Merseyside Police’s chief constable has announced his intention to step down.
Andy Cooke will retire from his post as the region’s most senior police officer in April after nearly five years in the job to take up a new role elsewhere.
The 56-year-old succeeded Sir Jon Murphy in 2016 and first joined the force as a detective in 1985, receiving 10 commendations over the past 36 years.
He left Merseyside Police in 2008 to take up the position of Assistant Chief Constable in Lancashire Constabulary, where he served for four years.
Cooke returned to Merseyside for a similar role before being quickly promoted to Deputy Chief Constable and took over from Sir John in July 2016.
Jane Kennedy, Merseyside’s Police Commissioner, paid tribute to the outgoing Constable Cooke as he prepares to stand aside from his existing position.
She said: “Andy has served the people of Merseyside since 1985 with unwavering courage, integrity and dedication.
“He has been an outstanding leader, always professional and clear-sighted, with a deep attachment to the communities of Merseyside, one who has truly embodied his own motto for the force; ‘Community First’.
“Born and bred in Liverpool, Andy has been a passionate advocate for the force and for the region throughout his exceptional career.
“It has been an honour to have appointed and then to work alongside such a first class Chief Constable, delivering our shared priorities to keep Merseyside safe.
“Andy has been a dedicated public servant throughout his career and I know he will continue to serve with distinction until he officially leaves the role.
“I thank Andy wholeheartedly for his service to policing and to the people of Merseyside. He has been an outstanding Chief Constable and I am sorry that his time has come to leave us.
“I wish him every success and happiness in his future endeavours.”