Brighton and Hove has a new police chief – Chief Superintendent Lisa Bell – who takes over from Nev Kemp.
Chief Superintendent Bell began her career in Brighton and said: “It was 25 years I ago when I walked into Brighton Police Station as a probationary constable, feeling excited and proud to have achieved my dream of becoming a police officer.
“So when I walked into the station as divisional commander, it was no surprise that the same feelings came flooding back.”
“I have no doubt that this is going to be a hugely rewarding and challenging role and I am really looking forward to the months ahead and working with the officers and staff here in Brighton, partners and for the people of Brighton and Hove.”
Chief Superintendent Bell was born in Hampshire. She joined Sussex Police in 1991 and was stationed in Brighton, Crawley, Horsham and Worthing in her early career. She has also worked in the force’s Professional Standards Department, the Tactical Firearms Unit, Criminal Justice and Custody and Corporate Development Department.
As well as being an executive member of the Police Superintendents’ Association for England and Wales, she is an equality champion for older people.
Chief Superintendent Bell has two children, aged seven and eight. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her family and looking after her collection of animals – horses, ducks, chickens and geese – and doing gardening.
She has taken over as divisional commander from Nev Kemp, the Brighton-born former Longhill schoolboy who held the post for more than three and a half years.
He has passed his senior police national assessment and is taking a national strategic command course to become an assistant chief constable.
He said: “I knew I could not stay forever in my role at Brighton and Hove but I will miss it. Most of all I will miss the officers and staff that make the division such an exceptional place.
“I have worked with some truly inspirational people both within Sussex Police and outside with our partner agencies and I have learnt so much.”
He said that, in Lisa Bell, he was leaving the division in capable hands.
