Assistant Commissioner to retire from the MPS

Assistant Commissioner Ian McPherson is to leave the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) at the end of the year for opportunities in the private sector.

Mr McPherson, who has headed the MPS Territorial Policing directorate – the largest command in the MPS – for the past two years, handed in his notice to the chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA), Kit Malthouse, last week and informed the new MPS Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe, of his intention to retire from the force at the end of the year.

He said: “I’m proud to have served 32 years in the British police service – the most respected police force in the world – and I’ll be taking all my experiences with me as I retire in order to pursue opportunities in the private sector.

“I’d like to thank my team, and the men and women of my command who every day go out to protect and serve the public – often putting their own lives at risk. I’m honoured to have worked with so many committed and dedicated people. I’d also like to express my sincere gratitude to the chairman and members of the MPA.”

His decision came just hours after the new commissioner was appointed. However, he expressed his support for Mr Hogan-Howe describing him as “the right man for the job who will provide the MPS with strong leadership in trying times”.

Mr Hogan-Howe said: “Ian will be sorely missed by the British police service and especially here at the MPS, where he has built on his great success as chief constable of Norfolk. In the MPS he has initiated and overseen one of the largest change programmes in policing in order to cut red tape and waste, while at the same time maintaining quality policing services to the people of London.”

Mr Malthouse added: “I received Ian’s retirement notice with a heavy heart. His time at territorial policing has been one of quiet revolution and clear focus that has paid significant dividends in crime reduction and value for money. Always constructive and imaginative, he has been a pleasure to work with and we should all be grateful for his dedication to the safety of others, not just in London, but throughout a remarkable career.”

Mr McPherson has 32 years’ service.