Hopefuls wanting to be next Northamptonshire Police chief constable quizzed in innovative interview process

The final four candidates hoping to be the next chief constable for Northamptonshire Police were grilled in a Question Time-style event on Thursday night.
Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner Adam Simmonds is searching for a replacement for chief constable Adrian Lee who is retiringNorthamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner Adam Simmonds is searching for a replacement for chief constable Adrian Lee who is retiring
Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner Adam Simmonds is searching for a replacement for chief constable Adrian Lee who is retiring

The hopefuls were fired questions from serving officers and police staff at an event hosted by the BBC’s Home Editor, Mark Easton.

It is believed to be the first time this interview process has been used in the country.

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The final decision on who will replace outgoing chief constable, Adrian Lee, will be taken by Police and Crime Commissioner, Adam Simmonds.

Throughout the evening, Mr Simmonds, and members of the audience tweeted some of the highlights.

“Challenging questions tonight for all chief constable candidates with Mark Easton,” Mr Simmonds tweeted.

“Over an hour now under the spotlight for the candidates…all still really honing their message,” he added.

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“A golden thread through regional police and local police from chief constable candidates,” he said.

Members of the force appeared to welcome the new approach, with many positive tweets being published.

Supt Andy Cox said: “Chief Constable question time debate an absolute triumph! Well done, great performance by applicants. Impressed!”

Staff officer Dave Spencer added: “Really interesting hearing what the chief constable candidates are saying, and what they’re not saying.”

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DCI Elliot Foskett said: “It’s interesting that those of us here now have a really good idea of what we could expect from them if they were appointed.”

The details of the final four have not been revealed to the public at this stage. An announcement on the new chief constable will be made in the near future.