Stephen Watson QPM is amongst the most experienced senior officers in the country having joined Lancashire Constabulary in 1988. He was appointed to Merseyside Police in 2006 on promotion to Chief Superintendent, where he initially headed up the force’s Strategic Development Department. He subsequently served for 3 years as Area Commander for Liverpool North, one of the largest and most challenging Basic Command Units in the country.
In 2011, he was appointed to the Metropolitan Police as Commander for the East Area, with responsibility for all aspects of operational policing across nine London boroughs. This dynamic and diverse area is home to over 2.3 million Londoners and he held command of 6,250 police officers and staff with a total operating budget of £325 million.
As a qualified firearms and public order commander, he regularly performed Gold Command roles in a number of high-profile policing operations and critical incidents, including a fatal helicopter crash in central London and in working with partner agencies across East London so as to restore public confidence in the aftermath of the 2011 riots. As a senior member of the 2012 Olympic Command Team, he was awarded the Commissioner’s Commendation in recognition of his role, which involved the planning and delivery of all territorial policing across London throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In June 2015 Stephen returned to the north of England, having been appointed Deputy Chief Constable for Durham Constabulary, and in July 2016 Stephen took up his appointment as Chief Constable for South Yorkshire Police (SYP). During his tenure, SYP became one of the most improved force in the country for 3 consecutive years and is today amongst the very top tier of high performing forces. Stephen became Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police in May 2021.
On behalf of the NPCC (National Police Chiefs’ Council) he holds the national lead for Crime Prevention and is the chair of the National Counter Corruption Advisory Group. He is the Chairman of the England Police Rugby Union Football Club. His formal management qualifications include a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. In 2019, Stephen was awarded the Queens Police Medal (QPM) for distinguished service
The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is the territorial police force responsible for law enforcement in the Greater Manchester area. Officially established on April 1, 1974, as part of the Local Government Act 1972, which reorganised local government structures across England and Wales. This act led to the creation of the metropolitan county of Greater Manchester, and GMP was formed by merging several existing borough and city police forces, including the Manchester City Police and the Salford City Police. The formation aimed to provide a unified and efficient police service capable of addressing the complex law enforcement needs of a large urban area.
In its early years, GMP faced numerous challenges typical of urban policing, such as managing public order, combating crime in densely populated areas, and integrating the various policing practices and cultures of the predecessor forces. The force quickly became known for its proactive approach to community policing and crime prevention. GMP’s early commitment to engaging with local communities helped build trust and cooperation, which were crucial for effective policing in a diverse and dynamic metropolitan region.
Throughout its history, GMP has dealt with many significant events that have shaped its development. One notable incident was the Strangeways Prison Riot in 1990, one of the most serious prison riots in British history, where GMP played a crucial role in restoring order. Another major event was the 1996 IRA bombing in Manchester city center, which caused extensive damage but miraculously resulted in no fatalities. GMP’s coordinated emergency response and subsequent investigation showcased the force’s capability and resilience. Additionally, GMP was instrumental in ensuring the security of the 2002 Commonwealth Games held in Manchester, an event that drew international attention and visitors.
In recent years, GMP has continued to adapt to the evolving landscape of law enforcement, addressing issues such as terrorism, cybercrime, and organized crime. The force has been involved in high-profile cases and operations, including the response to the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing during an Ariana Grande concert. GMP led the emergency response and the subsequent investigation, highlighting the force’s preparedness and dedication to public safety. Another significant operation was Operation Augusta in 2020, where GMP reopened investigations into historical child sexual exploitation cases, demonstrating a commitment to addressing past failures and ensuring justice for victims.
Today, GMP employs over 6,500 police officers, supported by thousands of civilian staff and volunteers. The force is structured into various divisions and specialized units, such as counter-terrorism, cybercrime, and major crime investigation. GMP continues to prioritize community engagement, crime prevention, and public safety, using advanced technology and data-driven approaches to enhance its policing efforts. Leadership changes over the years, with different Chief Constables bringing their own strategies and priorities, have also influenced the force’s direction. The current Chief Constable, Stephen Watson, who took over in 2021, has focused on improving operational performance and public trust.
Despite facing its share of criticism and challenges, including issues related to resource allocation, response times, and internal management, GMP has undergone several reforms to improve accountability, efficiency, and service quality. The history of Greater Manchester Police reflects broader trends and challenges in urban policing in the UK, marked by a commitment to adapting and evolving to meet the needs of the community it serves.