Sir Keith Povey joined the police service in Sheffield back in 1962, eventually rising to the rank of chief superintendent of the South Yorkshire Police.
Then, in 1984, Sir Keith was promoted to staff officer to Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary at the Home Office.
His appointment as assistant chief constable with Humberside Police was ratified in February 1986, and followed by a move to Northamptonshire – and the role of deputy chief constable – in May four years later. Sir Keith was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in 1992, and appointed chief constable of the Leicestershire Constabulary during May 1993.
During his career, Sir Keith has served as vice-chairman of the Association of Chief Police Officers’ (ACPO) General Purposes Committee and as chairman of the same organisation’s Crime Prevention Sub-Committee. He was also one of four chief constable advisors to the Audit Commission, chairing the Working Group that produced the national document entitled ‘Tackling Patrol Effectively’. Sir Keith was also the ACPO representative on the Home Office Working Party for the Special Constabulary.
Sir Keith began his stint as Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary in June 1997, enjoying a portfolio of responsibilities for community safety, public order, patrol and leadership. He was knighted in Her Majesty’s Birthday Honours of June 2001, and appointed Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary for England and Wales on 1 January 2002.
Long-term supporter of private sector security
Succeeding Lord Paul Condon – who has held the role of BSIA president for the past six years – Sir Keith told SMT Online: “I’ve long been a supporter of the work of the private security industry, and in particular the role that the British Security Industry Association plays within that.”
In conversation with SMT Online’s Editor Brian Sims, Sir Keith continued: “As I take on the mantle of Association president, I’m looking forward to playing my part in supporting the BSIA in becoming a stronger and even more influential voice in the shaping of policy. Given the current pace of change in regulation, politics and economics, it’s even more important that the private security industry is fully up-to-speed with developments and best positioned to make an effective contribution.”
Just prior to attending yesterday’s BSIA Annual General Meeting at the famous Hilton Hotel on London’s Park Lane, Sir Keith added: “I’m also a firm believer in the huge contribution the private security industry makes to crime prevention and detection in this country, securing communities right across the UK. It’s my hope that, as president of the BSIA, I can ensure this contribution receives the recognition it so richly deserves.”
Supporting the police and law enforcement agents
Adding his support for Sir Keith Povey’s appointment, the BSIA’s chairman Stuart Lowden commented: “I’m delighted that Sir Keith is succeeding Lord Condon as president, and at this juncture I’d like to extend my thanks to Lord Condon for his invaluable contribution to the Association over these past six years.”
Speaking specifically about the next three years, Lowden added: “Sir Keith’s experience within the police service affords him a valuable insight into the role that the private security industry can play in supporting both the police and other law enforcement and crime reduction agencies in securing our communities. He has knowledge and influence, not only within the police service but at Government level. I’m sure his contribution will be of great value to all BSIA members.”
