A knighted former chief constable has said making communities safer has been his “life’s work”.
His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, Sir Andy Cooke, said he was “deeply humbled” to be recognised in the New Year Honours list.
Over nearly four decades, Sir Andy rose to the top of policing, tackling serious organised crime and leading major reforms.
Sir Andy joined Merseyside Police in 1985 and became the first commander of the Matrix team, which tackled gun crime and violence.
In 2008, he became assistant chief constable at Lancashire Constabulary, before returning to Merseyside in 2012 as deputy chief constable.
He became chief constable of Merseyside in 2016, overseeing the force’s largest-ever reorganisation.
Nationally, Sir Andy led efforts to combat serious organised crime and he played a key role in creating the UK’s first nationwide witness protection service.
He now leads the Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, which inspects and reports on police and fire services in England and Wales.
Sir Andy said he joined policing to “make a difference” and that he has “loved every role”.
He added: “More recently, as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, I’ve been able to help drive substantial improvements in police forces across England and Wales and fire and rescue services in England.
“This is vitally important work, and I will continue to hold forces and services to the highest standards.
“I would like to thank my colleagues who have supported me throughout my career and my family, who have always stood by my side. This honour belongs as much to them as it does to me.”
