New Deputy Chief Constable for Avon and Somerset Police
Following the announcement of Deputy Chief Constable, Nikki Watson, that she is to retire, a recruitment process has just been completed to confirm her replacement. She will be replaced by another serving officer from the Avon & Somerset Force. Assistant Chief Constable Jon Reilly has been appointed following a competitive recruitment process.
Nikki Watson retires having served with Avon and Somerset Police for more than 36 years. During that time she:
- oversaw the creation of a Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy,
- introduced an online reporting system to reduce the demand on 999 and 101,
- and has taken on the role of gender lead to create a working environment where women can develop and thrive.
Nikki received the Queen’s Police Medal for leading Avon and Somerset Police’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The recruitment process for her replacement included engagement with staff representatives, a presentation and media exercise. The process was conducted by a panel made up of Chief Constable Sarah Crew, Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford, an occupational psychologist and a community representative.
Chief Constable Sarah Crew said: “I want to congratulate Jon on his appointment. He’s an exceptional police officer and public servant and brings into his new role a wealth of experience and knowledge. I know he’ll work tirelessly to help us deliver outstanding policing for everyone and he fully supports the ongoing drive to improve public confidence in policing through greater openness, accountability and transparency.”