The new Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police has been announced today (Friday 16 October).

David Gardner has been announced as the new Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police, by Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, Ben Adams.

Mr Gardner, who is currently the Acting Chief Constable at Warwickshire Police, was selected following a "rigorous recruitment process", according to the Commisioner.

His position will now need to be ratified by the Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Panel.

Mr Adams said: "After a rigorous recruitment process, I am pleased to confirm David Gardner as my preferred candidate for the role of Staffordshire Chief Constable.

"He brings the strategic insight, vision and leadership needed to take the force forward, with significant reform underway across policing, community safety, health and local government.

"I look forward to working closely with him to deliver the priorities set out in my Police & Crime Plan, strengthen local response and neighbourhood policing and ensure Staffordshire remains a safe place to live, work and visit."

The Commissioner also thanked Acting Chief Constable Becky Riggs for leading the force since August 2025.

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It comes after the former Staffordshire Police Chief Constable Chris Noble resigned in July this year ahead of a misconduct hearing, where a panel ruled he had committed "gross misconduct" and breached standards.

Restrictions set by a misconduct panel mean that specific details of the allegations cannot be reported.

Mr Gardner has held the role of Acting Chief Constable at Warwickshire Police since April 2026.

He has worked in roles across Local Policing and Protective Services, as well as nationally on secondments to the Home Office and National Crime Agency.

He is also an experienced Firearms and Public Order Commander and has led programmes within Warwickshire Police, including the recent modernisation of the force's digital capabilities.