Chief Inspector Matt Moss Takes Charge as District Commander

Chief Inspector Matt Moss has been appointed as the new District Commander for Havant and East Hampshire, a role he is eager to embrace as he aims to tackle crime across the region. His appointment was officially confirmed on August 5, 2023, marking a significant milestone in his extensive policing career that began in Gosport in 2001.

Moss, who has spent over two decades in various roles within the police force, is determined to lead his team in a proactive manner. He has set clear expectations for his officers to “relentlessly pursue” criminals in communities such as Alton, Bordon, and Petersfield, as well as surrounding rural areas.

Before this new appointment, Moss held the position of leader at the Triage Hub within the police’s Contact Management Department. His predecessor, Chief Inspector Alex Charge, has been promoted to Superintendent, now serving as District Commander for Southampton.

Moss’s career trajectory has included a decade spent in Portsmouth after his move from Gosport in 2005. He initially joined the Licensing Team and achieved the rank of Sergeant in 2017 while leading the Hedge End neighbourhood policing teams. Following a temporary stint as Inspector, he was transferred to the Isle of Wight before his permanent promotion in 2021, which placed him in the Police Control Room as a Force Incident Manager, handling firearms incidents and the deployment of officers across the force. He attained the rank of Chief Inspector in 2023 and was instrumental in developing the Triage Hub, which evaluates the majority of incoming crime reports from various sources.

Moss’s commitment to community engagement is evident in his plans for the position. A married father of two daughters, he has deep roots in the local area, having grown up in Waterlooville and attended school and college there. Outside of his policing duties, he is an enthusiastic golfer, organizing friendly matches for the police force against local clubs, including those within Havant and East Hampshire.

In his own words, Moss expressed enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “I’m delighted to be appointed as the District Commander for Havant and East Hampshire. The two districts encompass such a wide array of policing challenges, which I know my teams will work night and day to tackle.”

He emphasizes the importance of visibility and connection with the community, promising to lead from the front. “Do not be surprised if you see me out and about or see a post from me directly on our social media channels,” he added.

Moss encourages community engagement, urging residents to provide input on policing priorities. He underscored the significance of public cooperation in reporting information that could aid law enforcement efforts. “If you are unfortunate enough to be a victim of a crime, I expect my teams to contact you, be clear with you on what we are doing, and update you regularly with our progress,” he stated.

His proactive stance aims to ensure that the police remain closely connected with the communities they serve, reinforcing the idea that collective efforts are crucial for effective policing. With a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to community engagement, Chief Inspector Matt Moss is ready to lead Havant and East Hampshire into a new chapter of public safety.