Full Breakdown
Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable's New Role Amid Criticism
3/24/2026, 8:30:30 PM
Overview of the Transition
Former Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable Kate Meynell is set to assume a new position as the head of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit's (EMSOU) regional review unit on April 6, 2023. This transition follows her retirement from the police force on March 17, 2023, due to a cancer diagnosis. Meynell's tenure was marked by significant scrutiny regarding her handling of the case involving Valdo Calocane, who committed multiple fatal stabbings in Nottingham.
Background on Valdo Calocane's Crimes
Valdo Calocane, a paranoid schizophrenic, was responsible for the stabbings of Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates, as well as a subsequent van attack on Wayne Birkett, Marcin Gawronski, and Sharon Miller. The Nottingham Inquiry has been investigating the police's response to Calocane's actions, particularly the failure to apprehend him before the attacks, which Meynell described as "unacceptable."
Criticism of Police Response
Meynell has faced heavy criticism for her leadership during the investigation into Calocane's crimes. During her testimony at the Nottingham Inquiry, she acknowledged the shortcomings of her force and admitted to mistakes, including a failure to inform victims' families about critical developments. Despite these admissions, she stated that the EMSOU's review of the investigation did not raise concerns about its overall quality.
EMSOU's Challenges and Meynell's New Role
The EMSOU unit, which Meynell will lead, has been criticized for being "inadequate" in tackling serious and organized crime, as reported by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS). The inspection highlighted a focus on traditional serious crimes, such as drug trafficking and firearms, at the expense of addressing issues like human trafficking and organized immigration crime. EMSOU personnel reported deficiencies in experience, skills, and coordination.
A spokesperson for EMSOU expressed optimism about Meynell's appointment, citing her extensive experience in leading homicide and major crime investigations. The unit is tasked with reviewing live, concluded, and unsolved homicides and serious incidents across the East Midlands.
Official Statements & Responses
Meynell stated during the inquiry, "The force has work to do," acknowledging the need for improvement in police operations. EMSOU's spokesperson noted, “We look forward to welcoming Kate Meynell as the new Head of Regional Review in April,” emphasizing her qualifications for the role.
Verbatim Quotes
- “acknowledges that the force has work to do” — Kate Meynell, Former Chief Constable
- “A spokesperson for EMSOU said: “We look forward to welcoming Kate Meynell as the new Head of Regional Review in April.” — EMSOU Spokesperson
What's Next
As Meynell transitions into her new role, the EMSOU will continue to address the challenges highlighted in the HMICFRS report. The ongoing Nottingham Inquiry will likely influence future police practices and oversight in the region.
