From November 2024, Damian Kitchen, who's spent years in senior positions in England, will oversee Bailiwick Law Enforcement.

Incoming Chief Officer Damian Kitchen comes to Guernsey from the Lancashire Constabulary.

He has almost three decades of experience as a police officer, progressing through the ranks.

In March 2021, Damien was promoted to Head of Operations at the National Police Co-ordination Centre in London. In this role he oversaw the resourcing of events such as the G7 summit, the Commonwealth Games, the funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II and the Coronation of HM King Charles III.

Home Affairs President Deputy Rob Prow says he looks forward to welcoming Damian to the island:

“We are delighted to have been able to appoint Damian to this role, and are very much looking forward to working with him.

Damian will bring with him a huge amount of policing knowledge which I have no doubt will be to the advantage of all of Bailiwick law Enforcement.

While we are fortunate to have many dedicated officers already within Guernsey Police and the Guernsey Border Agency, making this appointment from the UK will allow us to bring in a fresh pair of eyes and different experiences, which will be invaluable in continuing to evolve Guernsey Police and Bailiwick Law Enforcement – particularly as we conduct a review of that structure."

Deputy Prow also thanks outgoing Head of Law Enforcement, Ruari Hardy.

Damian Kitchen says he cannot wait to get started:

“I am honoured to have been asked to take up the role.

Having visited the island on several occasions now, I have undertaken a number of preparatory meetings and have been impressed by the commitment and friendliness of the officers and staff I have met in both the policing and border agency teams.

While I bring many years of experience to the role, I have much to learn about delivering law enforcement and working with partners in the context of Guernsey.

I am grateful for the support of the Home Affairs team during both the recruitment process and recent months leading up to my official appointment.

I am certain that this close relationship will continue and we will work together to deliver a first-class service to communities and visitors across the Bailiwick.”