Less than a year after he moved across the Solent, Hampshire Constabulary's Isle of Wight District Commander has announced his retirement and plans for a new role at the Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC).
Announcing his plans, Superintendent Jim Pegler said it had been a privilege to lead the Island team, but also tough at 'times when the service comes under pressure', adding 'we identify where things could have gone better and take the learning'.
Jim Pegler replaced former Isle of Wight police chief Sarah Jackson, who took up a new national policing role in December.
Chief Inspector Alex Charge and Inspector Andy McDonald lead policing on the Island as acting District Commander and Deputy District Commander respectively.
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After 27 years as a police officer, Supt Pegler said: "It’s been a real privilege to lead the policing team on the Isle of Wight – somewhere so unique that has had a lasting impression on me.
"I have seen the officers and staff who serve the communities of the Isle of Wight working exceptionally hard and pulling together as a team to deal with serious incidents when they occur.
"The Island is a fantastic place to live, work and visit and remains a very safe place. I have formed a strong view that the police service delivered on the Isle of Wight compares very favourably to that provided to other communities in Hampshire.
"I have taken a personal decision to pursue an opportunity outside of policing but this is not something that I foresaw when taking on the role. I would like to thank elected members and other public sector leaders on the Isle of Wight for their support and warm welcome."
In his new civilian role, he will become director of the OPCC’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).
Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, said: "I am really pleased to have Jim lead the Violence Reduction Unit as the new director. Making our two counties safer places to live, work and visit requires all agencies, including health, police, education, social services, and the voluntary sector to work together and I know Jim will bring a wealth of knowledge and understanding to the role."
Meanwhile, a recruitment process is underway to replace Hampshire Constabulary boss, Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney. She will step aside in April 2023.
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