Former Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Chief Constable Rob Nixon Honoured with CBE in King’s New Year List

Former Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Chief Constable Rob Nixon Honoured with CBE in King’s New Year List

Chief Constable Rob Nix at the opening of 

Oakham's new police station. 23rd March 2023.

One of the region’s most respected former public servants has been awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in His Majesty the King’s New Year Honours List.

Rob Nixon, who retired as Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police in March 2025, received the prestigious honour for his tireless services to policing and criminal justice. The award recognises a stellar 32-year career that saw him rise from a beat constable to the highest office in the force, as well as his vital national role navigating the UK’s justice system through a period of unprecedented crisis.

Speaking from retirement, Mr. Nixon described the news as "deeply humbling." While the award bears his name, he was quick to share the credit with the officers and staff he led across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.

"I am truly honoured," Mr. Nixon said. "The last few years working as both Chief Constable and the NPCC lead for criminal justice were hugely demanding but also incredibly rewarding. Every agency was under immense pressure... but what stands out most from that period is the people I was very privileged to work with."

He paid tribute to his family and his "outstanding" support team, noting that the achievements of the force were always a "collective leadership" effort.

Mr. Nixon’s tenure as Chief Constable (2022–2025) will be remembered for modernising the force during a period of extreme budgetary constraints. Under his watch, Leicestershire Police became a national leader in technology, adopting cloud infrastructure and AI to stay ahead of modern criminals.

He was also a champion of "prevention first," establishing a dedicated Prevention Directorate to stop crime at its roots and creating a nationally recognized academy to train the next generation of officers.

Locally, he was a steady hand during turbulent times, leading the response to the 2022 disorder in East Leicester and serving as the strategic lead for the region during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Though he has hung up his uniform, Mr. Nixon’s connection to the force remains strong. He is currently working with The Ian and Clare Mattioli Charitable Trust to raise funds for a new Memorial Garden at Police Headquarters, dedicated to those who gave their lives in the line of duty.

T/Chief Constable David Sandall offered his congratulations, stating:

"His commitment to the diverse communities of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and to also bringing change across the wider criminal justice system is something recognised by many partners... he should feel immensely proud."

Mr. Nixon previously received the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) in 2020, making the CBE the second major royal recognition of his distinguished career.

Rob Nixon: A Career in Numbers

• 32: Years in policing.

• 1993: The year he joined Leicestershire Police as a constable.

• 3: Years served as Chief Constable.

• 2023: The year he took over the national NPCC lead for Criminal Justice.

• 2: Major royal honours (QPM and CBE).