Merseyside Police Chief Constable Rob Carden has been recognised in the King’s New Year’s Honours

Merseyside Police Chief Constable Rob Carden has been recognised in the King’s New Year’s Honours, receiving the King’s Police Medal for his contribution to policing.

Chief Constable Rob Carden, who took up the role at Merseyside Police in September, has been awarded the honour in recognition of more than three decades of service and his impact both locally and nationally.

He returned to Merseyside after serving as Chief Constable of Cumbria Police, having previously held the role of Assistant Chief Constable at Merseyside Police before his move in 2022.

Rob Carden joined the police service in 1992 after graduating in economics and beginning his career on a graduate management scheme in Liverpool. Over the years, he has built a reputation for innovation, collaboration and strong operational leadership, with a focus on placing communities at the centre of policing.

The King’s Police Medal recognises his leadership in bringing forces together through digital transformation and collaboration. His citation highlights the significant role he has played in driving progress in police data, technology and analytics, helping forces work more effectively to tackle serious and organised crime.

As national policing lead for digital data and technology, Rob Carden helped establish new national frameworks to ensure policing is data-driven, secure and focused on public safety.

His work has supported major improvements in how forces share information, prioritise investment and deliver value for money across national policing systems.

During his career, he has also led major policing operations, including the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Merseyside, multiple Grand National events and national counter-terrorism operations.

He played a key role in leading Merseyside’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, including overseeing the repatriation of British nationals from Wuhan to Arrowe Park Hospital, for which he later received a national commendation.

While leading Cumbria Constabulary, Rob Carden oversaw significant improvements in performance and public confidence, including reductions in antisocial behaviour, burglary and robbery, alongside increased positive outcomes for serious offences. The force also received one of the strongest national inspection results, with particular recognition for workforce support and wellbeing.

Speaking after the announcement, Chief Constable Carden said the award was humbling and reflected the teamwork and professionalism of colleagues he has worked alongside throughout his career.

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell congratulated him on receiving the honour, describing it as a fitting recognition of his dedication, leadership and contribution to policing both in Merseyside and across the country.

Find out more about Rob’s career here.

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