New Deputy Chief Constable appointed for Warwickshire Police

Warwickshire Police Chief Constable Debbie Tedds has announced the appointment of Alex Franklin-Smith as the force’s new Deputy Chief Constable.

Speaking today (Friday), Chief Constable Tedds said: “The substantive appointment of Alex as our new DCC is an important one for the force. Alex has a wealth of experience and operational knowledge, change leadership and great understanding of the communities of Warwickshire.

"It is a privilege and honour to see Alex secure this permanent role and I know he will continue to demonstrate the leadership, integrity and focus he has done throughout his career in policing.”

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire, Philip Seccombe, added: “This is a great appointment for the force and many congratulations to Alex.

"His leadership skills, professional approach and experience will bring great benefits to the force in its commitment to effectively prevent and respond to crime and reassure communities in Warwickshire.”

DCC Alex Franklin-Smith began his policing career with Surrey Police in 2002 before transferring to Warwickshire Police in 2007.

In 2008 he joined the National High Potential Development Scheme and worked in a variety of uniform and detective roles up to the rank of Superintendent.

In 2012 he was seconded to the National Crime Agency (NCA) where he led a programme of work to tackle serious organised crime, terrorism, and international drug trafficking.

On his return from the NCA, DCC Franklin-Smith took up the post of Director of Intelligence for Warwickshire Police, working across both Warwickshire and West Mercia as part of the then strategic alliance arrangements.

During this time, he led a programme of work which enabled the UK’s first national tasking and coordination arrangements for law enforcement.

In 2015 he was appointed Chief Superintendent responsible for local policing services across Warwickshire Police before becoming Assistant Chief Constable for the force in 2018.

He has extensive experience as a strategic firearms and public order commander and is co-chair of the Warwickshire Local Resilience Forum ensuring the county is well prepared for a whole range of civil emergencies.

DCC Franklin-Smith is the national policing lead for burglary and holds postgraduate qualifications in Leadership and Management.