Police chief announces retirement

Chief Constable Paul Kernaghan said he wanted a new challenge

The UK's longest serving police chief still on active duty has announced his intention to retire.

Chief Constable Paul Kernaghan of Hampshire Constabulary said he will stand down in October after nine years leading the county's police force.

Chief Constable Kernaghan, who was appointed in September 1999, said it was time for a change "both personally and organisationally".

He added that leading the force has been "the high point" of his career.

"On being selected I pledged to be a loyal servant of the local community and the force and I believe I have made good on that undertaking," Chief Constable Kernaghan said in a statement.

"There is no greater appointment in the contemporary British police service.

"I will have been in command of the force for over nine years when I retire. It is time for a change both personally and organisationally.

"I believe I have achieved a lot during my time with Hampshire Constabulary but the time is right for another officer to take over direction of the force.

Chief Constable Kernaghan 1978 - Joins Royal Ulster Constabulary 1991 - Transfers to West Midlands Police 1995 - Becomes Assistant Chief Constable, North Yorkshire Police 1999 - Made Chief Constable Hampshire Constabulary

"Personally, I too need a new challenge."

Chief Constable Kernaghan has been outspoken during his nine year tenure.

As the international policing co-ordinator for the Association of Chief Police Officers he criticised a failure in planning in post-war Iraq while giving evidence to the Commons defence select committee in 2005.

He said the UK's police were not consulted about the role they could play in rebuilding the war torn country.

The same year he said officers were being demoralised by courts appearing to favour criminals with lenient sentences and he admitted that policing the ban on fox hunting was not a force priority.

Councillor Jacqui Rayment, Chairwoman of Hampshire Police Authority, paid tribute to Chief Constable Kernaghan.

"He has shown true dedication and commitment to serving the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight," she said.

"He leaves a police force with increasing improvements in performance and which is successfully implementing many measures to ensure Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are the safest counties in the country to live, work and visit.

"We wish him all the best for the future."