New police chief constable appointed for county

Simon Megicks was appointed by Darryl Preston and will start his role on 29 September

A new chief constable has been announced who will lead a county's police force.

Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston appointed Simon Megicks as chief constable for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough following a unanimous vote by the county's Police and Crime Panel.

Megicks is currently deputy chief constable in Norfolk and he will replace Nick Dean who is stepping down after seven years at the end of September.

Megicks, who was born in Cambridgeshire and lives in Huntingdonshire, said he was "honoured" to take up the position and "looks forward" to improving community safety.

Megicks began his police service in Cambridge in 1996 and worked across the entire county, including Huntingdonshire and Peterborough, before returning to Cambridge as superintendent, leading a new approach to neighbourhood policing.

As a senior detective, he also led public protection and worked with many local partners in ensuring the safety of children and other vulnerable people in the county.

Community safety

Megicks left Cambridgeshire in 2015 and went on to work in Hertfordshire as a temporary assistant chief constable, where he led operational support functions across the three collaborated forces of Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

In 2017, Megicks was promoted to assistant chief constable and transferred to Norfolk and Suffolk to lead protective services. He became deputy chief constable in 2021.

Megicks said: "I am honoured and privileged to have been confirmed as the new chief constable. I started my career here and have confidence in colleagues, many who I remember, to support me in delivering the policing service the public expect and need.

"I look forward to joining the commissioner and partners to continue improve community safety and the quality of life for local residents and those who visit the county."

Preston said: "As a local man, Simon is well placed to understand the needs of our communities and has all the passion and determination to deliver the best possible service for residents.

"Simon performed extremely well during the interview process, and I am confident that he shares the drive, integrity and ambition required to keep our communities safe, tackle crime and catch criminals."