Island's new chief constable officially sworn-in to post

Russ Foster wants 'real focus' on preventing violence against women and girls

The Isle of Man’s new chief constable says he will be 'intensifying efforts' to protect vulnerable people and reduce harm in the community.

Russ Foster was officially sworn-in to the post at Douglas Courthouse today (3 April).

He takes over from Gary Roberts who retired last week after a decade in charge of the Isle of Man Constabulary.  

Mr Foster joins from West Yorkshire Police where he spent four years as deputy chief constable.

He’s previously had responsibility for counter terrorism policing in the North East of England and specialist crime in West Yorkshire Police.

Mr Foster has also led the regional organised crime unit and regional scientific support services for four forces in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

Speaking about his appointment he said he isn’t complacent about the Island’s low crime rates.

"The Island enjoys comparatively low crime rates, the severity of which in terms of harm is also usually low," Mr Foster said.

"However I am certainly not complacent and my ambition is to ensure that the Isle of Man continues to be the safest island in the British Isles and I will be intensifying efforts to protect vulnerable people, reduce harm in our communities and tackle criminality as a priority.

"There will be a real focus to prevent violence being perpetrated against women and girls, particularly in respect of domestic abuse and we will be tackling the drug dealers who are exploiting children and vulnerable adults.

"I am acutely aware that minor crimes and anti-social behaviour can have a massive impact on the quality of people’s lives and our research indicates that these crimes are committed by a few individuals who are mainly young people.

"I am conscious of not unnecessarily criminalising these young people and will explore ways to work with our partners and engage early to divert them away from committing offences and anti-social behaviour."

Mr Foster has also committed to ‘a community style of policing’ and will introduce a concept of ‘We asked, you said, we did’ to address concerns which members of the public raise.  

Mr Foster was also awarded the Kings Police Medal, for services to policing, in the most recent New Year’s Honours list.