New Chief Constable: It's great we've got a woman in charge

"It says a huge amount about Suffolk Police," she said. 

"We're much more inclusive than we've been in the past. It's great that we've got a woman in charge because it shows that a difference is on its way and we're open to change."

When CC Kearton joined Hampshire Police in 1989, only 7% of the police intake was female.

Now, on a national level around 35% of the force is female, with some Suffolk cohorts boasting over 50%.

Speaking of her own experience rising through the ranks, CC Kearton added: "I've learnt that the challenges often make more of you than the successes.

"People have assumed things of myself, which has taught me not to assume anything about other people."

With her own two teenage boys about to enter the workforce, CC Kearton acknowledges that everyone faces their own challenges in their early careers.

As the national lead for workforce representation and diversity, she says that diversifying the police force is not just about gender: "Everyone has different talents and I want everyone to be able to bring their true selves to work."

As for her short-term goals since officially adopting the role on Friday, December 2, CC Kearton says the force requires some "new direction" in the face of new financial challenges, bringing stability, progression and momentum.

"I'm keen for us to realise in Suffolk more generally how lucky we are with our police service as an independently-recognised, high-performing force," she added.

She will be taking the opportunity to make efficiencies with their "stretched" financial resources, which will include using new technology and introducing new ways of partnership working in the public sector system.

In the longer term, amongst CC Kearton's key priority crime areas are the "pockets of unrecognised violence against women and girls in isolated rural communities".

She added: "I know how fantastic Suffolk is as a place to live. We should all feel safe here.

"Anyone that's suffering from fear or concern about violence on our streets, whether it be violence through night-time economy or drugs, or serious violence using knives, we need to be able to give that sense of reassurance through the police service."

CC Kearton is particularly proud of her "deep Suffolk roots," and has history of family working in public service from whom she has drawn support and inspiration.

She described her mother, a former school teacher, as hugely influential throughout her development.

"I distinctly remember walking home from school and my mum telling me about a new piece of law [the Sex Discrimination Act] that allowed me to do anything I want to do," she said.

Though she had a brief stint where was desperate to become a chorister at eight years old, looking on enviously at her older brother who was granted the role, public service seems to be in her genes.

CC Kearton's great-grandfather was a beat officer in Wrentham, she had two great-uncles who were police officers and her great-aunt was one of the first female firefighters in Suffolk.

A young Rachel Kearton with her older brother and great-aunt, who was Suffolk's first female firefighter. (Image: Submitted)

Following in her family's footsteps, CC Kearton says that to adopt the role of chief constable is a huge honour, as she has the opportunity to "influence the organisation, to be inclusive, to work to the highest standards we can."

CC Kearton's great uncle Cecil, who was also a police officer. (Image: Submitted)

She also emphasises the importance of professionalism being present throughout the organisation, particularly in the front-line officers.

As for any preconceptions people may have about the police in Suffolk, CC Kearton offered a message of reassurance saying that they're open to receiving all feedback.

Whether via a third-party, trusted sources or anonymously, she says it's vital to continue communication with the police, adding: "I want to give the confidence back to the public that we are a police service that is here to deliver to them."