Interim Chief Constable pledges to fight misogyny

Maggie Blyth was seconded from the College of Policing to the role

An interim police chief says she will continue to hold a national portfolio for violence against women and girls while she is in post.

Maggie Blyth became Gloucestershire Police's interim Chief Constable on 22 October, following the suspension of Rod Hansen after allegations of gross misconduct were made, pending an investigation.

Ms Blyth was appointed by the police and crime commissioner on a short term basis and has to apply for the temporary role.

"I have full powers to do anything that is necessary," she said of the interim role.

'Unusual' circumstances

The force had been without a chief or a deputy for two weeks before Ms Blyth began her role.

Shaun West, the former deputy chief constable, retired in the summer amidst a criminal investigation and misconduct allegations, which he denies.

Gary Thompson, the chief of staff, was also suspended. An investigation is pending for gross misconduct in relation to allegations of computer misuse.

Ms Blyth recognised her post comes amid "an unusual set of circumstances", after being seconded from the College of Policing to the role.

'A lot of experience'

Ms Blyth thanked her "superb" executive team.

She said: "Police officers are getting on with the job they do everyday... and my sense, having met the people I have done over the last few days, is that it really is business as usual in Gloucestershire."

Ms Blyth has been a chief officer for five-and-a-half years, and has worked as an Assistant Chief Constable across neighbouring forces in Wiltshire and Hampshire, where there were "very similar needs to Gloucestershire".

"I've held a deputy role now for three years, so I have a lot of experience as a chief officer and I'm really pleased to now be the chief constable," Ms Blyth said.

Ms Blyth says she will continue to prioritise the policing of violence against women and girls

Ms Blyth's background is in public protection, overseeing cases involving domestic abuse, rape, stalking and child abuse.

"In Gloucestershire, we have a good track record at the moment for undertaking, investigating those sorts of crimes and I will continue to hold a national portfolio in relation to violence against women and girls that I've held for the last three years," she said.

Ms Blyth said she would find out if she has been appointed as Chief Constable "in the next few weeks".