Chief constable to step down after seven years

Nick Dean spent 31 years as an officer, mostly in Norfolk, before moving to the neighbouring county in 2018

The chief constable for Cambridgeshire Police will step down from the position in September.

Nick Dean has been in the role for seven years after he became head of the force in 2018.

Mr Dean previously announced he would retire in 2023, but abandoned the plans when he "realised now is not the right time".

The force confirmed the end of his contract and applications for the role remain open until the 11 June.

Mr Dean joined Norfolk Constabulary in September 1992, serving in both uniform and criminal investigation roles.

He has more than three decades of police service under his belt and became head of the Cambridgeshire force in September 2018.

During 2023 he announced his plans to retire, but continued in the role following an extension to his contract.

As chief constable he was accountable for the Cambridgeshire Constabulary and was responsible for command, leadership, response to crime and critical incidents.

In June 2024, he was recognised in the King's Birthday Honours and was awarded a King's Policing Medal for distinguished service.

A spokesperson from the Cambridgeshire force said: "I can confirm that Chief Constable Nick Dean's contract has come to an end and he will be leaving in September."

'Funding boost'

The Cambridgeshire force is expected to grow between 2025 to 2026.

This follows a £2m funding boost from the government to help recruitment.

On visit to Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, this year, Sir Keir Starmer said visible policing had fallen dramatically in recent years, with 90% of crime left unsolved.

He announced £200m would be spent on hiring police in areas including Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Cambridgeshire and Somerset.

Based on the funding allocation the Cambridgeshire force could increase by 30 police officers, seven police community support officers and 13 special constables.