Amanda Blakeman, Chief Constable of North Wales Police, has a better plan. She plans to retire in advance one day to protect her pension benefits. On January 15, she’ll officially retire. Two days later, on January 17, she will be re-hired to keep consistent command over the department police are likely to go to war with.
Blakeman’s annual salary amounts to £170,000. Add to that, she’s served over 30 years with the police department. Now, her pension is just now coming into full bloom, hence this too-short retirement. While her departure is unfortunate, the current pension scheme allows her to retire and be reappointed today. The strategy allows her to avoid a reduction in her pension, which generally occurs with every extra year of service.
Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin has accepted Blakeman’s request for temporary retirement. Yet, this decision is still subject to the approval of the Police and Crime Panel. Dunbobbin expressed his support for the plan, stating, “I have agreed to put forward Chief Constable Blakeman’s request to enter into the national Retire and Rehire Scheme.”
Deputy Chief Constable Nigel Harrison will assume Blakeman’s duties as of Jan. 16 in her absence. This amendment ensures that the successor of North Wales Police will always have a dedicated, uninterrupted strong leadership and presence.
“It is important to emphasise that this will come at no cost to the taxpayer and there will be no break in leadership at the head of North Wales Police.” – Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin
An approach like this would mirror a strategy planned by Craig Guildford, the Chief Constable of West Midlands Police. Retirement last year for a month at a time to preserve his pension before being re-hired.
Though Blakeman gets ready to sail away into her short-lived retirement, there’s no let up in her work ethic. She and other chief officers of North Wales Police are committed to ensuring safety and security in this region.
“Chief Constable Blakeman and I, alongside all the chief officers of North Wales Police, remain as committed as ever to ensuring that our region is the safest and most secure place in the United Kingdom.” – Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin
