Two new Assistant Chief Constables join Staffordshire ranks

Staffordshire Police will welcome two new Assistant Chief Constables (ACC) to its ranks in the next few months.

ACC Becky Riggs starts with the force today (Monday 16 January) and her new post will see her focus on investigations and operations across the organisation.

She has previously been a detective chief superintendent, the head of Action Fraud and National Fraud Investigation Bureau (NFIB), at the City of London Police.

Becky has 29 years of policing experience, having begun her career in Dorset Constabulary as a police cadet. She then worked in operations for 10 years, as well was taking on the role of a firearms officer in close protection and counter terrorism.

In 2013, Becky moved to Hampshire Police as a detective chief Inspector and was force lead for child abuse and child sexual exploitation.

She later became the head of serious and complex crime and was also the regional lead for family liaison.

In 2016, Becky moved to the Metropolitan Police and as a superintendent, ran operations for the borough of Lambeth, before moving to counter terrorism. She was the senior investigating officer for the first London Bridge Attack in 2017 until the 2019 inquests.

New ACC Stuart Ellison is due to take up his role, which will be focussed on local policing, next month.

Stuart’s career in policing began in 1994 in Stockport, when he joined Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in 1994, before later joining the Merseyside force for 16 years.

His time at Merseyside Police saw him serve in uniform, the criminal investigations department and the public order unit, before he returned to GMP in 2010.

Stuart previously held superintendent roles in Wigan and Manchester city centre before his promotion to chief superintendent in 2013 saw him take on the role of head of the operational communications branch.

In recent years, he has been the area commander for Bolton, Bury and Wigan and was GMP’s force lead for specials. He has more than 27 years’ policing experience and is a very experienced Public Order and Firearms Commander.

Speaking of the new appointments, Staffordshire Police’s Chief Constable, Chris Noble, said: “We had a high level of interest in the ACC process, with the four strong candidates who were part of the interview process all meeting the standard. This is encouraging as it shows that Staffordshire Police is a force where some of the country’s top performing police officers want to work.

“Following a competitive recruitment process, Becky and Stuart were the successful candidates and I am delighted that they will be joining Staffordshire Police, bringing their decades of experience with them.

“Becky’s focus on investigations and operations, alongside Stuart’s role in overseeing local policing, reiterates our commitment to the priorities outlined in our new local policing plan which was introduced in the summer of 2022.

“Their appointments will also help us as an organisation to address some of the areas of concern, highlighted by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), particularly in relation to ensuring we carry out effective investigations, give victims the support they need and highlight vulnerability at the first point of contact.

“I know both Becky and Stuart have a wealth of skills and experience to really help us make improvements within the force as well as deliver positive outcomes for the people of Staffordshire.

“I look forward to welcoming them both into their new roles as they get to know, as well as protect and serve, our diverse communities.”