“A role I’ll always be proud of”: Outgoing Merseyside Chief reflects on her tenure and the tragedy that defined it

As Chief Constable Serena Kennedy prepares to step down after four and a half years at the helm of Merseyside Police, she leaves behind a legacy of reform, resilience, and community connection.

In a sit down chat reflecting on her time in office, Kennedy has shared the highs and lows of her tenure; from historic crime reductions, Eurovision in Liverpool, and the heartbreak of the Southport attack.

Challenging moments

Serena Kennedy has led the force through some of the region's most shocking crimes: The murders of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel and 12-year-old Ava White, the Liverpool Parade incident, and the bombing at Liverpool Women's Hospital, to name a few.

“It’s certainly been a very busy and challenging four and a half year period as Chief Constable, but the events that took place in Southport on 29th July 2024 will stay with me and the community forever,” Kennedy said. “No matter how difficult it was to lead the organisation through that, let’s remember the families of Elsie, Alice and Bebe, the ten others who were injured and the other little girls who witnessed things that nobody should ever witness.”

The attack, which claimed the lives of three young girls during a Taylor Swift themed dance class, shocked the region and the nation. Kennedy's now revealed she received 'horrific' online abuse in the aftermath, including thousands of 'vile comments' questioning her ability as a chief constable and calling for her to be sacked.

Nevertheless, Kennedy said her priority throughout that period was clear: justice for the victims and their families: "They were the important people, not the difficulties that we were facing as a partnership, as a policing organisation or emergency responders. We had them in the forefront of our mind.”

Crime reduction

When Kennedy took over the role in April 2021, she became the first woman to lead Merseyside Police, with priorities aimed at tackling serious and organised crime, enhancing community engagement, and improving wellbeing and inclusion.

Among her key achievements, Kennedy highlights a dramatic reduction in crime.

“Last year there were 30,000 fewer victims of crime compared to my first year as Chief Constable - that’s something really significant and I’m really proud of the workforce for that.

"Clearly, during my time, serious and organised crime and firearms crime has featured heavily, however, if I look back over my tenure - we have experienced some of the lowest rates of firearms discharges that we’ve seen in the history of Merseyside police.

“This year we have only had seven firearms discharges since 1st April. Back in 2012, we used to have ten a month. There’s been some real significant improvements.”

Still, she acknowledged the devastating impact of gun violence, particularly during a six-day period in the summer of 2022, when three people were murdered.

Gun violence

Sam Rimmer, 22, Ashley Dale, 28, and nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel all lost their lives in separate shooting incidents across the region in August 2022.

“It was absolutely devastating for our communities, for our region and for us as an organisation. We hadn’t had a firearms murder for 13 months and firearms discharges were at the lowest they’ve ever been in the history of Merseyside police, and yet three people had been murdered. You have to take stock and think – what else can we do differently?"

Since then, the force has worked with those at the heart of the tragedies, including the families of Sam, Ashley and Olivia, who have joined efforts to educate others about the impact of crime.

“I’m proud of the work in relation to prevention, working with our communities and partners to stop people becoming involved in criminality.”

Proud moments

Surveys show that despite a challenging time, public confidence in Merseyside Police remains high, with 74% of residents expressing trust in the force; well above the national average. Kennedy attributes that to the "fantastic work" of her officers and staff.

She's also reflected on the highlights of her career that showcased Merseyside to the world, including hosting Eurovision, on behalf of Ukraine.

“Being around the city when Eurovision was on was, I have to say, one of my proudest moments. It wasn’t long after COVID so it was great to bring the tourists back into our region.

“I’ve had a brilliant time as the Chief Constable of Merseyside Police. I’m incredibly proud of the organisation. I’m going to miss them terribly but I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

Ms Kennedy's successor Rob Carden will take up the role on 1st September. A Liverpool native, he returns to home soil after serving as Chief Constable at Cumbria Constabulary.

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