Sussex’ current Deputy Chief Constable Jo Shiner is set to step up to the top job later this month.

She has been announced as Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne’s preferred candidate to be the new Chief Constable of Sussex. The Police and Crime Panel will be formally notified of the proposed which will be subject to a confirmation hearing at its meeting on 26 June 26th. 

The announcement comes after what Sussex Police describes as, ‘a rigorous recruitment process’, which started in March when Chief Constable Giles York announced his plans to retire.

Ms Shiner has been Deputy Chief Constable for Sussex Police for the last 18 months and was previously Assistant Chief Constable for Kent Police. 

Ms Bourne said: “Jo has a wealth of operational policing experience at all levels and has already demonstrated a passion for Sussex, its people and police force. She has really impressed me with her commitment to making our county an even safer place in which to live and work.

“She believes in achieving this through proactive policing, tougher enforcement, successful community engagement and a greater policing presence in our towns and villages. These are all the things the public have told me they want.

“She has already demonstrated strong leadership within the force and a deep understanding of the complexities facing our communities, with a passion to protect the most vulnerable. 

“I am confident that, going forwards, Jo will be an inspirational, hard-working and hands-on Chief Constable for Sussex Police.”

Ms Shiner says: “I feel very humbled and privileged to be given the opportunity to be the preferred candidate for the Chief Constable. Sussex Police is a fantastic force and, subject to confirmation by the Police and Crime Panel, I am committed to ensuring that we continue to provide the very best possible service to the public, through protecting our communities and making Sussex a hostile environment to criminals.” 

Married to Andrew, Ms Shiner started her policing career in Norfolk in 1993, serving up to the rank of Chief Superintendent. She then transferred to Kent as Assistant Chief Constable in 2014, before joining Sussex Police as Deputy Chief Constable at the end of 2018.

During her career she has undertaken a variety of roles both in uniform and within the Child and Adult Protection Unit, CID and as a firearms, public order and critical incident commander. 

As Deputy Chief Constable she has been passionate about supporting local groups and addressing issues that matter to our communities, a Sussex Police statement says.

It goes on to say that Ms Shiner has been: “…pivotal in ensuring that the additional investment into the force has delivered visible results for our communities, including the Tactical Enforcement Units, rural crime teams, local resolution teams and additional DA and stalking investigators.

“Importantly she has also overseen the investment into additional PCSOs and road policing officers. All of these mean that the force can do more to protect our communities, catch more criminals and deliver an outstanding service to victims, witnesses and the wider public. Jo has also supported the recruitment and delivery of the additional officers through both the Op Uplift programme and the local precept investment.” 

In January this year Ms Shiner took over the NPCC National Lead for the policing of Children and Young People. She is also the NPCC National Lead for Police Fitness.

Outside of work she is a Trustee for the charity Embrace (Child Victims of Crime) and has previously volunteered and raised money for The Princes Trust. She is an active member and keen supporter of a number of charities, including the Beachy Head Chaplains. A keen sportswoman she regularly signs up for events to fund raise for various charities, and is the proud owner of a very exuberant, and much-loved rescue dog, Rocky.

Chief Constable Giles York’s is due to leave Sussex Police on Friday.