Martin Richards became Chief Constable of Sussex on 1st October 2007.

After graduating from Bristol University Martin joined Warwickshire Police in 1982, serving across all geographical areas in the Force.

His command positions included District Commander at Nuneaton, Head of Communications, Performance Review Manager and a short period as Head of CID. He served for two years in National Police Training as Head of Recruit Training Centre at Ryton-on-Dunsmore.

He achieved a Masters in Criminology at Cambridge University before being promoted to Assistant Chief Constable at Avon and Somerset Constabulary in 1998 where his key responsibilities were Personnel and Training, Criminal Justice and Communications. He was promoted to Deputy Chief Constable in 2002, taking on responsibility for Professional Standards, Corporate Development, Communications and Information Services.

He is the Chair of the National Training Managers Group and represents the Association of Chief Police Officers on the Police Dependants’ Trust. He has recently overseen the national implementation of IPLDP – the new programme of training for all recruits accepted into the Service.

Martin was appointed Chief Constable of the Wiltshire Police in September 2004. During his time in this post he oversaw ‘Optimus’ a 12 month programme of modernisation and reform within the Force. He was also the Chief Officer lead on collaboration for all five Forces within the South West region.

Martin is married to Judith and has two sons and two stepsons.