Force bids a fond farewell to experienced officer

After a 30-year career with Leicestershire Police, Detective Superintendent Tange Bhakta, is set to retire this week. (July 6)

The 50 year-old, who is originally from Manchester, joined as a Police Constable in 1992 at the tender age of 21, and has held roles including Sergeant, Inspector, Detective Inspector and Chief Inspector, working in among others the Economic Crime Unit, Serious Harm Reduction Unit and Serious Investigation.

His final years however, have been spent leading the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB).

Having originally wanted to join a force closer to home, height restrictions at the time made that impossible. But their loss turned out to be Leicestershire’s gain and Tange never looked back, even meeting his future wife, Helena, on day one of training.

Helena, a former Detective Inspector retired in January this year.

“It’s been amazing to work with so many talented people. There are absolutely no regrets about joining Leicestershire,” D/Supt Bhakta said.

“I feel incredibly lucky to have been guided so well throughout the years and humbled to have been able to assist others on their career journey. I’ve made some amazing friends and I’ll miss my colleagues and the buzz I get from my role immensely.

“Dealing with violent crime, murders, and other serious criminality isn’t in your average job spec and I feel now, after so long, it’s time for me to move onto something new.

“Policing has changed immeasurably since I joined. I could have followed in the family footsteps and gone into insurance and finance but I chose policing at a time when you didn’t see many others like me in any force.

“Growing up, my interactions with the police were around being stopped. For me the only way to change that was to join up.

“I’m proud that Leicestershire recruits from all sections of our community and I think this force is in a great shape with chief officers who push the boundaries and work incredibly hard.

“The processes we use and technology at our hands has changed immeasurably since I first started and I’m sure Leicestershire will continue to change and evolve going forward too.

“I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and other endeavours – whatever they may be. I’m certainly not one to sit around.

“It’s been a huge privilege to be part of this force and I know my last day will be an emotional one.”

T/CC Rob Nixon said: “Tange should be proud of his 30-year career with the Force. He has given exemplary service in all the roles he has undertaken since joining in 1992. I am immensely grateful for his professionalism, integrity and tireless work over the years. 

“Tange developed a wide range of policing experience both in uniform, CID Economic Crime and latterly excelled in the covert and intelligence arena. He made a fantastic contribution to policing and will be missed by many. I wish Tange a long and happy retirement.”

For more information on career opportunities with Leicestershire Police visit the force website.