Cressida Dick (centre) is welcomed as the new Commissioner by Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. Photo: @ukhomeoffice
Cressida Dick will be the next Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Home Secretary Amber Rudd announced on 22 February.
Currently a Director General at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Ms Dick was appointed by Her Majesty the Queen following a recommendation from the Home Secretary. In making her recommendation to the Queen, the Home Secretary considered the views of the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
She will lead the biggest police force in the UK, with more than 43,000 officers and staff and a budget of over £3bn. Working with the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) and partners across the criminal justice system, she will be responsible for overseeing the Metropolitan Police’s crucial work preventing crime, bringing offenders to justice and continuing to ensure an effective national response to the ongoing threat of terrorism. She will lead the Metropolitan Police through a time of significant change, and have a duty to uphold public confidence in the force.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd said, “Cressida Dick is an exceptional leader, and has a clear vision for the future of the Metropolitan Police and an understanding of the diverse range of communities it serves. I am delighted Her Majesty has agreed my recommendation after a rigorous recruitment process, which highlighted the quality of senior policing in this country.
“She now takes on one of the most demanding, high-profile and important jobs in UK policing, against the backdrop of a heightened terror alert and evolving threats from fraud and cyber crime. The challenges ahead include protecting the most vulnerable, including victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence. Cressida’s skills and insight will ensure the Metropolitan Police adapt to the changing patterns of crime in the twenty-first century and continue to keep communities safe across London and the UK.
“Cressida is absolutely the right choice to lead the Metropolitan Police as this Government continues its work to reform the police, and I look forward to working with her to make a real difference to policing in the capital.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said, “Cressida Dick will be the first female Commissioner of the Met in its 187-year history, and the most powerful police officer in the land. She has already had a long and distinguished career, and her experience and ability has shone throughout this process. On behalf of all Londoners, I warmly welcome Cressida to the role and I very much look forward to working with her to keep our capital safe and protected.
Ms Dick said, “I am thrilled and humbled. This is a great responsibility and an amazing opportunity. I’m looking forward immensely to protecting and serving the people of London and working again with the fabulous women and men of the Met. Thank you so much to everyone who has taught me and supported me along the way.”
The post was advertised as a fixed term contract for five years. The exact terms and conditions of service for this appointment, including the start date, will be agreed between the candidate and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) in accordance with Home Office Police Regulations.
