'I was doing the ironing when I got the call about the Huntingdon attack... then I switched on'

November 1, 2025. CC Megicks is at home ironing, and beginning to contemplate what the rest of his night might have in store. Then he gets the call from a commander. Moments earlier, an attacker made their way through an LNER train shortly after it left Peterborough station, destined for… Here, Cambridgeshire Constabulary's Chief Constable, Simon Megicks, discusses with Police Oracle how policing has helped shape his life, the experience of rising to the region's top policing post and what the future looks like....

ROCU is developing talent in technical specialist roles through using interns

The Yorkshire and Humber ROCU runs an internship programme where suitably skilled computer science graduates are chosen through an annual competition. Interns are attached to the Technical Development Unit (TDU) to work alongside permanent personnel and encouraged to use cutting-edge technology in tackling Serious Organised Crime (SOC). TDU personnel have… More than 50 per cent of the interns employed by the ROCU have gone on to have full time roles in the techncial unit dealing with SOC. ...

Too many officers in staff roles as price of 'uplift' bites into workforce balance

There are at least three police forces in ‘dire financial distress’ but there are still options left before they need to issue Section 114 notices  – which mean they are effectively bankrupt – including shifting even more officers into staff roles and making redundancies. This was the message on police… The focus on officer numbers is not giving forces the balanced work force they need in ICT, data analysis and other specialisms....

Cambridgeshire Constabulary's new CC begins bid to 'continue' legacy of predecessor

CC Megicks, 54, began his career at Cambrideshire Constabulary in 1996, and is believed to be the only officer to have started their career at the force before making the rank of chief constable in recent history. He began working in local policing, public protection and corporate services before undertaking… The force's Chief Constable Simon Megicks started his new post on Sunday, taking on the position from Nick Dean who stepped down after seven years....

Preferred Dyfed-Powys chief constable candidate announced

The decision comes after a three-day interview process taking place at the force’s headquarters. DCC Charles joined Dyfed-Powys Police in 2004. During his career, he has held various roles across CID and uniformed policing in all four counties, advancing through different ranks. In 2022, he completed the Senior Police National… Following former Chief Constable Richard Lewis’ resignation earlier in 2025, DCC Ifan Charles has been acting up as Temporary Chief Constable....

New DCC for Humberside Police

Following a competitive selection process, former Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Baker has been appointed and now taken up her position as Deputy Chief Constable (DCC) for Humberside Police. DCC Baker joined the force in December last year from the National Police Air Service, where she was on secondment from her… West Yorkshire officer who joined Humberside as an ACC last year gets promoted. ...

New Deputy Chief Constable for West Yorkshire

The decision to appoint DCC Khan, who previously operated as an Assistant Chief Constable within WYP, was confirmed by Chief Constable John Robins after a national selection and interview process. The incoming DCC replaces Catherine Hankinson, who recently retired. DCC Khan joined WYP as a Constable in 2000, beginning his… Osman Khan KPM has been appointed as the new Deputy Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police (WYP). ...

New NPCC forensic portfolio lead as Home Office appoints first director of services

The NPCC has appointed Paul Gibson, Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police, as the new NPCC Forensic Portfolio Lead, the most senior forensic-related role in policing. Meanwhile the Home Office has named Amanda-Jane Balfour as its first Director of Forensic Services. Within the Home Office programme of police reform, she will… A number of new senior forensic science appointments include the Home Office's first Director of Forensic Services....

Cambridgeshire Constabulary's new chief constable confirmed

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… 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....

New ACC appointed at Avon and Somerset

Rachel Shields is stepping into the role following the retirement of former ACC Will White earlier this year. She started her policing career with Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC)  in November 1999 as a response constable. The RUC transitioned to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) two years later, and… As a detective superintendent Rachel Shields was head of the force's CID for three years before being promoted to the executive team. ...