New deputy chief constable at Leicestershire

Leicestershire Police Authority has announced the appointment of Simon Edens as the next deputy chief constable of Leicestershire Constabulary.

Mr Edens has been assistant chief constable for both West Mercia Police and Warwickshire Police since December 2011 as part of the Strategic Alliance between the two forces. In addition, he currently holds the national lead on anti-social behaviour for the Association of Chief Police Officers.

Barrie Roper, chairman of Leicestershire Police Authority, said the appointment followed an exhaustive two day interview process.

He said: “We are satisfied that in Simon we have found someone who can bring further strength and resilience to our senior officer team. Simon’s experience will help to make Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland safer for those who live, work or visit the area and I am pleased to welcome him to the team.”

Mr Edens began his policing career with the Royal Ulster Constabulary, where he served for ten years before transferring to Cambridgeshire Constabulary in 1991, working as a patrol officer in Peterborough while studying sociology and criminology at the Open University. He was awarded a BA Honours degree in 1997. He joined West Mercia Police in 2008 as its assistant chief constable. Mr Edens will take up his new role in Leicestershire in the near future.

Mr Edens said: “I am delighted to have been selected and look forward to joining the force as soon as possible. I fully believe that the core purpose of policing is protecting people and keeping them safe, all of which mirrors the values of Leicestershire Constabulary… I’m looking forward to becoming part of the leadership team and helping to take the force forward in the future.”