Andy Cooke QPM DL

Andy Cooke was chosen as one of 10 new honorary fellows during our Bicentenary year because of his outstanding achievements and the positive impact of his leadership in policing both locally and nationally. His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) was presented by Professor Joe Yates, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Place and Partnership and Faculty of Arts, Professional and Social Studies) at St George’s Hall during a ceremony inducting the new fellows that took place in November 2023.

On becoming a fellow, he said: “I am honoured to be recognised as one of ten new honorary fellows at LJMU as they celebrate their 200th year. Throughout my career, I have been committed to driving positive change for local communities across Liverpool and nationally.”

Andy joined Merseyside Police in 1985 and served as a detective at every rank after obtaining a degree in politics from Nottingham University. His work included key roles in the force’s Major Crime Unit and serving as the first Commander of the nationally recognised ‘Matrix’ team, focusing on combating gun and gang-related crime. He made South Liverpool one of the top-performing Basic Command Units in the country. He significantly reduced crime, antisocial behaviour and disorder.

Andy also spent some years in Lancashire Constabulary as Assistant Chief Constable from 2008, overseeing Specialist Operations and Territorial Operations and returned to Merseyside in 2012 and became Deputy Chief Constable in 2013 and Chief Constable in 2016. Under his leadership, the force was graded as the highest-performing metropolitan force by HMICFRS.

Nationally, Andy held some of the highest risk portfolios in policing. In addition to leading the creation of the United Kingdom Protected Persons Service, he was the national policing lead for serious organised crime and national lead for crime.

Andy has been commended on ten occasions and earned The Queen’s Police Medal in 2014.

Andy has strong links with LJMU as an adjunct professor in our School of Justice Studies. “It’s been a privilege to work as an adjunct professor with the School of Justice Studies at LJMU. I look forward to continuing to support them in inspiring and educating the next generation.”

In April 2021, Andy was appointed HM Inspector of Constabulary and HM Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services, overseeing Northern England, and acting as the SRO for PEEL Inspection.