Search for Leicestershire's new top cop relaunched a year after chief constable retired

Rob Nixon took retirement back in March 2025 after a distinguished career in the force both at local and national level stretching back to 1993.

Temporary Chief Constable David Sandall stepped up do the job a year ago but a recruitment process last year failed to identify a suitable candidate despite ‘two highly capable Assistant Chief Constables’ being interviewed.

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Rupert Matthews has now relaunched the interview process after thanking Mr Sandall and his team for taking on additional responsibilities.

Commenting on the situation, he said: “I am extremely grateful for the professionalism and dedication shown over the past year..

“However, I fully recognise that this arrangement cannot continue indefinitely.”

Leicestershire Police serves an area of more than 2,500 square miles and a population exceeding 1.1 million people.

Covering the vibrant and diverse city of Leicester as well as two of England’s most picturesque counties, the force offers a varied and dynamic policing environment.

He said: “Given the pressures facing policing, not least from the significant reforms to our policing structures being imposed by the national government, I am looking for a leader who is decisive, innovative, and absolutely committed to putting the public first.

“The successful candidate must bring experience of addressing the diverse policing needs of both urban and rural communities and demonstrate the leadership skills required to guide a large organisation through transformation.”

Mr. Matthews reiterated that crime prevention will remain central to his plans, adding: “Preventing crime not only reduces the number of victims but also eases demand on overstretched public services, including our prisons and courts.”

The Commissioner added that he is seeking a leader with the vision, ambition, and innovative mindset needed to maintain public confidence and ensure the force can meet current and future policing demands.

Prospective candidates will be subject to a rigorous selection process involving personality profiling, Chief Officer Team Meetings and Stakeholder Advisory Panels before the Formal Interview Panel.

Go to www.leics.pcc.police.uk/about-us/vacancies/chief-constable-recruitment for further information and an application pack.