests in Bristol.
Officers hitting seating protesters with the underside of their riot shields was said to be an approved College of Policing tactic “as a proportionate response”.
is needed now More than ever
Andy Marsh was chief constable of Avon & Somerset during the kill the bill riot and the toppling of the Colston statue. He stepped down in July and will begin his new job in September.
Marsh, who joined Avon & Somerset as a new recruit in 1987, said: “Officers and staff face complex, dangerous and difficult situations every day and it’s important they have the right skills and knowledge to be able to carry out their roles to protect the public.
“More broadly, it is vital the service has the right leadership at all levels and is truly inclusive to allow policing to deliver for all our communities.
“Policing has changed dramatically over my career and it will go on changing. The college has a critical role to play in helping policing stay ahead of these changes by setting standards, identifying what works, as well as supporting the development of leadership at every level.”
Home secretary Priti Patel welcomed Marsh, saying that “beating crime and delivering safer communities across the UK is our priority”.
She said: “The College of Policing is pivotal to the training and development of our police officers nationwide to ensure they have the skills and experience to tackle crime.
“Andy will lead the college with strong professional standards and shape the support and training for the new generation of police recruits.
“I look forward to seeing our growing number of police officers supported to operate at the high standard that the British public expect.”
Main photo: Avon & Somerset Comstabulary
Read more: Independent report on Bristol violence says police may have acted illegally
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