Back in December, residents of Greater Manchester and beyond were stunned when it was revealed in a report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services that over 80,000 crimes reported to Greater Manchester Police went unrecorded.*
It led to the eventual resignation of GMP Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, and yesterday his successor, Stephen Watson, currently Chief Constable at South Yorkshire Police, was revealed.
"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" he said "...My confidence that rapid improvement is possible is amplified given the time that I have been privileged to work in South Yorkshire. In that case, a force which had experienced a number of issues but which retained a talented and committed workforce, has achieved huge progress and is today amongst the top tier of high performing forces."
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said "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" he added.
Bev Hughes, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, echoed the sentiments: "The appointment today of the highly experienced Chief Constable Stephen Watson will accelerate that positive change and I am confident we will see evidence of his impact over the next few months and beyond.
"It is time for Greater Manchester Police to begin a new era, to bring out the talents of the many dedicated officers and staff who want to do the best, and be the best, for all the people and communities across our-city region" she added "It's an exciting prospect and I look forward to working together with him."
*For a full background see previous Salford Star article – click here
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