Assistant Chief Constable James Andronov retires from Northamptonshire Police

Northamptonshire Police bids a fond farewell to one of its most senior officers this week with the retirement of Assistant Chief Constable James Andronov.

ACC Andronov hands back his warrant card tomorrow (Friday, April 9), however officially leaves the Force on May 1, after a 30-year policing career which started with West Midlands Police.

Wanting a challenging career where he could make a difference to people’s lives, ACC Andronov found everything he was looking for, and more, when he enlisted in the police service in 1991.

His first posting was at Kings Heath Police Station in Birmingham and he has been fortunate to serve in some great roles, mostly in the West Midlands, with a broad range of local policing, investigative and operation roles.

After rising through the ranks to Chief Superintendent during his 26 years’ service with West Midlands Police, he transferred to Northamptonshire in May 2017, to join the Chief Officer team as Assistant Chief Constable.

During his time with the Force, ACC Andronov has led crime, intelligence, and public protection teams and overseen the Force’s Digital Strategy, then more recently focussing on local policing, the Force Control Room and Specialist Operations.

ACC Andronov said: “I have been lucky enough to serve in so many great roles in two brilliant forces, serving alongside many incredible colleagues. I’m also proud of being part of the Chief Constable team in building pride again in what we do for the public in Northamptonshire.

“I’ve always said, very truthfully, my favourite role has always been the current one at that time. My time as ACC at Northamptonshire Police has been no different - I’ve loved being a part of a great force, with a proud policing heritage and superb people.

“The thought of retiring still feels odd and I have some real mixed views about it to be honest. It sounds cheesy, but I am still in love with policing and think it is a fantastic career - I’ve loved every minute of it.

“I am sad to be leaving the Force but at the same time, it also feels the right time for me to go. Although I have no firm plans, I am excited about the future and I’m really looking forward to the fresh challenge in front of me.

“I would like to pay tribute to the work of every colleague in Northamptonshire Police – particularly officers and staff in frontline roles, who continue to serve the public every day with incredible professionalism and dedication.

“Finally, I would like to say thank you to everyone in the Force for their great work and support for me in my time with Northamptonshire Police.”

Chief Constable Nick Adderley and Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold both publicly thanked ACC Andronov for his loyal service to the communities he served.

The Chief said: “It has been an immense pleasure to serve with James and to see first-hand the difference he has made to policing across the county. His passion for policing has never waned and his loyalty to the communities of Northamptonshire never questioned.

“James has been instrumental in the development of local policing, our digital strategy, joint working with the Fire Service and in the design and implementation of many public scrutiny groups, allowing a real insight into the legitimacy and accountability of our actions.

“I wish James all the very best for the future and above all, I thank him for his service to the public and his support to me as chief constable.”

Mr Mold added: “James has been a key part of the leadership team during his time with Northamptonshire Police and I am very grateful for the role he has played in the changes that have reshaped the Force and helped make the county a safer place.”

Before retiring, ACC Andronov shared his thoughts and memories from his policing career with the Force’s e-magazine Nene Beat. Click here to read the interview in full.