Who Is Simon Cole? British Police Chief Found Dead Days After Retirement

Britain’s longest-serving police chief, Simon Cole, has been found dead at his home less than two weeks after retiring.

Cole, 55, worked with Leicestershire Police for more than 30 years and was the force’s youngest-ever chief constable.

His death has been referred to the Coroner after he was found this morning at his home in Kibworth Harcourt, Leics.

Temporary chief constable Rob Nixon said: “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.

“I know Simon had a great impact on many of the communities of Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland and his death will be a great loss to many of the people he worked with.

Leader of Leicestershire County Council Nick Rushton added: “I’m terribly shocked and saddened to learn of this awful news.

“Simon was the youngest ever Chief Constable appointed for Leicestershire and Rutland, as well as the longest-serving.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his police colleagues and with his family at this sad time.”

Simon grew up in Leicestershire and became Chief Constable in June 2010.

And in 2014 he was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in the New Year’s Honours List.

Simon was also given an Honorary Doctor of Arts by De Montfort University and in 2020 was awarded the Sir Robert Peel Medal by the Institute of Criminology at Cambridge University.

The Sir Robert Peel Medal is awarded annually for Outstanding Leadership in Evidence-Based Policing. Covid meant that it was actually presented in 2021.