County's new police boss takes charge

In 2017, Simon Megicks was promoted to Assistant Chief Constable and transferred to Norfolk and Suffolk to lead protective services.

A county's new Chief Constable said his first priority would be to "understand the demands of the workforce".

Former deputy chief constable for Norfolk, Simon Megicks, has started his new role as Cambridgeshire and Peterborough's police boss after taking over from former chief Nick Dean.

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

Cambridgeshire-born Megicks said he is "thrilled to take up the post of Chief Constable in the force where I started my career 29 years ago", adding that he "looks forward" to improving community safety.

Impacts of budget constraints

Megicks, 54, 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 to help ensure the safety of children and other vulnerable people in the county.

"While a lot has stayed the same, I am looking forward to learning what has changed in the 10 years since I was last here and about how the force has developed and grown to meet the needs of the people and communities we serve", the new police boss said.

"Nick [Dean] has left the force in a really great position; however, I am very much aware of the budget constraints policing faces, now and in the coming years, and the impact that has on the ability of the team to do a good job, as well as on staff morale.

"I will spend some time in my first few weeks speaking to officers and staff to appreciate the pressures they are facing and understand what we can do to support them to continue to serve the people of Cambridgeshire in the best way we can."

He continued: "I plan to take my time to properly get reacquainted with the force and its people, to ensure I continue the legacy of keeping the people of Cambridgeshire safe."

Preston said: "As a local man, Simon is well placed to understand the needs of our communities. I very much look forward to working with him.

"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."