MPA appoints Metropolitan Police Service’s new Assistant Commissioner Specialist Operations 

05/08
7 February 2008

The Metropolitan Police Authority today appointed Bob Quick to become the Metropolitan Police Service’s new Assistant Commissioner Specialist Operations.

The role of Assistant Commissioner Specialist Operations comprises the Counter Terrorism Command, Specialist Protection and Royalty Protection.

Bob Quick is currently Chief Constable of Surrey Constabulary. 

The interviews were conducted by a panel of six MPA members, with Sir Ian Blair, Metropolitan Police Commissioner, and Denis O’Connor, Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, acting as police advisers. Charles Farr, Director-General of the Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism, represented the Home Secretary’s interest in counter-terrorism policing. Catherine Crawford, MPA Chief Executive, was also in attendance.

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

“This is a very challenging position within the MPS which requires the appointment of an outstanding officer with significant experience. Essential to the role is both a commitment to protect the UK from international terrorist activity, as well as the requirement for effective communications skills to work together with our communities in London, the most diverse capital city in the world.

“All of us on the panel were impressed by each candidate’s skills. However, Bob Quick impressed us with his particular display of knowledge and the leadership qualities he will bring to this vital position.”

Commissioner Sir Ian Blair described the post of Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations as “undoubtedly one of the toughest jobs in UK policing”.

Sir Ian said:

“I am delighted to welcome an officer of Bob Quick’s calibre to the Management Board of the MPS and have no doubt he has the skills and all round policing experience needed to be effective in this incredibly demanding post.

“Protecting London against terrorism will remain the Met’s number one priority for the foreseeable future and taking the strategic lead in that at Assistant Commissioner level requires real dedication and commitment.

“All the applicants were of a high calibre but I have no doubt the person with the right skills and experience has been chosen for this important and demanding position.” 

Notes to Editors

1. Assistant Commissioner Specialist Operations: The post holder is a member of the MPS Management Board and is directly responsible to the Commissioner. The post's principal accountabilities are to:

• provide strategic and effective leadership and vision to fight terrorism. Provide protection and maintain the confidence of other key agencies and forces;
• safeguard all communities through professional excellence in counter terrorism, security and protection;
• be ahead of changing national and international threats from terrorism and extremism and to develop further the capability and capacity to meet those threats;
• provide an effective liaison with colleagues in London boroughs and other parts of the Metropolitan Police Service in order to inform counter terrorism, security and protection responses;
• increase early identification of threats from terrorism, and opportunities for countering them; and
• enhance the security of key locations and protected persons.

2. The appointment to Assistant Commissioner is for a five year fixed term period at an annual salary of £168,006 plus benefits.

3. The closing date for receipt of applications was Friday 4 January 2008. Shortlisting took place on 31 January 2008, with an assessment process on 4 February for the shortlisted candidates. Interviews were held on 7 February 2008.

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office 

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