CC Alan Pughsley will retire from Kent for the move.

Kent CC Alan Pughsley is set to move to a national role – and advise the Home Secretary’s Productivity Review of Policing.

It follows almost 39 years of service and 13 years with Kent – during eight of which he served as Chief.

PCC Matthew Scott has described him as “one of the outstanding leaders in policing”.

He added: “In that time, we have seen significant changes within policing and he has dealt with every challenge with the utmost professionalism, and with a focus on looking after the great Police Officers, Staff and volunteers who work for Kent Police.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside him during the past six years, during which we have worked together to make our neighbourhoods safer, protect vulnerable people from harm and support victims of crime. The turnaround in Police Officer numbers, the improvements in performance and the support he has given his people are lasting legacies he leaves Kent Police with.”

DCC Tim Smith has been appointed as the Temporary Chief Constable and will take up the role on October 3.

The productivity review was announced at the start of August and will be led by Sir Stephen House, supported by an advisory board including HMICFRS, the Chief Exec of the College- Andy Marsh and the APCC.

The review is set to look at effectiveness and productivity in policing - identifying barriers, as well as the most efficient operating models. Technology and streamlining processes will also be reviewed. 

CC Pughsley said: “This is not a decision I have taken lightly. It has without question been the honour of my life to serve as the Chief Constable of what is widely acknowledged as the best force in the country.

“The review will shape policing across the entire country for the next generation and for this reason it was too important an opportunity to turn down. It affords me a real opportunity to bring many of the policing best practices developed by us here in Kent into the policing mainstream for the future.”