MPA appoints new Metropolitan Police Commanders

16/07
07 March 2007

The Metropolitan Police Authority has appointed three new commanders to the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), equivalent to assistant chief constables in other forces.

They are: Mark Simmons and Stuart Osborne, currently temporary commanders with the Metropolitan Police Service, and Chief Supt Ian Quinton of Norfolk Constabulary.

A panel of four MPA members interviewed the candidates. Sir Ian Blair, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, acted as police adviser, and Catherine Crawford, Chief Executive and Clerk to the Authority, also advised the panel.

An independent observer, Lady Angela Harris of Greenwich, was also present to ensure the selection process was conducted fairly and even handedly, and that all candidates were given the opportunity to answer questions and express their opinions in an open and honest manner.

MPA Chair Len Duvall, who led the promotion panel, said:

“The Metropolitan Police Authority congratulates the successful candidates. As we expected all candidates were of a high calibre, which made our final decisions all the more difficult. But we believe we have chosen the best people to join the highest echelons of the police service, and we will expect them to use their skills, expertise and professionalism to deliver for the people of London.

“In their new roles, to be announced by the Commissioner in due course, they will join other senior colleagues in delivering a service that is fit for the 21st century, people-focused and one which values and takes account of what Londoners want from their police. “

Commenting on the promotions Commissioner Sir Ian Blair said:

“I am confident that that the candidates who have been selected will lead by example and promote confidence in the MPS and within our communities. The position of commander within the Met is tough and demanding and requires real dedication and commitment. The selection process was full and thorough and tested each candidate’s ability at various stages. I am aware that there were some good candidates who were unsuccessful on this occasion and we will be working with them and the MPA to give them feedback and to identify future development opportunities."

Notes to editors

Current posts: Mark Simmons is in charge of MPS northeast link, criminal justice and volume crime; Stuart Osborne is Centrex director for the National Police Improvement Agency implementation, and deputy director of the Leadership Academy for Policing; and Ian Quinton of Norfolk Constabulary is staff officer to Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Sir Ronnie Flanagan.

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office

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