Cambridgeshire Constabulary chief constable Nick Dean announces retirement

The chief constable of Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Nick Dean, has announced he will retire in September.

Mr Dean has served 31 years as a police officer, five of which have been in Cambridgeshire, where he became chief constable in September 2018.

He said: “It has been an immense honour to work in Cambridgeshire Constabulary with the officers, staff and volunteers, who make the organisation run so efficiently on a daily basis.

“I have been part of some significant changes during my time in office, including leading the force through the uplift programme, resulting in us employing the highest number of officers in the Constabulary’s history.

“I have had the privilege to serve in two police forces and I have done some amazing things throughout my policing career which could never be replicated in any other job.”

Mr Dean first joined Norfolk Constabulary in September 1992, where he progressed through each rank up to chief superintendent, serving in uniform and crime investigation roles.

Prior to being promoted to assistant chief constable, Mr Dean was head of CID and then chief superintendent for the county’s local policing structure.

He was appointed temporary assistant chief constable (ACC) in Norfolk in June 2013 and was made substantive ACC in May 2016. He then became temporary deputy chief constable (DCC) in October 2016.

Mr Dean was substantively promoted to DCC in February 2017 and joined Cambridgeshire Constabulary as chief constable in September 2018.

For the last three years he has been the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) portfolio lead for forensics and charging.

Police and crime commissioner Darryl Preston added: “Nick Dean’s five-year contract ends in September and whilst I would happily have extended his contract, I completely understand why he has chosen to retire. In 2018, Nick gave a five-year commitment to the people of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, including his officers and staff and it is a testament to him that he has seen it through.

“What is pleasing is that he will leave the constabulary in a strong position. Crime is down and we have more officers than ever in Cambridgeshire’s history. He will be sorely missed both locally and nationally where he has been the UK police lead for many important agendas including most recently Forensics.

“I am very grateful for the notice he has given me which means I can advertise for a new chief constable to take up the reins.

“Nick leaves big boots to fill but I am sure that policing circles know what an excellent chief he has been and that an excellent constabulary awaits the successful applicant.

“I wish him all the very best for his retirement.”