Recently retired chief brought in as interim chief constable for Suffolk

Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore has been forced to appoint an Acting Chief Constable to lead the Constabulary on an interim basis because of a lack of suitable candidates.

Mark Webster, who has been out of policing since retiring as Chief Constable of Cleveland last year, will lead the force while the PCC continues his search for a new Chief Constable for Suffolk.

According to the PCC’s office the intention is to advertise in early 2027. All forces are eagerly awaiting the publication of Lord Hogan Howe’s report on a new structure for forces in England and Wales which is likely to include mergers of smaller forces. That report is due at the end of this month.

The current Chief Constable, Rachel Kearton is due to retire in October and the PCC admits he has struggled to find a suitable candidate to date.

Tim Passmore said, “Despite an extensive recruitment process, we were unable to secure a substantive Chief Constable and whilst our long-term plan is to secure a substantive Chief, Mark will provide stability for the force in this time of significant change.

“Mark has a terrific reputation and as a recently retired Chief Constable he has the experience we need to hit the road running. I look forward to working with Mark and I am grateful that he is prepared to come to Suffolk to help us out.”

“My initial conversations with Mark have been very constructive and he is looking forward to joining Suffolk Constabulary to initially cover the current Chief’s annual leave, and then her retirement.”

Mark Webster said, “I look forward to bringing my policing experience to support the officers and staff of Suffolk Constabulary and help maintain it as one of the safest places in the country to live.”

Mark started his career with the Greater Manchester Police in 1992. He served 11 years with the National Crime Agency in London dealing with serious and organised crime and served as the Deputy Chief Constable of Cumbria Police.  He was appointed Chief Constable of Cleveland Police in February 2022, where he helped lift the force out of special measures.  He retired from policing in July 2025.