Chief Constable Announces Retirement Date

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Message from Sir Norman Bettison, Chief Constable

I have had the privilege to serve the people of West Yorkshire as their Chief Constable since 2007.

My term of appointment with West Yorkshire Police was due to end in January of this year, but was extended with the approval of the Police Authority and Home Secretary.

However recent weeks have caused me to reflect on what is best for the future of policing in West Yorkshire and I have now decided to set a firm date for my retirement of 31 March 2013.

I have offered this proposal to my Police Authority.

Whilst representing a personal decision, this will enable an incoming Police and Crime Commissioner, who will take up office on the 22nd of November, to begin the search immediately for a new Chief Constable who can take the Force forwards.

Furthermore, I hope it will enable the Independent Police Complaints Commission to fully investigate allegations that have been raised about my integrity.  They need to be fairly and fully investigated and I welcome this independent and formal scrutiny.

The record of my leadership of West Yorkshire Police will speak for itself. Crime is down and public confidence is up.

I remain very proud to serve the people of West Yorkshire and work alongside the committed and professional police officers and staff of West Yorkshire Police. It remains my intention to maintain and improve the performance of the Force, whilst ensuring a smooth transition to a new Chief Constable.

Tributes from colleagues and associates, both in West Yorkshire and throughout the country:

"I have had nothing but admiration for your wisdom, vision and determination born from a wealth of passion for policing and experience in leadership from which we have organisationally benefitted. You have guided us through some challenging times with dignity, when others would have taken the retirement option much, much earlier"

"I do appreciate the good relationship that you have with the Superintendents Association and I am sure that it will continue until your retirement. We all appreciate your leadership, honesty and commitment to West Yorkshire.

"You have been an outstanding Chief Constable for West Yorkshire...your record in reducing crime and increasing confidence is one to be proud of"

"I have read your announcement with real sadness. You have been an inspiration to many"

"Your departure will leave a significant void within West Yorkshire Police, if not within the police service. You can retire safe and proud in the knowledge that you have served your communities well".