Policing mourns sudden death of ‘fantastic’ chief constable

People from across policing have paid tribute after the chief constable of the Ministry of Defence Police passed away. Chief Constable Alf Hitchcock, 58, died on Friday morning (June 16) following a short illness. Mr Hitchcock had led the MoD Police since 2013, when he left his previous post as chief constable of Bedfordshire Police to join the force. MoD Police Deputy Chief Constable Andy Adams said: “It is with deepest regret that I have to inform you that our chief constable, Alf Hitchcock, has sadly passed away this morning following a short illness. “Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time and I have already expressed our condolences, on all our behalf, to Helen.” Mr Hitchcock began his policing career with Lancashire Constabulary in 1977, just before his 19th birthday. He later joined the Metropolitan Police Service where he served as commander for specialist operations, progressing to deputy assistant commissioner and acting assistant commissioner. He left the force in 2009 to become deputy chief constable at the National College of Police Leadership, before joining Bedfordshire Police as chief constable in 2011. While there, Mr Hitchcock was praised for leading the force out of a period of intense scrutiny regarding its performance and finances. Mr Hitchcock served as national lead for knife crime from 2008 and as national lead for equality and human rights between 2012 and 2016. He was the only chief officer to receive a ‘major’ award in the New Year Honours in December, being appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). Mr Hitchcock’s legacy on knife crime was praised by Chief Constable Dave Thompson, of West Midlands Police, who said he “saved many lives”. He added: “So sad to learn we have lost Alf. A lovely man. Always smiling and offering help.” Eamon Keating, chair of the Defence Police Federation, said he is “shocked and saddened” by Mr Hitchcock`s death. “He was a fantastic person who will be deeply missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family,” he added. Dee Collins, chief constable of West Yorkshire Police, said: “Just heard incredibly sad news about colleague Alf Hitchcock passing away. A gentleman and will be missed – thoughts with his family and friends.” HM Inspector of Constabulary Zoe Billingham said: “Such fond memories of Alf. His optimism knew no bounds. He introduced himself with ‘I’m Alf Hitchcock – you have permission to laugh.” A spokesperson for Bedfordshire Police said: “Alf was a hugely popular chief constable throughout the force, across partnerships, and many organisations that he became involved with across Bedfordshire. “We are liaising closely with the Ministry of Defence Police where Alf was serving as the chief constable, and our condolences and thoughts are very much with his wife and their two daughters. “Our force flags are being flown at half-mast as a mark of respect, and a book of condolence will be opened in due course.”