Former Grantham PC is officially appointed as new chief constable for Lincolnshire Police

The new chief constable of Lincolnshire Police has been confirmed.

Paul Gibson, 50, who started his career in Grantham in 1998 and spent 19 years in the force before leaving to take on the role of Assistant Chief Constable in Derbyshire Police, has now been officially appointed into the role.

He replaces Chris Haward, who left the force to take up a role with the National Police Chief’s Council as UK coordinator tackling serious and organised crime.

The appointment was confirmed at a special hearing yesterday (Wednesday, February 21) and Mr Gibson will take up his new post in April.

He said: “I am delighted my appointment is now confirmed and would like to thank the Police and Crime Panel for their endorsement. I am really looking forward to working with Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones to continue the important work of keeping this wonderful county safe.

“To come back to the county where I was born, and to lead the force where I have invested so much of my professional life in policing, fills me with a great sense of pride.

“After almost two decades serving in Lincolnshire, I know the county and its people very well and I am determined to see Lincolnshire Police build upon its community values and continue to deliver an improved quality of service to the public.

“I believe very strongly that building trust with residents is paramount for policing to succeed and I look forward to getting out into Lincolnshire’s communities to meet the people I will be honoured to serve.

“Our officers, staff and volunteers, do a fantastic job in delivering policing services to the county, and I am keen to support them in building our organisation to be the very best it can be”.

During his time, Mr Gibson worked in most roles and spent six months seconded to the National Transforming Forensics Programme.

He started his career as a bobby on the beat in Grantham before joining CID as a detective in 2000.

Mr Gibson was appointed as the force’s temporary Assistant Chief Constable before departing in 2018 to gain further experience working in the larger force of Derbyshire.

Mr Gibson took on the role as Deputy Chief Constable of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) in January 2021 and served two very successful months supporting Northamptonshire as temporary chief constable’ last year.

Mr Gibson, who is married with two daughters, he studied genetics at university and gained a doctorate in molecular medicine before joining the force.

PCC Marc Jones selected Mr Gibson as his preferred candidate for the role after an exhaustive selection and interview process last month.

He said: “His passion for the county, its communities and the force which serves them shines through.

“I have absolutely no doubt that Paul has a passion and determination to serve Lincolnshire running through his veins and his intelligence, commitment and experience will serve our communities well.”