Gillian Parker QPM Chief Constable Bedfordshire Police

Gillian Parker took over as the Chief Constable of Bedfordshire on the 4th July 2005.

Before joining the Police Service, Gillian studied at Loughborough University of Technology between 1973 and 1977, where she gained an Honours Degree in chemical engineering and a Diploma in Industrial Studies.

Gillian joined Leicestershire Constabulary in 1980 as a Constable working in the Coalville Sub-Division. She served with Leicestershire for 18 years in a variety of roles to the rank of Superintendent. Gillian has been involved with child protection issues as an investigator and also in developing policy. She was also responsible for developing policies in relation to both domestic violence and youth offending. Whilst serving as Staff Officer to the Chief Constable Gillian participated in national work around performance management and quality of service issues. In 1991 Gillian was part of a team responsible for reviewing policing arrangements in Jamaica. As a Superintendent she worked as a BCU Commander, Head of Community Affairs and Head of Corporate Development. In July 1999 she gained a Master's Degree in Applied Criminology with the University of Cambridge.

In November 1998 Gillian transferred to Suffolk Constabulary on promotion to Assistant Chief Constable and in 2000 achieved the rank of Deputy Chief Constable. Whilst with Suffolk she served on the ACPO TAM and Roads Policing Committees and held the Inspection portfolio under the Performance Management Business Area. Gillian was awarded the Queens Police Medal in 2003.