Tom Chandler

Infobox character
name = Tom Chandler


caption = Steven Hartley as Superintendent Tom Chandler
first = On The Hook (Part 1) (03/11/2000)
last = Episode # 53 (16/10/2002)
cause = Suicide
title = Superintendent
spouse = DS Debbie McAllister
portrayer = Steven Hartley

Tom Chandler is a fictional character in the TV series "The Bill". He was played by Steven Hartley from 2000-2002. He replaces the long-serving and original character Chief Superintendent Charles Brownlow. His callsign is 'Sierra Oscar 52'.

Biography

Chandler is brought in as a "new broom" to "sweep away the cobwebs of corruption" after the Don Beech Scandal and the subsequent removal of nearly the entire CID team and his predecessor.

During his two years as Superintendent Chandler proves to be one of the most corrupt bosses in the station has ever had. He removes various members of the team, which he personally dislikes including Sergeant Bob Cryer and PC Dale Smith. One of the people that Chandler cannot remove is the officer just beneath him in the chain of command:DCI Jack Meadows. Meadows, as DS Don Beech's boss, is directly in the firing line along with DI Chris Deakin and Chief Superintendent Brownlow. However unlike the other two men, Meadows survives, thanks to his connections with Scotland Yard.

Chandler tries to bring him down, but Meadows fights back with the help of DC Mickey Webb and starts to uncover scandals about his boss including an allegation of rape. Ultimately facing imprisonment, humiliation and ruin, Chandler realises he has no alternative but to take his own life. He shoots himself in Meadows' office, leaving behind his widow, DS Debbie McAllister, and their son, who was conceived during a liaison in the restroom at a funeral. He is succeeded as Superintendent by Adam Okaro.

Trivia

* Reference to Tom Chandler's history is first mentioned in the episode "Liquid City". PC Des Taviner has a confrontation with Chandler and mention a harassment incident at Hendon on one of their colleagues. Chandler scoffs at this but is clearly frustrated by Taviner's words. This is related to the rape of Louise Marsden, which later became a plotline.