David Hunter

Background

About David Hunter

A seasoned operational, tactical and strategic police leader with 21 years +’ service and a proven record of commanding complex, high‑risk responses while developing people and systems to improve public safety. Committed to excellence, continuous professional development and delivering public service with integrity and compassion. Leadership and operational capability I lead, motivate and inspire officers and multi‑agency partners to deliver high‑quality policing at critical moments. I set and enforce the highest standards of leadership, compliance and professional conduct while fostering a resilient team culture focused on clear accountability and effective collaboration. I provide decisive tactical direction under pressure and maintain oversight of operational risk and resource allocation across wide geographical areas. Tactical and specialist experience I began service as a Special Constable and progressed through roles including Emergency Response Officer, Traffic Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Custody Sergeant, Tactical Medic, Public Order Commander and Critical Incident Inspector. I have extensive FCR experience as Force Incident Manager, managing call handling, incident coordination, pursuits, spontaneous firearms operations and initial investigative oversight for vulnerable‑person incidents such as missing people and child sexual exploitation. I have designed, published and presented immersive training around FCR response to terrorist incidents. Strategic, policy and national work I have led and been commended for national projects and coordinated policy and processes with NPCC, the Home Office and key stakeholders during the UK Covid response. I have experience reviewing and writing policy, representing colleagues as a Police Federation rep, and commanding large‑scale operational policing across major geographic areas. Learning and development leadership Since 2022 I have served as Head and Deputy Head of Learning and Development, managing a multidisciplinary team, curriculum design, programme delivery, project delivery and budgets under high levels of accountability and scrutiny. I focus on improving service outcomes for staff and students through evidence‑led learning, robust governance and continuous review. Commitment to family and service I am deeply committed to being the best father I can be while dedicating my career to public service. My leadership is defined by duty, compassion and a relentless drive to protect communities and develop the people who deliver that protection.