David Gardner named as new Staffordshire Police chief constable

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 14:02 · Archive

David Gardner, currently acting chief constable at Warwickshire Police, has been named as the new chief constable for Staffordshire Police.

David Gardner, currently acting chief constable at Warwickshire Police, has been announced as the new chief constable for Staffordshire Police. The appointment has been made by Ben Adams, the county's police, fire and crime commissioner, and is subject to ratification by the Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime Panel at the earliest opportunity.

Gardner replaces Chris Noble, who resigned in July before a scheduled disciplinary hearing. A misconduct panel found that Noble's actions amounted to gross misconduct and that he had breached standards of police professional behaviour. He was added to the College of Policing's barred list, which prevents him from being employed by any police force or other specified law enforcement body. Acting Chief Constable Becky Riggs has led the force since August 2025 whilst the recruitment process was carried out.

Gardner has been deputy chief constable at Warwickshire since April, and previously held secondments to the Home Office and National Crime Agency. The recruitment process included a panel interview with staff members, staff associations, external partners and a member of the local community, followed by a formal interview with representatives from the College of Policing, His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, and Staffordshire County Council. Adams said Gardner brings 'the strategic insight, vision and leadership needed to take the force forward'.

How it is being reported

• New chief constable for Staffordshire announcedDavid Gardner is named for the top job after the previous chief was sacked for gross misconduct.BBC Stoke And Staffordshire · 16 Oct, 13:25
• Staffordshire Police's new Chief Constable announcedHis appointment will be ratified by members of the police, fire and crime panelStokeonTrentLive · 16 Oct, 11:20

In this story: David Gardner · Chris Noble · Ben Adams · Becky Riggs · Staffordshire Police · Warwickshire Police · Staffordshire

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