Federation leads tributes after death of Leicestershire officer

4 April 2020

Leicestershire Police Federation has led the tributes to Detective Constable Steve Ford who died on 2 April.

DC Ford, who was 58 and worked at Wigston within the modern slavery investigation team, died at Leicester General Hospital after being admitted to hospital a few days before. He leaves behind a wife and children.

The cause of his death has not yet been confirmed.

“This is a complete tragedy,” said Dave Stokes, Chairman of Leicestershire Police Federation. “The thoughts of all Leicestershire Police officers and the police family across the UK are with Steve’s wife and children, his family, friends and close colleagues at this awful time.”

Dave, who knew DC Ford personally, added: “Steve was a real dedicated family man. He had been a police officer for more than 20 years and was a tenacious, career detective who was renowned for never letting a case go. He just wouldn’t stop and was always truly determined to achieve justice for victims.

"His colleagues and I are completely devastated by the news. Steve was just a really, really popular police officer – no one would have ever had a bad word to say about him.”

Chief Constable Simon Cole said: “This is extremely sad and tragic news for Leicestershire Police and the policing family and our thoughts and condolences are with Steve’s family and friends at this devastating time.

“Steve was a talented officer who lived by the values we hold so tightly in this Force. It is a loss and a shock to us all. We are in touch with Steve’s family to provide any support we can at this impossible time. Welfare and support is also being provided to Steve’s colleagues within force. We will continue to honour Steve through our determination and service to protect others from harm.”

John Apter, National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, commented: "Desperately sad news from Leicestershire Police. Thoughts are with Steve’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time."

Leicestershire Police Federation will continue to support colleagues who will be mourning this terrible news - whilst having to carry on policing at this unprecedented time. We will also of course be supporting Steve’s wife and children and kindly ask that their privacy is respected.