Rob Carden confirmed as new Chief Constable of Merseyside Police

Rob Carden has officially been confirmed as the next Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, following unanimous approval by the region’s Police and Crime Panel.

Carden, who is currently Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary, was nominated by Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell to succeed Serena Kennedy KPM, who retires on 31st August 2025. The appointment was confirmed following a public confirmation hearing on 12th May.

Commenting on the Panel’s endorsement, Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:

“I am very pleased that the Panel has approved my selection of Rob Carden to be the next Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, and my warmest congratulations go to him on his appointment.

“Rob first joined Merseyside Police in 1992 and, during his career, has spent more than 20 years serving the people of Merseyside before moving to Cumbria Constabulary on promotion as Deputy Chief Constable and subsequently being appointed Chief Constable.

“This means he fully understands the unique challenges of policing our region and has the leadership experience and clear strategic thinking needed to maintain the exceptional reputation and standards of Merseyside Police and to drive the organisation forward.

“Throughout the interview process he impressed both me and the interview panel with his vision for the organisation, his operational knowledge and insight and his dedication and passion for policing.

“Rob has exceptional experience, is very well respected in the policing community and has shown his ability to lead in some very challenging situations. He has clearly demonstrated the qualities needed to ensure that Merseyside Police remains one of the best performing urban forces in the country and continues to deliver the high quality of policing that people here on Merseyside expect and deserve.

“Rob will be a fantastic ambassador for both Merseyside Police and our region, and I am grateful to the Panel for its endorsement of my decision today. 

“Rob’s appointment ensures there will be a smooth transition when Serena leaves Merseyside Police at the end of August, giving the organisation the stability and direction it needs and ensuring it is in a strong position deliver the best possible policing service for our communities. I look forward to working with Rob to deliver my police and crime priorities for our region.”

Chief Constable Rob Carden said:

“I am thrilled to have been appointed as the next Chief Constable of Merseyside Police.

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

“I look forward to working with the Police and Crime Commissioner and the outstanding officers, PCSOs, staff and volunteers to ensure Merseyside Police is an organisation that all our communities have trust and confidence in and continues to evolve to meet the challenges of modern policing.”

The appointment has also been welcomed by the Chief Constable, Serena Kennedy KPM, who said: “I am delighted that the Police & Crime Panel has confirmed Rob as the next Chief Constable of Merseyside Police. 

“Rob, who is from Liverpool, followed in his father’s footsteps when he joined Merseyside Police back in 1992. He then joined Sussex Police before returning to Merseyside in 2006.

“During his time at Merseyside Rob was a respected leader, who as Assistant Chief Constable managed the force response to COVID pandemic and was Gold Commander for numerous events and incidents, including the terrorist incident at Liverpool Women’s Hospital. I know he is passionate about the force and providing the people of Merseyside with a first-class police service and I wish him every success for the future.”

Carden began his career at Merseyside Police in 1992 and held several senior roles before moving to Cumbria. His five-year term will begin following Kennedy’s departure at the end of August.

Find out more information on the Merseyside Police website.

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