The chief constable of Sussex is to step down after six years in charge of the force.
Giles York, 53, was due to announce his departure today (Wednesday 4 March) in a message to Sussex Police officers and staff.
Mr York joined the force as deputy chief constable in 2008 and became chief constable in 2014.
He is the vice-chair of the National Police Chiefs Council, formerly the Association of Chief Police Officers which represents Britain’s most senior police officers.
He was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for services to policing in the New Year’s Honours in 2015.
Sussex Police said: “Mr York has been a leading light in promoting equality in policing locally and nationally.
“He is a champion of inclusive employment across all aspects of diversity, with Sussex Police regularly featuring in the Stonewall top 100 employers.
“As UN Women’s global law enforcement champion for HeForShe, Mr York has secured a pledge from every force to promote greater representation of women in senior roles and tackle gender-based violence.
“He has received special recognition for his work in advancing gender equality in policing.”
Mr York said: “It has been an absolute privilege to have been a police officer for more than 30 years, to have worked with so many fantastic, hard-working, loyal and selfless people – and an honour to have protected and served the public.
“I have been lucky enough to have enjoyed a career that has been as rewarding as it has been challenging – from beat officer to the most senior detective in charge of policing the ports in Kent, to the operational world of counter-terrorism and serious organised crime in South Wales.
“As a chief officer for the past 11 years, I have led Sussex Police through what has been one of the most extraordinary and difficult periods in policing history.
“During that time, I am proud to have cultivated an increasingly diverse organisation that begins to reflect the communities we serve.
“UK policing rightly remains the envy of people in both the public and private sector world over. Despite this, I find the intelligence and professionalism found within policing is still largely overlooked and this still needs to change.
“My decision to leave the service has not been an easy one and follows much soul searching with my family – there are so many compelling reasons to stay.
“However, anyone in policing will know that the impact of this job on you and your family cannot be underestimated.
