Cambridgeshire's new police chief sets out plan to repair 'confidence issues'
Simon Megicks said rebuilding confidence in the force is a key priority
Last updated 3rd Oct 2025
The new chief of Cambridgeshire Police is telling us confidence with the public must be rebuilt.
The officers at Charing Cross police station in London were secretly filmed making racist comments and bragging about violence used against suspects.
Their behaviour was exposed in a Panorama documentary which aired this week.
Simon Megicks, Cambridgeshire's chief constable, described the behaviour as "abhorrent.
"There are issues around confidence in policing generally and today, for the next few days and weeks, that image some members of their communities will have of us damages our relationship with them and their ability to trust us," he said.
Mr Megicks - who started his policing career in Cambridge - returns to the county to replace Nick Dean, who stepped down as chief constable after seven years in the role.
After leaving Cambridgeshire in 2015, Mr Megicks has since worked in different roles in the East of England, including Norfolk and Suffolk where he was a collaborative lead for protective services.
Some of the areas he wants to focus on tackling include domestic abuse, sexual offences and hate crime, as well as shoplifting.
Peterborough's MP Andrew Pakes has previously called for more "visible policing back on our streets" following a rise in shoplifting, possession of a weapon and sexual offences in the city.
"I think the public want us to do what they expect of the police, which is focussing on making sure we respond to jobs and bring people to justice that are doing harm to individuals and the wider community," Mr Megicks added.
Police chief 'well place to deliver best service'
"We are the police and we should be doing police things well," Mr Megicks said.
"I think there's doing what the public want of us, but there's the 'how' we do that, and that's with respect, empathy and being thoughtful for all communities.
Speaking on Mr Megicks' appointment, the county's police and crime commissioner Darryl Preston said “as a local man, Simon is well placed to understand the needs of our communities.
"(Simon) has all the passion and determination to deliver the best possible service for residents.
“I am confident that he shares the drive, integrity and ambition required to keep our communities safe, tackle crime and catch criminals."