Cole will lead police for five more years
LEICESTERSHIRE’S chief constable Simon Cole has accepted an offer to run the county’s force for the next five years.
Police and Crime Commissioner Lord (Willy) Bach, who gave Mr Cole the opportunity, said he wanted to secure the services of the “inspirational” chief.
Lord Bach was technically only able to extend Mr Cole’s contract by 12 months.
However, the crime commissioner was so keen to retain the chief he decided to offer Mr Cole five consecutive 12-month extensions to his contract at once.
Lord Bach said the move would ensure continuity of leadership in what is acknowledged as a challenging period for policing.
The crime commissioner said: “This is good news for the whole of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. It removes uncertainty, brings continuity of leadership in times of challenge and change, and enables future planning to be undertaken with confidence.”
Mr Cole was appointed chief constable in 2010 on a five-year contract. In 2015, he was offered a three-year contract extension, which comes to an end this month. Regulations state that after the three-year extension, a police and crime commissioner can only offer 12-month extensions to a chief constable’s contract.
However, there is nothing in legislation that prevents more than one 12-month contract being offered.
Lord Bach said: “Simon is, quite frankly, an inspirational chief constable, respected throughout the force, my own office, our many partners and indeed across the whole of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
“Not only has he steered Leicestershire Police safely through some choppy waters in order to meet the harsh savings targets resulting from austerity measures, but he has overseen a significant and effective change programme modernising the way in which the force delivers police services.
“He is also a strong champion of diversity and is determined that the police should be representative of the many communities it serves.”
Mr Cole said: “I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to continue to lead the force into the future.
“I am very proud of the officers, staff and volunteers with whom I am lucky to serve.
“Their commitment, innovation and sheer hard work make a positive difference in local communities every day.