One of the RGP's most senior officers Superintendent Paul Richardson retired today after 35 years of service.

Paul joined the RGP in September 1985 and during the first 5 years of his career he served in front line policing, which at that time also involved him being an ambulance driver. 

On transfer to the Crime Division in 1990 Paul served in the CID and Fraud Squad where he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. 

He was promoted to Inspector in 2002 and worked in Training, Corporate Development, Force Administration, Criminal Justice Unit, Professional Standards and the Gibraltar Coordinating Centre for Criminal Intelligence and Drugs. 

His training role saw two deployments to Gambia in 2008/2009 where, alongside instructors from the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, he designed and delivered UN Training to Gambian Police Officers prior to their deployment in the Darfur region of Sudan.

In 2015 Paul was awarded the Overseas Territories Police Medal for services to policing and gained promotion to Chief Inspector.

On promotion to Superintendent in January 2019 Paul was transferred to the Crime & Protective Services Division.  

Paul, who enjoys hiking, travel and music, said: “It has been an absolute privilege serving for these last 35 years. There have been many good times and quite a few bad but it is the good times that I will cherish along with the relationships that have developed in parallel.  

“When I started my career in 1985, I was frequently told that the police was like a big family and it took me a long time to understand that. I suppose it is because the majority of us grew up together in the job, supported each other through the bad times and celebrated the good. 

“The RGP is not the same organisation as when I joined and I can honestly say that in my view it is much better. The training, equipment and management have all improved immensely and the RGP is better for it. I have had a long and rewarding career achieving much more than I ever hoped for.

“I wish the RGP and all of those who form part of it, officers and support staff alike the very best for the future and thank you for being such a big part of my working life.”