Ian Croft

My name is Ian Croft. I am 51 years of age, and soon to retire from West Yorkshire Police where I am the current head of Criminal Justice, and a qualified Tactical Firearms and Critical Incident Commander at force level. Until taking up my most recent posting, I was the lead Coach and mentor for this key area of business, now holding the current rank of Police Superintendent having been promoted in November 2022.

I lead on the five Strategic Priorities within Criminal Justice

• Investigation Standards and Golden Hour Principles
• Custody Services - Policy Writing and Operational Lead
• Victims and Witness Care - Special Measures/Vulnerable Victims
• Prevention / Reoffending Process
• Charging and Outcome Focused Leadership - Victim Focused

I have now completed 30 years service, covering a wide variety of roles listed within this CV spanning across the whole of West Yorkshire, which I can elaborate on further if required.

I currently manage a budget of £2 million pounds per annum and have responsibility for 350 employees.

In my role as a Superintendent, I am often the most senior officer on duty and responsible for leading the organisation on a 24/7 basis, often within a very challenging and fast moving environment, but conversely, I am adept in leading and directing Strategic plans through my primary role, to enhance and improve service delivery within a partnership setting, holding others to account for a joint approach of what we are seeking to achieve.

I have been a senior leader within the organisation for the last 18 years at both an operational and strategic level and am known for my work ethic, humility, and attention to detail, striving to achieve the very highest of standards, often briefing the Chief Constable and partners relating to key areas of threat and risk.

Throughout the last 5 years, I have been the lead coach and mentor for all new firearms commanders, training individuals from a diverse background, all of who are now qualified, a great legacy as I retire from the organisation.

I have been promoted on five separate occasions throughout my career and have worked as both an operational officer in all ranks and within the Criminal Investigation Department, so my knowledge is wide and far reaching which would enhance what LTU are seeking of in their future lecturers.

I thrive on teaching others, watching them learn and develop, gaining their confidence and being able to then apply this in any given practical environment, achieving a learning outcome.

I am recruit and select trained and an active member of the police interview panels for both promotion and lateral development within the organisation.

I am a qualified Coach and Mentor and have a number of individuals who are assigned to me to support and develop their career and personal aspirations, a skill which I am passionate about.

I am an advocate of academic training, however my own skills are very much related to the operational aspect of learning and developing others, utilising my 30 years of policing experience to share and bring about meaningful learning that can build a more professional and diverse workforce. I feel that a blend of both makes for an effective and successful learning environment.

Throughout 2023, I have attended on several occasions on a voluntarily basis in my own time to deliver Operational inputs at the LTU. Again much of my planning and preparing has been completed in my own time and has received much positive feedback from the students and lecturers alike.

I have no professional qualifications external to policing, however I have all the skills and attributes to work within the field that is being advertised and would like to explore options to enhance and improve what LTU have already delivered with success.

I work extremely well on an individual basis, as this is primarily my role now, however I am a keen and committed individual who works well within a team and have an ability and natural flare for taking others with me.

I would be a positive asset to any organisation that I am fortunate enough to work within, whether that be on a paid contract or as a paid visiting lecturer where I feel my skills are what you are looking for.

I have a proven track record of dealing with the public, understanding their needs and providing a great level of service.

Finally, I have been commended on 15 occasions throughout my career for services to the public and my leadership style, and hold a number of professional accreditations from within policing that would make me an ideal candidate to enhance and support LTU moving forward.

I have the maturity, experience and empathy for being effective in role.

Please refer to any of the WYP Chief Officer Team for any corroboration of details within this CV which I am confident would be fully endorsed.