Search starts for new Leicestershire Police chief constable
The hunt is on for an “inspirational and innovative” new leader to take the helm of Leicestershire Police.
Police and crime commissioner (PCC) Rupert Matthews launched a recruitment drive on Monday (February 10) to appoint a new chief constable to lead one of the top performing forces in the country.
It comes ahead of the retirement of current Chief Constable Rob Nixon, who will stand down in March after 32 years’ service.
The PCC has praised Mr Nixon’s “admirable leadership” and has pledged to find a worthy successor who can take Leicestershire Police forward and deliver on the ambitions of his new Police and Crime Plan.
Given the rich diversity of the force’s communities, the PCC said the new chief constable must be someone adept at establishing strong working partnerships and relationships to build trust and confidence among residents and businesses.
Mr Matthews said: “Opportunities like this don’t come along every day.”
“For our people we require an aspirational and motivational leader. Our officers and staff are proud to work for Leicestershire Police and we need a chief constable who is genuinely interested in them and is going to work hard on their behalf to build a force for the future.
“We are looking for someone that can bring significant operational credibility alongside strategic organisational leadership. A reflective and collaborative leader with the humility to learn from those around them, taking the best ideas from subject experts to ensure we are developing the best service we can.”
Mr Matthews said Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland were not immune to the issues impacting those of larger urban centres and that rural crime continued to impact rural communities.
He added that policing was rapidly changing with crime prevention increasingly important. Other issues included limited prison space and court backlogs.
“However fast and far policing changes, we must take the public with us. The very notion of policing with consent will fall if public trust and confidence is not consolidated and increased,” Mr Matthews said.
“No matter how good a force might be – and Leicestershire Police is very good – the future brings challenges and opportunities.”
Leicestershire Police serves an area of 2,500 square miles with a population of more than 1.1 million. Covering two of the most picturesque counties of the country and the vibrant city of Leicester, Mr Matthews said the area offered a varied and dynamic placing environment.