Ex-Steyning officer announces retirement

The former section inspector for Steyning has announced his retirement from Sussex Police after 30 years of service to the force.
Martin Walker is retiring from Sussex PoliceMartin Walker is retiring from Sussex Police
Martin Walker is retiring from Sussex Police

Chief superintendant Martin Walker also served in the Metropolitan Police, and has held the position of divisional commander in West Sussex for the past six years.

He said: “It has been an honour to serve the people of West Sussex alongside so many professional and dedicated police officers and staff, partners and volunteers who together bring peace and justice to our communities.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Whilst policing looks very different from when I first joined, the core principles of protecting the public and catching criminals remain at the heart of policing. I will continue to deliver these principles until the day I retire.”

Amongst his achievements, Martin chaired the West Sussex Think Family Partnership Board supporting hundreds of families in need across West Sussex, set up a multi-agency approach to help reduce missing children at risk of child sexual exploitation, and partnered with local churches to deliver projects reducing crime and supporting the vulnerable.

Son of village policeman Bob Walker, Martin spent some of his childhood growing up in Buxted village police station before moving to Burgess Hill.

He said: “I remember a police sign outside our home, the front room a police office and police motorcycle parked on the front drive.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He joined the Metropolitan Police in 1985, serving during the Brixton and Poll Tax riots and the Clapham rail disaster, before moving back to Sussex as the section inspector for Steyning.

Martin was then promoted through the ranks, serving as the district commander for Adur and head of the force’s tactical firearms unit.

West Sussex County Council leader Louise Goldsmith said: “On behalf of the 800,000 plus residents of West Sussex I give my sincere and heartfelt thanks to Martin for all he has done for this county during his long and distinguished career with Sussex Police. He has been a great friend to West Sussex County Council.”