Lancashire Police’s Chief Constable Chris Rowley to retire in March 2024

The Chief Constable of Lancashire police Chris Rowley has announced his intention to retire from policing at the end of March 2024.

Mr Rowley joined Lancashire Constabulary in April 2021 from Humberside Police, having spent all of his previous career in West Yorkshire.

As well as serving as Lancashire’s Chief Constable, he is also the national lead for police wellbeing.

Chief Constable Rowley said: “Becoming the Chief Constable of Lancashire was the pinnacle of my career and an absolute honour. Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to work with outstanding police officers, police staff, partners and communities.

“The decision to retire has been difficult, but I feel now is the right time to hand the force over to the next person who will no doubt work tirelessly with the Police and Crime Commissioner to continue to reduce crime and make Lancashire a safe place to live, work and visit.”

The decision for Mr Rowley to step down comes after a challenging 12 months for Lancashire Constabulary. In November, an independent report commissioned by the Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner criticised elements of the police’s strategy during the ultimately tragic search for Nicola Bulley. Then, in December, Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson died at the age of 50 with a senior coroner confirming that passed from natural causes. His funeral was held on December 29.

Andrew Snowden, police and crime commissioner for Lancashire, praised Mr Rowley for his achievements in the role of Chief Constable. The release accompanying his statement claimed that 612 new police officers have been recruited in the last three years of Rowley’s leadership. It is worth noting the number of full time police officers in Lancashire fell from 3,408 to 2,697 in the years from 2010 to 2019.

Mr Snowden said: “First and foremost I would like to thank Chris Rowley for everything he has achieved and delivered as Chief Constable of Lancashire Constabulary. He has driven forward the Fighting Crime Plan I launched in 2021, with determination, vigour and professionalism.

“Through his focus on fighting crime and protecting people, improving the service the public receive, working across the criminal justice sector to improve prosecution rates and ensuring local community policing is rebuilt and more visible – crime has significantly fallen in our County and Lancashire is a safer place thanks to Chris’s leadership.

“Andrew continued: “As Chief Constable, Chris has put in place the building blocks that myself and the public want to see – to ensure Lancashire is a Force that relentlessly pursues criminals, has an increasingly visible presence in our neighbourhoods, and has high standards of professionalism.

“I will be seeking to appoint a new Chief Constable who knows how to harness, prioritise and build on these foundations to deliver on the priorities set out in my Fighting Crime Plan.

“I want Lancashire Constabulary to have a reputation as the most pro-active, crime fighting force in the Country that relentlessly takes the fight to criminals, has a highly visible presence on our streets and who’s officers and staff are seen as figures of authority and respect – ultimately reducing the number of victims, making people feel safer and improving public confidence.”

Deputy Chief Constable Sacha Hatchett will exercise all the functions of the Chief Constable until a successor is appointed.

A new Chief Constable is expected to take up the post in summer 2024 for a fixed term post lasting five years.

Subscribe: You can now opt-in to receive Blog Preston news updates through Whatsapp via this link.