
![]() |
Brian Sims
Editor |
New NPCC chair takes seat
05 June 2019
MARTIN HEWITT has taken up his position as chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council on 1 April 2019. The NPCC enables independent chief constables and their forces to work together to improve policing for the public.

The NPCC coordinates the national police response to the threats faced in the UK, such as terrorism, crime and national emergencies.
New NPCC Chair, Martin Hewitt said, "It is a real privilege to lead the National Police Chiefs' Council. As I take on the chairmanship of the NPCC, there are real challenges for policing but also a generational opportunity for police leaders to make a step-change in how we play our part in protecting the public. I am ambitious about what the NPCC can and should achieve working in partnership across policing."
Martin Hewitt began his policing career with Kent Police in 1993 and transferred to the Metropolitan Police Service in 2005.
Martin has led frontline policing across London as Assistant Commissioner for the last year, with previous command responsibility for local policing and specialist crime commands. He led the national police response to adult sexual offences and kidnap since 2014, and since 2015 has been an NPCC vice chair.
Home Secretary, Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP said, “I’m proud that we have a collaborative and strong relationship with the NPCC. They‘ve been a key partner in tackling recent challenges on serious violence and coordinating operations across forces.
“Martin has a distinguished track record as a public servant and I look forward to working with him to continue this essential work.”
Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, Mark Burns-Williamson OBE said, “On behalf of all PCCs, I want to welcome Martin to his new position at this critical time for policing and thank Sara for her all work in the role. Martin brings a huge amount of policing experience with him and I am confident that we can build a strong working relationship going forward.”
Director general of the National Crime Agency, Lynne Owens CBE said, “I look forward to working with Martin in this new role. As an experienced police leader he understands the pressures from the shift in national security threats (like counter terrorism and serious and organised crime) including the impact these have on communities and also the demands for local policing services. It is critical that we lead a whole system response which ensures the right capabilities at local, regional and national level; he will be critical to this assessment and the choices placed before Ministers.”
CEO of the College of Policing, chief constable Mike Cunningham said, “The Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council plays a vital role in policing. On behalf of the College, I want to welcome Martin Hewitt to his new role. Martin is a very experienced police leader who brings a huge amount of operational expertise and knowledge to the post. We look forward to working closely with him to build on Sara Thornton’s time as Chair to ensure we continue to develop the profession of policing and improve the service for the public.”
- Cyber Security: The Next Chapter for Attack and Defence Methodologies
- SIA campaign to address violence against security staff
- Fire Safety Matters Podcast – Episode 24
- Fire Standards Board England website goes live
- London Fire Brigade issues new alert in wake of e-bike battery explosion
- “Threat of fines drives Board decisions on cyber security spend” asserts Thycotic
- Securitas acquires MK Group Security
- Tougher sentences required following “huge rise” in attacks on firefighters
- Tavcom Training adds CCTV Control Room Refresher and CCTV Legislation courses to online learning portfolio
- 24-hour helpline launched to tackle cyber attacks
- Abbott steps down as shadow home secretary
- Key fire figures keep seats despite hung parliament
- New fire and police minister set to be announced
- Consultation for PCC control of two fire and rescue services
- UK wants security partnership with EU post Brexit
- Leading security companies support launch of new security event at the NEC
- Counter-terror policing awarded extra funding for Parsons Green response
- Counter terrorism video watched by millions
- Partnership to fight economic crime
- Lone worker technology can save millions