Cambridgeshire Constabulary's new chief constable confirmed

Simon Megicks, Norfolk Constabulary's current Deputy Chief Constable, will begin his new post on September 29 after the Police and Crime Commissioner, Darryl Preston, appointed him as his preferred candidate.

Following a statutory meeting of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Police and Crime Panel, Mr Preston’s recommendation for DCC Megicks to take the post was unanimously supported.

He will replace Nick Dean, who is stepping down at the end of September.

DCC Megicks, who lives in Huntingdonshire, said: “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.”

DCC Megicks began his service in Cambridge in 1996, working 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, working with many local partners in ensuring the safety of children and other vulnerable people in the county.

Leaving Cambridgeshire in 2015, DCC Megicks worked in Hertfordshire as a Temporary Assistant Chief Constable leading operational support functions across the three collaborated forces of Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

In June 2017, DCC Megicks was promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief Constable and transferred to Norfolk and Suffolk to undertake the collaborative lead for Protective Services. He became Deputy Chief Constable in 2021.

The Commissioner’s decision was referred to the Police and Crime Panel to give members the opportunity to review the recruitment and selection process and consider DCC Megicks’s candidacy in person.

Mr 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.

“I very much look forward to working with Simon, who I know will bring a range of vital skills to the role.”