Announcement of preferred candidate for Chief Constable

Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison has announced Paul Anderson as the preferred candidate for Chief Constable of Humberside Police following the recent selection process. Mr Anderson, who is currently Deputy Chief Constable of the force will now attend a confirmation hearing with the Humberside Police and Crime Panel in July.

Jonathan Evison said: “I am delighted that the selection procedure to identify my preferred candidate for Chief Constable of Humberside Police has concluded with Paul Anderson being unanimously approved by the selection panel. I will put forward Paul as the preferred candidate to the Police and Crime Panel with a recommendation for them to approve the selection, that meeting will take place in July.

“The Chair of the Police and Crime Panel was an observer throughout the final selection process, but the selection must be considered by the whole panel and the report by the independent member of the selection panel be considered before Paul’s appointment is confirmed.

“Humberside Police, under the leadership of Chief Constable Lee Freeman KPM, has risen to become one of the highest performing forces in the country during his six years in command, with an outstanding grading from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

“Paul has worked as Lee’s Deputy for the last two years and has played a significant part in the force’s recent success. I am confident he will continue that progression when Lee moves to his new role with HMICFRS in August.”

Chief Constable Lee Freeman KPM, who will hand over to Mr Anderson on 1st August 2023, commented:

“Congratulations to Deputy Chief Constable Paul Anderson on being selected as the preferred candidate to replace me as Chief Constable from 1st August 2023.

“Paul has been both my Assistant Chief Constable and Deputy Chief Constable in recent years and both the public and colleagues should be reassured and confident that a current member of the executive team (who has been part of our improvements) now moves to the final stage with the Police and Crime Panel confirmation hearing. Paul has been a key part of my executive team for four years and I look forward to seeing him take Humberside Police into its next era of continuous improvement.”

“I am delighted for the force and Paul with this announcement and wish him the very best of luck as he embarks on the next stage of his career.”

Biography

Paul Anderson has been a police officer for over 30 years, starting his career in Essex. He has a wealth of experience across all levels, from community and investigative posts, through to specialist operations, making him a well-rounded, highly competent police officer.

In 2008, Paul transferred to Nottinghamshire as Superintendent and swiftly became Operations Commander for City North, developing skills and experience in organised crime, community cohesion and commander of specialist operations around firearms and public order.

In 2014, he moved to Police Scotland where he undertook a strategic role before being appointed as Commander for the Tayside Division, leading over 1,100 officers and staff across the region.

In 2019, he moved to Humberside, first as Assistant Chief Constable and then most recently as Deputy Chief Constable. He has held numerous national portfolios, has extensive experience across all pillars of policing, and comes with first-hand knowledge of what it takes to police the region and support our many varied and diverse communities. 

The selection panel consisted of:

• Jonathan Evison – Police and Crime Commissioner
• Helen Gibson MBE – Managing Director, Agencia Ltd (Business Community Representative)
• Catherine Bishop – Chief Executive, Tigers Trust (Community Representative) 
• Kate van der Sluis – Managing Partner, Humber HR People (Independent Member)

 Panel Advisors

• Rachel Cook – Chief Executive, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner
• Stephen Smith – College of Policing