Staffordshire Commissioner Ben Adams today (29 October) confirmed the appointment of David Gardner as the new Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police after the decision was ratified at a special meeting of the Police, Fire and Crime Panel.
Mr Gardner joins from Warwickshire Police, where he has held the role of Acting Chief Constable since April 2026. He has worked in roles across Local Policing and Protective Services and has also worked nationally on secondments to the Home Office and National Crime Agency. He is an experienced Firearms and Public Order Commander and has led significant change programmes within Warwickshire Police, including the recent modernisation of the force’s digital capabilities.
The rigorous recruitment process involved a stakeholder panel interview made up of staff members, staff associations, external partners and a member of the local community. This was followed by a formal interview with representatives from the College of Policing, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services and Staffordshire County Council.
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams said: “I am grateful to the Police, Fire and Crime Panel for their deliberations today and am delighted to have David’s appointment confirmed.
“David brings the strategic insight, vision and leadership needed to take the force forward, with significant reform underway across policing, community safety, health and local government. I look forward to working closely with him to deliver the priorities set out in my Police & Crime Plan, strengthen local response and neighbourhood policing and ensure Staffordshire remains a safe place to live, work and visit.
“I would like to thank Acting Chief Constable Becky Riggs for her commitment and dedication to Staffordshire Police.”
Mr Gardner said: “I am delighted to have my appointment confirmed by the Police, Fire and Crime Panel and feel immensely privileged to be taking on the role of Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police.
“Staffordshire is a fantastic county, and Staffordshire Police has exceptional officers, staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to keep its communities safe. I am looking forward to getting started, meeting colleagues and communities across the county, and working with our partners to build on the force’s strengths, meet the challenges ahead, and deliver the best possible service for the people of Staffordshire.”
Acting Chief Constable Becky Riggs will continue to lead Staffordshire Police in this interim period until Mr Gardner is able to assume the post in the coming months.