Top cop in charge of guarding Prince William and Kate quits her post after Twitter outburst
The assistant chief constable appeared to blast her own force claiming her 'values' no longer fit
THE senior cop charge of guarding Prince William and Kate quit yesterday - appearing to blast her own force for stopping her ‘making a difference'.
Norfolk and Suffolk assistant chief constable Sarah Hamlin, 48, left suddenly after 30 years service tweeting her ‘values’ no longer fitted with the force.
She tweeted: “After 30 years @NorfolkPolice I’ve resigned to the fact that my values no longer fit the org. I can’t make a difference, support front-line.”
In a later tweet, she added: “And so I wish colleagues & friends all the best. Let’s hope #policing can recover & the officers & staff welfare is prioritised.”
Ms Hamlin later posted: “To clarify I am retiring! Looking forward to spending time with family and friends. Playing golf and kayaking!”
The mum-of-two did not respond to requests to clarify why her values no longer matched those of Norfolk Police which she joined at the age of 18.
The officer had lead the Royalty Protection team guarding William, Kate, Prince George and Princess Catherine at Anmer Hall, in Norfolk, since 2014.
Ms Hamlin joined Norfolk Constabulary in 1986 and was initially based at King’s Lynn, serving both in uniform and as a detective in all ranks up to and including Chief Inspector.
She was promoted to Asst Ch Con in June 2014 and given responsibility for serious and organised crime, intelligence, major investigation, forensics and specialist operations along with Criminal Justice and Royalty Protection.
In February this year, she wrote a lengthy piece on her blog comparing her career to skiing, saying she endured “a lot of ups and downs and most definitely some challenging mountains to conquer.”
She listed advice which she would have given herself on becoming a police officer 30-years-ago, saying she had always “had to be responsible, accountable - never off duty.”
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Ms Hamlin added: “I genuinely can’t walk past trouble. And I take on everyone’s issues because I want to make stuff ok and fix problems. I don’t know what it’s like to walk on by.”
She also urged young officers to be true to themselves, saying: “A lot has been written about the culture of policing.
“However, I believe the value of my contributions has been about continuing to stand by my personal values and beliefs.
“My tough “downhill ski” moments have been when I have been asked to work contrary to my personal beliefs.
“But when I’ve challenged views I feel less stressed. Even if others don’t agree, I can at least say that I discharged my personal responsibility by pointing out the alternative view.”
She added in the blog: “Don’t make yourself indispensable. No matter how much you think some people will notice, they will only notice if it suits them.
“Look after your mental health just as much as your physical health. Listen to those who genuinely care for you in and out of work. Don’t be played by agendas.
“People will use you. It’s your choice to be used but also your choice not to be. And therefore expecting reward or recognition is a fallacy. Some people have enough emotional intelligence to say thanks. Many don’t – but choose to try and do the right thing regardless.
“Trying to do the right thing is enough. In policing you will often have to make the ‘least worst decision’ and expect someone will criticise you.
A spokeswoman for Norfolk Constabulary said she was unable to comment on Ms Hamlin’s tweets, saying: “It’s not for us to discuss. We are not going to comment further.”
Instead the force issued a statement saying that ‘one of East Anglia’s most senior police officers has announced her retirement’.
The announcement included a statement from Ms Hamlin saying: "I’ve had a fantastic career and thoroughly enjoyed my 30 years with Norfolk Constabulary and latterly in also working with the Suffolk Constabulary.
“I have many fond memories and without doubt these are the best forces I could have wished to work with. I consider though that now is the right time for me to retire to spend more time with family and friends as I look to pursue my other dreams.”
Norfolk’s Chief Constable Simon Bailey said: "As an Assistant Chief Constable for both forces, Sarah has made some significant contributions across many different areas."
Suffolk’s Chief Constable Gareth Wilson said: "Sarah’s joint role across Suffolk and Norfolk helped us to work together more effectively."
Lorne Green, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk Lorne, said: ‘"I was sorry to hear the news that ACC Sarah Hamlin will be leaving Norfolk Police."
Norfolk Constabulary has been forced to make a series of cuts in the last five years to trim its budget by £25 million.
Money has been saved with a string of re-organisations and by jointly running many services with Suffolk Police.
Last week the force said it was still trying to save a further £5 million when it announced as pilot scheme for victims to report crimes at families.