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New Merseyside police chief constable confirmed

Jenny Coleman
BBC News, Liverpool
PCC Chief Constable Carden has short dark hair and blue eyes and is wearing a police uniform and looking into the camera. He is standing outside Merseyside Police building.PCC
Chief Constable Carden said his appointment was "a genuine honour and privilege"

The new chief constable for Merseyside Police has been confirmed as Rob Carden.

Chief Constable Carden, who is from Liverpool and is the current chief constable of Cumbria, will replace Serena Kennedy when she retires at the end of August.

Merseyside police and crime commissioner (PCC) Emily Spurrell announced two weeks ago that Mr Carden, who has more than 30 years of policing experience, was her preferred choice to take over the role.

Mr Carden said it was "a genuine honour and privilege" to return to the organisation he first ed in 1992.

The appointment has been approved by the region's Police and Crime .

PCC Emily Spurrell has mid-length dark hair and is wearing a black patterned dress, a black suit jacket and a pendant necklace. Rob Carden is wearing a police uniform and hat and he has short, dark hair. Both are standing outside Merseyside Police headquarters and they are both looking directly at the camera.PCC
PCC Emily Spurrell [L] said Chief Constable Carden [R] "fully understands the unique challenges" of policing Merseyside

Mr Carden, who is married with three sons, said he was "thrilled" to take on the role.

"My father served Merseyside Police for over 33 years and I was extremely proud to follow in his footsteps when I ed the organisation in 1992," he said.

"To now be returning to the organisation as chief constable and to lead the organisation which has been such a big part of my family is a genuine honour and privilege.

"Merseyside Police is already an outstanding organisation which is rightly recognised as one of the best police services in the country.

"I am committed to building on Serena's legacy and ensuring I lead a workforce which takes pride in delivering an excellent service to our communities, protecting those who are vulnerable, keeping our streets safe and ensuring offenders face justice."

Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy is wearing black police uniform in the picture. Her blonde hair is pulled back from her face and she is smiling directly at the camera. Liverpool can be seen in the background of the picture.Merseyside Police
Merseyside Police's current chief constable is due to retire in August

Ms Spurrell said Mr Carden had "exceptional experience", having served for 20 years with Merseyside Police before becoming deputy chief constable, and subsequently chief constable, for Cumbria Police.

"Mr Carden fully understands the unique challenge of policing our region," she said.

"He has the leadership experience and clear strategic thinking needed to maintain the exceptional reputation and standards of Merseyside Police."

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy KPM said she was "delighted".

She said Mr Carden was a "respected leader" who, as assistant chief constable, had managed the police response to the Covid pandemic.

Ms Kennedy added that he had been gold commander for "numerous events and incidents, including the terrorist incident at Liverpool Women's Hospital" in 2021.

"I know he is ionate about the force and providing the people of Merseyside with a first-class police service and I wish him every success for the future," she said.

Mr Carden will be appointed chief constable for a period of five years.

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