Guernsey will have a new Chief of Police by the end of this summer. Head of Bailiwick Law Enforcement Ruari Hardy is retiring.

Ruari Hardy became a police officer in 1984, with the Metropolitan Police Cadet corps.

Since 1 January 2019, he has been in charge of Guernsey Police.

He signed a five year contract for this role, which officially ended in December 2023. However, Mr Hardy has agreed to stay in post until his replacement is found.

He's reflected on his four decades of police work:

“It has been an absolute privilege to serve with so many exceptional people across law enforcement over many years across two very different jurisdictions.

However, a career in law enforcement must come to an end at some point.

I would like to thank everyone across the organisation for their hard work and support in serving the Bailiwick and that change, when it happens, will bring with it the opportunity for growth and organisational development.”

Many islanders have already been paying tribute on social media to Mr Hardy's tenure:

"He will be missed. It was always so great to see him out on the beat and very much involved in Community events and such. Always very approachable."

"Ruari’s enthusiasm and professionalism will not be matched. You truly respected and valued those who worked for you. Thank you. "

"We have been fortunate to have such a fine man serve our community as Ruari has done. A leader with charm and much ability. His will be a very hard act to follow."

Home Affairs have begun looking for a new Chief of Police, who will act as Head of Law Enforcement while that role is reviewed.

Committee President Deputy Rob Prow says they'll have some big shoes to fill:

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Chief Officer Hardy on behalf of the Committee for providing advance notice of his intention to leave his position of Head of Law Enforcement and am grateful for his ongoing commitment to lead Bailiwick Law Enforcement until his departure.

He has been an excellent Head of Law Enforcement and has served the Bailiwick with professionalism and integrity.

Ruari is a first-class leader who, in a very challenging job, has tackled our day-to-day challenges and events like the pandemic very effectively.

He has been crucial in allowing the Committee to achieve its objective of keeping the Bailiwick a safe and secure place to live and work. Without the work of Ruari and his teams, this would not have been possible."

The States say whoever is appointed next will have a three-year contract, with the potential for it to extend for a further two years.