Chief constable to leave Warwickshire Police

The chief constable of Warwickshire Police is to step down from his role and leave the force as he said he wanted to pursue new opportunities.

Alex Franklin-Smith was leaving to take up a role in the private sector in April, after more than two decades in policing, the force said on Monday.

Franklin-Smith, who was appointed their chief constable in December 2024, said the job had been the "absolute highlight and privilege" of his career.

The county's Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Seccombe, said arrangements for an interim leadership from April - as well as a process to recruit his replacement - would take place "in due course".

Franklin-Smith, who previously worked for Surrey Police and West Mercia Police, described policing as playing a "pivotal role" in society and "a job like no other".

"I am biased but I believe the Warwickshire public are incredibly fortunate to have the talented and hard-working officers and staff committed to protecting them day in and day out," he said.

"I will take with me many career highlights but none will match the level of pride I have felt in these last 18 months leading Warwickshire Police."

Seccombe said he had accepted the 44-year-old's decision to step down and thanked him for his service and commitment to people in the county, since joining the force in 2007.

Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.