Before joining the Police Service, Brain was a student at the
University of Wales, Aberystwyth, from 1972 to 1978, where he read
History, obtaining a first class honours
degree in 1975, and his
PhD in 1983. He captained the university's team in the
BBC television series
University Challenge in 1976. Brain joined the
Avon and Somerset Constabulary in 1978 under the graduate entry 'fast track' scheme, rising from
constable to
chief inspector in that county before joining the
Hampshire Constabulary on his promotion to
Superintendent. He became
Assistant Chief Constable in the
West Midlands Police in 1994, where he was responsible for Community Affairs and later for Operations. His specific responsibilities included the policing of
Euro '96, counter terrorist operations, and the extensive reorganisation of the force in 1997. In 1998 he was promoted to become Deputy Chief Constable of Gloucestershire, where his responsibilities included community relations and strategic planning. ==Chief Constable of Gloucestershire==