Police Chief Simon Cole Found Dead at Home
Simon Cole, a respected police chief with over 30 years of service, was found dead this morning at his home in Kibworth Harcourt, Leicestershire. The Coroner has now been informed, and the force is mourning a huge loss.
Force Pays Tribute to ‘Greatly Respected Man’
Temporary Chief Constable Rob Nixon expressed deep sorrow: “It is hard to put into words how devastating this news is for the entire force who loved and respected Simon. Our hearts go out to his family at this difficult time and we will support them as much as we can.”
He continued, “We want to respect their privacy and the Coroner’s process and would ask the public and media to do the same. We are offering support to our staff and those who worked closely with Simon.”
Simon made a massive impact on Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland communities. “All we can do is pull together and mourn the loss of a greatly respected man,” Nixon added.
A public book of condolence will open soon on the force’s website.
Distinguished Career and Local Hero
- Simon Cole QPM grew up in Leicestershire and served as Chief Constable from June 2010.
- Educated in Market Bosworth, Northampton, Oadby, and Colchester.
- Joined West Midlands Police via the Graduate Entry Scheme.
- Worked at Hampshire Police from 2003, leading Neighbourhood Policing and becoming Deputy Chief Constable before returning to Leicestershire.
- Represented the force on the Strategic Partnership Board, tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.
A Life Beyond Policing
- Visiting Fellow, University of Leicester’s Department of Criminology.
- Member of De Montfort University Faculty of Law Advisory Group.
- Vice President of Leicestershire Guides, Scouts, and Police Mutual.
- Board Member at De Montfort University (2017-2020) and trustee of the Care of Police Survivors Charity.
- Sports enthusiast, chairing the Leicestershire Police Sports and Leisure Section and Police Sport UK National’s tennis, cricket, and rugby sections.
Honours and Academic Excellence
- BA (Hons) in English Literature – University of Durham.
- MA in History – University College, Worcester.
- Diploma in Criminology and Policing – Cambridge University.
- Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) in 2014 New Year’s Honours List.
- Honorary Doctor of Arts – De Montfort University.
- Sir Robert Peel Medal for Outstanding Leadership in Evidence Based Policing, awarded by Cambridge’s Institute of Criminology in 2020 (presented in 2021 due to COVID).
