Federation welcomes appointment of new chief constable

Russell Foster has 'big boots to fill' says chair

The Isle of Man Police Federation has welcomed the recruitment of a new chief constable saying it looks forward to having ‘healthy, honest and productive’ dialog with him.

Russell Foster – who is currently the deputy chief constable of West Yorkshire Police – will take over from Gary Roberts next year.

He has more than 30 years’ experience in policing and has been a chief officer for almost 10.

You can find out more HERE.

Federation chair Richard Hewitt said: "Throughout the recruitment process and during his interview Mr Foster demonstrated his extensive understanding of the complexities facing the Isle of Man - both in terms of community issues, production of controlled drugs to the Island and the financial challenges the constabulary bear while also dealing with ever complex crimes.

"Mr Foster will come to this role with a huge amount of knowledge and experience of the diversity, opportunities and challenges facing the Isle of Man a place he can now call home.

"We look forward to having the same healthy, honest and productive dialog with Mr Foster that we have been privileged to have with Mr Roberts, it’s fair to say that Mr Foster has big boots to fill but he will have the support of the Federation from the outset."

Mr Foster will join the police as chief constable designate – in the post of deputy chief constable – from February.

Gary Roberts will officially retire on 31 March 2023.