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Biography of Mr Ian Learmonth
Chief Constable
Mr Learmonth began his career with Essex Police as a cadet in 1974, before joining the regular force in 1976.
Following his probationary period, he joined the Dog Section and was a handler of both general purpose and explosive dogs before being promoted to Sergeant. He was promoted to Inspector in the Harlow Division in 1989.
From there, Mr Learmonth moved to the force’s Chelmsford HQ to oversee an IT project, before his promotion to Chief Inspector in 1995, when he returned to Harlow Division as Operations Manager. This was followed by a move back to HQ as temporary Superintendent in charge of the Operations Division, incorporating the Dog Section, Force Support Unit, Marine Unit, Air Support Unit and Horses.
1999 saw Mr Learmonth promoted to the rank of Superintendent and posted to Stansted Airport. During that time he oversaw operations around a 747 plane crash and a hijack.
He was made Divisional Commander of Harlow on his promotion to Chief Superintendent in 2000, and spent a brief spell as Temporary Assistant Chief Constable (Crime) before moving on to the Strategic Command Course in March 2004.
Ian Learmonth joined Strathclyde Police in May 2005 as Assistant Chief Constable after a 28-year career with Essex Police.
In his role as Strathclyde Police’s Assistant Chief Constable (Operational Support), Mr Learmonth had responsibility for Support Services, Roads Policing, Emergencies Planning and most of the major projects that impact on operational policing.
Mr Learmonth joined Norfolk Constabulary in August 2007 as Deputy Chief Constable with responsibility for Human Resources, Legal Services, Professional Standards and the Business Performance Unit.
On 5 July 2010, Mr Learmonth joined Kent Police as Chief Constable and is a member of the Association of Chief Police Officers.
Mr Learmonth, who was born in Edinburgh, is married with a son, daughter and one granddaughter. His interests include keeping fit and sports, particularly skiing.