UK first as force’s ‘exceptional leader’ contract grows to 13 years
Leicestershire Police’s chief constable could lead the force until 2023 after receiving the first ever five-year contract extension on top of his current eight-year term.
Simon Cole has been awarded five consecutive one-year contract extensions to get around laws preventing longer offers being made to already long-serving chief constables.
Police and crime commissioner (PCC) Lord Willy Bach claimed he was eager to secure the services of the man he described as an “inspirational” leader who has overseen the force since 2010.
His decision – believed to be the first time regulations have been used in this way – will be shared with Leicestershire’s police and crime panel at a meeting on Friday (June 8).
Lord Bach said the extension will allow future planning to be undertaken with confidence.
“Simon Cole has proved himself an exceptional leader and it is absurd that I cannot offer someone who has proven himself time and time again, a five-year contract,” he added.
“However, we have checked and there is nothing to prevent me from offering five one-year contracts.
“Simon is, quite frankly, an inspirational chief constable, respected throughout the force, my own office, our many partners and indeed across the whole of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.”
Mr Cole was appointed chief constable of Leicestershire Police in 2010 on a five-year contract.
In 2015, he was offered a three-year extension by Lord Bach, which was due to end this month.
Current regulations state that PCCs can only offer contract extensions on a yearly basis after a chief constable has already led a force for eight years.
However, nothing prevents any number of consecutive contracts being offered or accepted.
Lord Bach claims Policing and Fire Minister Nick Hurd confirmed that this method was “perfectly permissible” in private correspondence.
Mr Hurd reportedly told the PCC: “The Government believes in importance of local accountability in policing and locally-driven priorities. The appointment or extensions of an appointment for the chief constable is properly your decision.”
If Mr Cole remains in post until 2022, he will overtake the UK’s most recent longest-serving chief constable, Steve Finnigan, who stepped down from Merseyside Police last June after 11 years at the helm.
Mark Polin, chief constable of North Wales Police, currently holds the record for the longest leadership among incumbent chief constables, having been appointed in September 2009 – nine months before Mr Cole took over at Leicestershire Police.
However, Mr Polin will retire next month to become chairman of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
Past chief constables have held the post for even longer.
The Home Office confirmed to Police Professional that it is not considering amending regulations to allow subsequent five-year extensions after a chief constable has already been given an extra three years.
Mr Cole said: “I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to continue to lead the force into the future.
“I am very proud of the officers, staff and volunteers with whom I am lucky to serve. Their commitment, innovation and sheer hard work make a positive difference in local communities every day.
“Policing is always changing to meet new challenges and looking ahead that includes the omnipresence of cybercrime, the reduction in police budgets at a time of a growing population, and the need to continue to deal with those who cause the most harm, whether through acquisitive crime, domestic abuse, or online offences.”