A chief constable with 40 years experience

Mr Learmonth began his career with Essex Police as a cadet in 1974, before joining the regular force in 1976.

Following his probationary period, he joined the Dog Section being promoted to Sergeant. He was promoted to Inspector in the Harlow Division in 1989.

From there, Mr Learmonth moved to the force’s Chelmsford HQ to oversee an IT project, before his promotion to Chief Inspector in 1995.

Mr Learmonth was promoted to the rank of Superintendent in 1999 and posted to Stansted Airport.

During that time he oversaw operations around a 747 plane crash and a hijack.

He was made Divisional Commander of Harlow on his promotion to Chief Superintendent in 2000, and spent a brief spell as Temporary Assistant Chief Constable (Crime) before moving on to the Strategic Command Course in March 2004.

Ian Learmonth joined Strathclyde Police in May 2005 as Assistant Chief Constable after a 28-year career with Essex Police.

He joined Norfolk Constabulary in August 2007 as Deputy Chief Constable with responsibility for Human Resources, Legal Services, Professional Standards and the Business Performance Unit.

On 5 July 2010, Mr Learmonth joined Kent Police as Chief Constable and is a member of the Association of Chief Police Officers, taking over from Michael Fuller.

In June last year, Mr Learmonth received the Queen's Police Medal in HM The Queen's Birthday Honours list. The medal is awarded to officers by the sovereign for distinguished service.

Mr Learmonth, who was born in Edinburgh, is married with a son, daughter and one granddaughter. His interests include keeping fit and sports, particularly skiing.