Paul Sanford

Chief Constable
Norfolk Police

Paul Sanford has served in Norfolk Constabulary throughout his policing career. Paul joined in 1999, starting as a response office in Sprowston, and then held a variety of uniform and detective roles in all ranks, from Constable to Superintendent.

Promoted to Superintendent in 2008, Paul has held a number of posts including District Commander for South Norfolk, District Commander in Norwich, and Head of CID. Paul is an experienced firearms and public order commander, and has also been the Senior Investigating Officer on several significant criminal investigations.

Paul spent three years coordinating the activity of the National Police Chief's Council Violence and Public Protection Portfolio. During this period, Paul was the Police lead for the implementation and rollout of the national Child Abuse Image Database (CAID).

In April 2017, Paul was appointed as Assistant Chief Constable for Local Policing in Norfolk Police and in 2019 was appointed Deputy Chief Constable. He later became Chief Constable in December 2021. Paul is Chair of the NPCC Finance Coordination Committee and Chair of the Athletics Section of PSUK.

Having lived in Norfolk for all but a few years of his life, Paul has a passion for the County and policing. When not at work, Paul enjoys spending time with his wife and children and can often be found either watching sport or on a long-distance run.