Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), Peter McCall, has appointed Rob Carden as the next Chief Constable for Cumbria Constabulary.
The PFCC had selected Rob Carden, the current Deputy Chief Constable in Cumbria, as his preferred candidate following interviews on the 12 June. In line with the statutory guidelines, the Police, Fire and Crime Panel held a confirmatory hearing today (29 June) considering Mr Carden’s suitability for the role. Following the meeting, the Panel made their recommendation to the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner that the appointment be confirmed. Rob Carden will be succeeding Chief Constable Michelle Skeer, following her retirement from policing.
PFCC, Peter McCall, said: “I am pleased to appoint Rob Carden as the next Chief Constable for Cumbria Constabulary. Rob has demonstrated a clear passion for policing and for building on the great work of Cumbria Constabulary which is why he was selected as the preferred candidate.
“Since joining the Constabulary in March 2022, Rob has focused on fighting crime and delivering on effective neighbourhood policing. I know he has ambitious plans for developing even further the Constabulary’s response to crime and anti-social behaviour which will have a real impact on daily life in our communities.
“I look forward to working with Rob to make Cumbria an even safer county.”
Deputy Chief Constable Rob Carden, Cumbria Constabulary said: “I am honoured to have been appointed Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary.
“Since transferring to Cumbria from Merseyside over 12 months ago, I have witnessed first-hand the commitment and dedication of officers and staff, who have warmly welcomed me and offered unwavering support through a period of significant organisational change.
“I am acutely aware of the challenges currently impacting public confidence in policing and am committed to inspiring a workforce that has the highest professional standards and prides itself on delivering public service, safeguarding the vulnerable, investigating crime and bringing offenders to justice. I aim to continue the legacy of our previous Chief Constable, Michelle Skeer, and lead a Constabulary that endeavours to deliver the best possible policing service to our local communities.”
Bill McEwan, Chair of the Police, Fire and Crime Panel said: “After robust scrutiny of both the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s recruitment process and the professional competence of Mr. Carden, the Panel unanimously agreed a recommendation to appoint Mr. Carden to the position of Chief Constable.
“The Panel was impressed with Mr. Carden’s proposals for Cumbria Constabulary and his extensive policing experience – wishing him well in his new position.’
