Warwickshire Police is once again on the hunt for a new chief constable after it was announced CC Alex Franklin-Smith will leave the force.

Mr Franklin-Smith first took up the post in September 2024 and is leaving the force after 24 years in policing - 19 of which have been in Warwickshire.

He had served as deputy to predecessor Debbie Tedds who herself was only in the role for June 2021.

He is leaving policing to work in the private sector.

Reflecting on a career spanning Surrey Police, West Mercia Police and Warwickshire Police, together with a secondment to the National Crime Agency, Mr Franklin-Smith described serving as Chief Constable as the "absolute highlight and privilege" of his policing career.

"Policing plays a pivotal role in society and is often described as a job like no other," he continued.

"I am biased, but I believe the Warwickshire public are incredibly fortunate to have the talented and hard-working officers and staff committed to protecting them day in and day out.

"Policing has given me an immense level of job satisfaction, but at 44 years of age I very much consider myself to be mid-career and, while I will be sad to leave the role of Chief Constable, I am excited to have an opportunity to move to the private sector, helping to deliver improvements and much-needed reform across the public safety, justice and policing sectors.

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"I will take with me many career highlights, but none will match the level of pride I have felt in these last 18 months leading Warwickshire Police. I wish my policing colleagues well and look forward as a Warwickshire resident to watching the force's continued upward trajectory."

He will leave his post in April 2026.

Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe said: "I would like to place on record my thanks to Alex for his service and commitment to the people of Warwickshire during his time as Chief Constable and across the variety of roles he has held since joining the force in 2007.

"While I am sorry to see him leave, I understand this was an opportunity that he felt was simply too good to refuse, so I wish him and his family all the best for the future.

"During his time in charge of Warwickshire Police, Alex has begun important work to shape a new culture within the force, with a clear focus on delivering for local residents, while also improving the standards and behaviours which communities rightly expect.

"I am confident that the progress that has been made so far will continue and that it will form a strong legacy for his successor to build upon. I will continue to support this work to ensure that the public receives a service they can trust and rely upon."