ACC ALEX FRANKLIN-SMITH WAS FIRST OFFICER TO GO FROM SERGEANT TO SUPERINTENDENT IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME

LOCAL policing teams in Atherstone and district have a new chief officer to oversee all operational support services and professional standards matters.

Alex Franklin-Smith, whose 18-year career highlights include being the first officer on the National High Potential Development Scheme to achieve the rank of superintendent, has secured the permanent role of assistant chief constable with the Warwickshire force.

ACC Franklin-Smith began his career with Surrey Police in 2002 before transferring to Shakespeare's county five years later.

In 2008 he joined the NHPD scheme as a sergeant and worked in a variety of uniform and detective roles before being seconded to the National Crime Agency in London where he led a number of projects to tackle serious organised crime, terrorism and international drug trafficking.

In August 2013, while serving both Warwickshire and West Mercia forces, he became the first officer to get a substantive role as a superintendent following a highly competitive promotion process.

On his return from the NCA, Alex took up the post of director of intelligence for Warwickshire Police in what was then the two forces' strategic alliance.

In 2015 he was appointed chief superintendent responsible for local policing services as well as delivering on criminal justice, custody, communications centre, crime bureau and firearms' licensing services.

He was appointed temporary ACC for the force in August 2018 but now has the permanent role which has responsibility for the local policing directorate.

Local policing responsibilities, which takes in Atherstone and North Warwickshire, include anti-social behaviour, community reassurance, community resolution, crime risk management, hate crime, licensing, local crime investigations, local CID investigations, offender management, problem-solving and harm reduction, response policing, safer neighbourhood teams, schools liaison, supporting key events, volunteer management and youth inclusion.

Under the operational support services banner he looks after call handling and deployment, case file progression and submission to the Crime Prosecution Service, civil disclosure, crime bureau, custody, evidence review, firearms licensing, front counters' management, incident management and recording, traffic and tickets as well as witness care.

Of his new role, he said: "Warwickshire Police is a force known for its professionalism and dedication to protecting people from harm.

"It is a great county in which to live and the force is a great organisation to work for."

"I am excited to continue to work with our fantastic officers, staff and volunteers to deliver the very best service our communities deserve."