THE current Deputy Chief Constable of Gloucestershire has been named as the “preferred candidate” for the force’s top job.

Katy Barrow-Grint will face a confirmation hearing after winning the backing of the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson.

The confirmation hearing will take place at the Police and Crime Panel on Friday, November 20 and pass a vetting process before being officially appointed to the role.

She will take over from Temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth who has held the post for two years.

She will take over at a crucial time for the Gloucestershire force following a highly critical inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

Commissioner Chris Nelson said: “Katy brings a wealth of experience to this role, which will be essential to tackle all the issues raised in the Constabulary’s latest PEEL (Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy) report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate.

“We need to see a wide range of performance improvements, delivered at pace, that are victim focused.

“This will ensure we build on our reputation as the second-best force in England and Wales for public trust and confidence.”

Katy joined Thames Valley Police in 2000 having studied Sociology at the London School of Economics.

She worked in a variety of role and ranks including uniform patrol, CID, neighbourhood policing, child abuse investigation, surveillance and strategic development.

In April 2023, Katy was promoted to Assistant Chief Constable for Crime and Criminal Justice, with force wide responsibility for Crime, Intelligence, Public Protection, Criminal Justice and Forensics. She also led Thames Valley Police’s response to Violence Against Women and Girls.

She was appointed as Interim Deputy Chief Constable at Gloucestershire in November 2024.

That year she was the runner-up in the World Policing Summit in the category of Inspirational Female Police Officer.