Graham Bell retires

Graham first joined Thames Valley Police (TVP) in 1979 where he served 31 years in uniform, including five years as Inspector on the Tactical Firearms Team. Career highlights from his time with TVP include providing armed protection for Margaret Thatcher following the Brighton hotel bombing in 1984 and being involved in the operational response to two IRA incidents in Reading and the Hungerford tragedy, where sixteen people were shot and killed by Michael Ryan.

His service with TVP also saw Graham working alongside a young DS Simon Chesterman on the Drug Squad, the start of a long-lasting working relationship that continued following Graham’s promotion to Supt in 2005, where he was second in command of Buckinghamshire under Simon. 

After retiring from TVP in 2010, Graham joined the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) two days later as the Inspector responsible for firearms policy, with the role expanding over time with Managed Response Solution and exercises. In his role Graham wrote the first Operation Temperer plan, which saw two deployments in 2017 following the Manchester Arena bombing.

Graham was promoted through the ranks to his current role as Chief Superintendent of B Division (formerly S Division), in which capacity he introduced Section 22a Memorandums of Understanding with host forces for joint working, oversaw the establishment of the first Professional Development Unit at Harwell and introduced promotion prep sessions for aspiring Sergeants and Inspectors. As Chief Superintendent, Graham also oversaw the amalgamation of EDF and Harwell into B Division and oversaw the cessation at Hunterston, and more recently the Harwell process.  

Reflecting on his policing career, Graham said: “To be honest, it’s been a blast and I’d do it all again. Coming to the CNC in 2010 after 31 years with Thames Valley Police has worked out better than I dared to have hoped for, I certainly didn’t expect to end up as Divisional Commander for nearly eight years. The CNC has changed beyond recognition in the last 16 years and I hope I have played a part in that progress”

“To all those that I have met and worked with, thank you for your advice, guidance and support – but most of all, thank you for your hard work – it’s made my role a pleasure and a privilege. I also want to thank and pay tribute to my wife, Julie, and family who, over a very long period of time, have supported me throughout”.

“For the last time I offer you my mantra – ‘what you do is important, but how you do it is as important’. Policing is all about doing the right thing, at the right time, in the right way – which is all I have ever tried to do. I wish you all, and the CNC, every success in the challenging years ahead”.

Chief Constable Simon Chesterman said: “I have known Graham (Dinger) for over 30 years. He earned widespread respect in TVP for his operational nous and leadership, and I was fortunate to work with him in a variety of ranks and roles.

“His experience has served him, and the CNC, well over the past 16 years. Always a safe pair of hands, and always a champion of the people he has had the privilege to lead. He will be a loss to policing, but after 47 years I think he can say he’s done his bit!”

Assistant Chief Constable (Operations) Michael Vance said: “Across decades of service, Graham has earned the respect of colleagues, partners, and communities alike. His leadership has been characterised by humility, authenticity, and a clear sense of purpose. He has focussed on enabling others to perform at their best and ensuring that those in his care were supported, protected, and empowered.

“On behalf of all those who have had the privilege to serve with him, I would like to thank Graham for his outstanding contribution to policing and to the Civil Nuclear Constabulary. His influence will be felt for many years to come through the people he has mentored, and the values he has embodied throughout his career.

“We wish Graham, his wife, and his family every happiness in retirement. His service has been exceptional, his contribution immeasurable, and his legacy enduring. He leaves with our deepest respect, gratitude, and best wishes for the future.”

Following retirement, Graham is planning on writing a book reflecting on his experiences of ‘Six Decades in Blue’ (1970s – 2020s) and is looking forward to spending time relaxing with his wife, three children and seven grandchildren, golfing and taking every opportunity to enjoy the sun.