Rob Nixon, the Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police, is retiring from policing on Friday (March 28), after an incredible 32-year career in the force.
Over the past week, he has been saying goodbye to colleagues, preparing his office for his successor, and even stepping out on the frontline as a response officer—revisiting life on the streets one final time.
When Rob first joined Leicestershire Police in 1993, he recalls radios the size of bricks, no mandatory stab vests, and a force that responded to 54,000 crimes a year—significantly fewer than the 110,000 they respond to today. The landscape of policing has drastically changed, but Rob is confident that he leaves the force in the best possible position for his successor, who is yet to be named.
Picture credit: Leicestershire Police
“When I look at policing now compared to 1993, it’s almost unrecognisable. Society’s changed, technology’s changed, and the volume of legislation has increased exponentially. The mission of policing has expanded considerably,” he reflects. “The job I joined in 1993 is nothing like the one I leave in 2025—literally chalk and cheese.”
Throughout his time with Leicestershire Police, Rob has experienced both lows and incredible highs, describing his journey as “varied and complex.” One highlight was the aftermath of the 2010-2012 English Defence League (EDL) protests. The far-right, Islamophobic group caused considerable unrest in the city, but Rob recalls walking through Leicester during a celebration event after the protests had subsided, feeling immensely proud of the community’s unity.
“I remember walking through the city as part of that celebration, seeing all the communities standing side by side, united in what Leicester actually stands for. I was deeply elated,” said Mr. Nixon. “However, ten years later, when there was disorder and tension between communities, it was heartbreaking. It was the polar opposite of what I had seen just a decade before.”
Despite these challenges, Rob remains proud of the progress the force has made, even as it faces an era of intense challenges. “We are entering one of the most difficult periods in policing,” he acknowledges. “With tough budgets, the need for innovation, and increased demands, it’s clear that we need to look at policing through a completely different lens.”
Picture credit: Leicestershire Police
Rob’s tenure has not been without its struggles. One of the biggest challenges he faced was ensuring that the workforce remained confident and competent, especially amid recruitment drives and the aftermath of Covid-19. “We recruited 850 officers to help replace those retiring, and we focused on making sure they were operationally competent. All of this had to be achieved despite a significant shortfall in funding,” he explains.
Despite financial constraints, Rob takes pride in the progress made during his time as Chief Constable: “We’ve managed to reduce the force’s expenditure significantly while maintaining service quality. We’ve stabilised leadership, brought in new IT and forensic capabilities, and we have a clear plan through 2030.”
Rob also notes the support he has received from the community and colleagues over the years: “I’ve received messages of thanks and support from so many people. My leadership visibility over the last two decades has helped me build strong connections, and I know those who trust and respect me will feel some sadness at my decision to retire. But they also know that I’ve done my best for them.”
To mark his departure, Rob spent some time on the frontline, thanking colleagues across various departments and ensuring everything was in order for his successor. “It’s also about appreciating those who have supported me on this varied and complex journey,” he says.
A particularly proud moment for Rob is the fact that three generations of his family have served within Leicestershire Police; His father Alec, himself and now his son, Tom.
”I had the privilege of working alongside my father, and I had the honour of officially welcoming my son Tom to the force. Three generations of the Nixon family have been part of Leicestershire Police, each facing different challenges,” he reflects.
“For Tom, it will be a very different journey from mine and my father’s, especially given the complexity of policing today.”
As he prepares to hand over the baton, he leaves behind a force that is still recognised as one of the best in the country, despite the many challenges it faces. “I’m proud of the legacy I’m leaving and the strong foundation we’ve built. I’m confident the future of Leicestershire Police is in good hands,” he concludes.
