He has one of the most influential jobs in policing in England and Wales – and has already made his presence felt.

Since Andy Cooke was appointed HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), he has barely been out of the headlines – talking about the need for a “back to basics” approach to law enforcement, advising police to attend more burglaries and reminding people that officers should not become the “thought police”.

Mr Cooke joined HMICFRS in 2021 after 36 years in policing at Lancashire and Merseyside where he served as Chief Constable. He succeeded Sir Tom Winsor, the watchdog’s longest-serving Chief Inspector, in April.

In the 58-year-old’s first broadcast interview in his new role, he talks to Policing TV’s Chief Presenter, Danny Shaw, about the impact of austerity, the attraction of being a detective – and why he’s bringing a more collaborative approach to the inspectorate’s work.