Leicestershire Police’s Former Chief Constable Simon Cole Found Dead

Simon Cole
Credit: AP

LONDON, (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Former Chief Constable Simon Cole, who oversaw a task force assisting cops with mental health issues, was discovered dead at their residence two weeks following resigning from the department in a suspected suicide. Simon Cole, a father of two who worked in the police for more than 30 years, notably twelve years as the chief of Leicestershire Police, was discovered dead at his country home Ten miles to the south of Leicester yesterday.

His previous department confirmed the death of its former policeman yesterday night, who also served as the new mental health director for the Organisation of Chief Police Officers.

The reason for death has still not been revealed by the police. However, the subject has been sent to the examiner, who analyzes unexpected deaths like suicides.

According to Temporary Chief Constable Rob Nixon, Simon was respected and liked by every one of the force, who added that it is “hard to put into words how devastating this news is. Our hearts go out to his family at this difficult time, and we will support them as much as we can.” His kids, Ben and Emily, and his wife Jo survive him.

In 2010, just at 43, he was also one of Britain’s younger chief constables. However, he acknowledged that he had never been a police officer due to medical reasons.

After finishing university, he attempted to persuade Leicestershire Police as a PC but was rejected due to his color blindness. Because West Midlands Cops did not get the same regulation, he began working there in 1988 and moved up the ranks. In 2008, Simon joined Hampshire Constabulary as Deputy Chief Constable before moving to Leicestershire as Police Chief shortly afterward.

Years of dedication:

“We have lost an outstanding public servant whose mission in life was dedicated to making our communities stronger and safer.” said Leicestershire County Council chairman Nick Rushton.

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

The county flag will be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect. He was born and raised in Leicestershire and had worked for the West Midlands and Hampshire police forces and the local department for the previous 30 years.

He has previously served as senior vice president of Leicestershire Guide and Scout and a variety of police assistance and consultative posts. 

Former Chief Constable Simon Cole was Accommodating:

Priti Patel, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, said on Twitter: “I am desperately saddened to hear about the passing of former Chief Constable Simon Cole QPM.

“He was passionate about delivering for the people of Leicestershire, the area where he grew up, and dedicated his life to policing.”

Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland Constabulary and Immigration Commissioner, Rupert Matthews, stated “: “I am shocked and extremely saddened to hear this tragic news.”

“Simon Cole was the epitome of a great Chief Constable whose commitment to public service has been unswerving. We live in a safer place thanks to his leadership.”

“Simon was a dedicated and committed public servant, who made a huge contribution across Leics & Rutland.” Harborough MP Neil O’Brien said about former Chief Constable Simon Cole on Twitter.

Beth Malcolm

Beth Malcolm is Scottish based Journalist at Heriot-Watt University studying French and British Sign Language. She is originally from the north west of England but is living in Edinburgh to complete her studies.