Former Merseyside Police Chief Andy Cooke receives knighthood in New Year’s Honours

Andy Cooke served in policing for 36 years, 32 of those years were spent with Merseyside Police.

Former Merseyside Police Chief Constable, Andy Cooke, who is now His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, has today received a knighthood in the King’s New Year Honours.

Following the royal announcement today Merseyside Police, Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, said:

“On behalf of the force I would like to congratulate Andy on receiving his knighthood. Andy served in policing for 36 years, and 32 of those years were spent protecting and serving the communities of Merseyside.

“During his time at Merseyside Andy Cooke served at every rank up to Chief Constable and was a respected career detective, who went on to establish the nationally recognised and pioneering Matrix Team back in 2005 to crackdown on serious and organised crime with the aim of reducing gun and gang related crime across the region.

“Born and bred in Liverpool, Andy Cooke is passionate about the city and the region where he grew up. His years of policing service across Merseyside meant he had an innate sense of the policing required to tackle criminality and provide our local communities with the best possible policing service. 

“It is fantastic to see that he has been recognised for his work in policing, and in his role as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services where he is driving police forces across the country to achieve the highest standards for the communities they represent.”

Andy began his career with Merseyside Police in 1985 and has made an exceptional contribution to policing and to public service over the last four decades. During his time in the police, he served as a detective at every rank. This included becoming the first commander of the nationally recognised Matrix team, which is responsible for tackling gun crime and gun-enabled crime.

In April 2021, Andy was appointed HM Inspector of Constabulary and HM Inspector of Fire & Rescue Services at His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS). And on 1 April 2022, Andy was appointed as HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary and HM Chief Inspector of Fire & Rescue Services.

Since his appointment, Andy’s work has led to significant improvements being made in policing and fire at a national level and in individual forces and services. He has repeatedly highlighted the changes that need making to improve culture and leadership and to increase focus on the issues that matter most to communities.

Andy’s knighthood follows previous commendations, including the award of the Queen’s Police Medal in the 2014 Queen’s Birthday Honours. In 2021, he was made a Deputy Lieutenant of the Merseyside Lieutenancy and in 2023, an honorary fellow of Liverpool John Moores University.

His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, Andy Cooke QPM DL said:

“I am deeply humbled to be awarded this high honour by His Majesty the King. Making communities safer has been my life’s work, and this recognition is a testament to the incredible people I’ve been lucky enough to work with throughout my career. 

“I joined policing to make a difference and I’ve loved every role I’ve held over the last 39 years. It was a privilege to lead Merseyside Police, working alongside thousands of dedicated and professional officers, staff and volunteers. I took a special pride from keeping my own community, where I was brought up and still live today, safe.

“More recently, as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, I’ve been able to help drive substantial improvements in police forces across England and Wales and fire and rescue services in England. This is vitally important work, and I will continue to hold forces and services to the highest standards.

“When I became an officer all those years ago I never imagined that one day I would be the Chief Constable of the force responsible for the policing of my home town, and it was an absolute honour. I thought that was the pinnacle of my career, but receiving this honour is a huge accolade and I am so, so proud to have been nominated.

“I would like to thank my colleagues who have supported me throughout my career and my family, who have always stood by my side. This honour belongs as much to them as it does to me.”  

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