Stephen Watson has been confirmed as the new Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police (GMP). Chief Constable Watson will take charge of the force in the Summer and has stated that ‘rapid improvement is possible’.
Chief Constable Stephen Watson said, “I am acutely aware of the challenges that currently face the force but I am convinced that a new and brighter chapter is perfectly achievable. Whilst much remains to be done, and rapid improvements must be made, there is also much to be proud of in what the force achieves every day. The energy and determination within GMP to realise the enormous latent potential of the force is palpable. I have the great privilege of being able to get stuck-in alongside great people who want to deliver an outstanding service to all of the communities that we serve.”
Gaining experience in Lancashire, Merseyside and the Metropolitan Police, in June 2015 Chief Constable Watson was appointed Deputy Chief Constable for Durham Constabulary and a year later took up his current role as Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police (SYP). During his tenure at SYP the force has been the most improved in the country for three consecutive years following a troubled period.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said, “I look forward to working with Chief Constable Stephen Watson. He has an extremely impressive track record of working in senior positions in some of the country’s biggest police forces. The change he has overseen in his time in charge of South Yorkshire Police is particularly impressive and his drive, ambition and desire to serve the public is what Greater Manchester needs.
“I have every confidence that when Chief Constable Watson is in post later this year, he will set about improving Greater Manchester Police and embedding the positive, accountable, victim-centred culture that I have said I want to see.”
