MPA appoints new Assistant Commissioner (Central Operations) in the Met

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2 December 2010

The Metropolitan Police Authority has appointed Lynne Owens, currently the Metropolitan Police Service’s (MPS’s) Deputy Assistant Commissioner (DAC) Territorial Policing, as the new Assistant Commissioner (AC) for Central Operations.

AC Lynne Owens will be responsible for a number of specialist units providing a range of policing functions across the Met, including public order, and as a member of the MPS Management Board will help formulate the strategic direction of the Met.

The interviews were conducted by a panel of three MPA members, with Sir Paul Stephenson, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, and Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, Bernard Hogan-Howe, acting as police advisers. Catherine Crawford, MPA Chief Executive, was also in attendance.

Commenting on the appointment, Kit Malthouse, chair of the MPA, said:

“Many congratulations to Lynne Owens on her appointment as Assistant Commissioner Central Operations. Lynne was excellent in interview and impressed the panel with the knowledge and experience she has displayed in her current position as DAC Territorial Policing.

“Lynne is a highly talented police officer and we fully expect her to perform an outstanding job in this area of critical importance.”

The Commissioner, Sir Paul Stephenson, said:

"Lynne Owens is a highly professional and competent officer and this was recognised in the selection process. I'm really pleased to be able to welcome her to my Management Board team and I have no doubt that she will make a significant contribution to the challenging role leading Central Operations."

Notes to editors

1. Central Operations consists of a number of specialist units that provide a broad range of policing functions, including firearms command unit, territorial support, emergency preparedness, dog support unit, mounted branch, air support unit and marine policing unit. These units effectively provide an integrated, collaborative and community focused service to London. Central Operations also has the remit for delivering the security arrangements for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London. With this appointment, it will also take on responsibility for the wider criminal justice portfolio.
2. AC Owens is only the second women to ever be appointed to so senior a position in the MPS.
3. The appointment to Assistant Commissioner Central Operation is for a five year fixed term period at an annual starting salary of £181,455.
4. The MPA selection panel comprised: Kit Malthouse (MPA chair), Toby Harris and Clive Lawton (MPA independent members).

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