New top police chief announced for Staffordshire
He'll be in charge of Staffordshire Police
The new Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police has been announced, subject to approval by a panel.
Staffordshire Commissioner Ben Adams announced on Friday 16th October that David Gardner, acting chief constable of Warwickshire Police, has been announced as was his preferred candidate for the role.
Mr Gardner's appointment now needs to be ratified by the Police, Fire & Crime Panel at the earliest opportunity.
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 added: "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."
Recruitment process
The recruitment process involved a stakeholder panel interview, made up of staff members, staff associations, external partners and a member of the local community.
This was 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.
Who is David Gardner?
Mr Gardner has been Acting Chief Constable at Warwickshire Police since April 2026.
He has worked in roles across local policing and protective services, and has been on secondment to the Home Office and the National Crime Agency.
He is an experienced firearms and public order commander.
He has also led change programmes within Warwickshire Police, including the recent modernisation of the force's digital capabilities.
Police Federation reaction
The Chair of Staffordshire Police Federation has congratulated Mr Gardner on his appointment.
Matt Smith said he hopes they will have a good working relationship when discussing issues that affect officers across the force.
Mr Smith said he has already met the new Chief Constable.
He said: "Following what was clearly a thorough and competitive selection process, I wish David every success as he takes on this important leadership role."
He added: "I believe he has worked closely with the Federation in Warwickshire, and he said he was keen for that to continue in Staffordshire."
Ben Adams thanked Acting Chief Constable Becky Riggs for leading the force since August 2025.
Mr Smith also thanked Ms Riggs for the "exceptional job" she has done.
He said: "Becky has led the force through a challenging period with professionalism, dedication and integrity, and her contribution has been greatly valued by officers and staff alike.
"We thank Becky for her leadership during her time in the role, and look forward to working constructively with both her and David in the months and years ahead."
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