New chief constable confimed at Northamptonshire

Simon Edens has been announced as the new chief constable of Northamptonshire Police.

Mr Edens, who is currently deputy chief constable of Leicestershire Police, was confirmed as the preferred candidate for the position by Northamptonshire’s police and crime commissioner Adam Simmonds on July 1.

The decision is subject to final confirmation by the county’s police and crime panel on July 8.

Mr Edens has been offered a five-year contract and will take over from Chief Constable Adrian Lee, who retires in mid-July.

The appointment comes after a rigorous assessment process which included a unique Question Time style event in which officers and staff were able to put questions to the four shortlisted candidates.

Mr Edens began his career in 1981 with the Royal Ulster Constabulary as a constable and sergeant before moving to Cambridgeshire Constabulary in 1991 where he served for 17 years – rising to the rank of chief superintendent and leading the force’s change programme.

In 2008, he was appointed as assistant chief constable at West Mercia Police and became closely involved in the force’s strategic alliance with Warwickshire Police. He has been deputy chief constable at Leicestershire since May 2012.

Mr Simmonds said: “Simon is an authentic leader with experience in five forces, a vision for the future and a desire to help me see Northamptonshire as the safest place in England.

“He will also ensure the top team models a progressive inclusive culture. The next five years will be demanding for policing and with Simon at the helm I am confident about Northamptonshire`s future.

Mr Edens said: “This was a very challenging process so I’m delighted to have been appointed. I’m looking forward very much to working with Adam Simmonds, the leadership team and all the officers, staff and volunteers at Northamptonshire Police as we strive to become the safest county in England.”

He is expected to take up his new role at some point in the summer.