Nottinghamshire Police confirms new Chief Constable

Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden has formally appointed Steve Cooper as Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire Police, following backing from the local police and crime panel.

The confirmation hearing marked the final stage of the statutory process after Cooper was named as the preferred candidate in December.

Godden said Cooper brings the “values, skills and experience” needed to lead the force, with a focus on improving performance and strengthening services for communities across Nottinghamshire.

“Having worked closely with Steve since I became PCC, I know that he shares my desire to put communities and victims first, strengthen partnership working and ensure Nottinghamshire Police is an efficient and effective service that meets the needs of all of our diverse communities across the city and county.”

Gary Godden.

Cooper takes on the role after serving as Acting Chief Constable for just over a year, stepping in when former Chief Constable Kate Meynell took leave following a cancer diagnosis. Meynell retired in March.

Describing the appointment as an “absolute privilege”, Cooper said he was proud to take responsibility for operational policing across the county.

“I’ve worked for Nottinghamshire Police and lived here for well over 25 years. It’s a great force with a great team and I look forward to continuing the journey to keep the people of Nottinghamshire safe.”

Steve Cooper.

Cooper began his policing career with the Metropolitan Police Service, working in uniform roles in central London and Brixton, as well as in intelligence within Special Branch. He transferred to Nottinghamshire Police in 2001 and has since held a wide range of operational and leadership roles.

His career has included positions across response policing, neighbourhood teams and criminal justice, as well as senior leadership posts overseeing major operations and specialist functions, including firearms, public order and CBRN response. He rose through the ranks to become Assistant Chief Constable in 2017, Deputy Chief Constable in 2022, and Acting Chief Constable in 2025.

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