GMP chief constable stands down with immediate effect
Ian Hopkins, the chief constable of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), has announced he is to stand down, just hours after the force was placed in special measures over concerns about its failure to record more than 80,000 crimes in the space of a year.
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said it was left “deeply troubled” over how cases handled by the force were closed without proper investigation.
In a statement, Mr Hopkins said: “These are challenging times for GMP. The force has a long-term strategic plan to address the issues raised by the HMICFRS and I believe this plan should be led by a chief constable who can oversee it from start to finish. Considering what is best for GMP and the communities we serve, and given my current ill health, I have decided to stand down from the post of chief constable with immediate effect.
“It has been an honour to serve the public for 32 years, nearly 13 of which as a chief officer in GMP. Throughout my career I have been committed to achieving the best outcomes for the people I serve. The decision to stand down is not one I have taken lightly but I feel the time is right.
“I was due to retire in autumn 2021 and bringing that date forward assists in the timely recruitment of my successor.
“I would like to pay tribute to my colleagues and the many dedicated officers and staff I have had the privilege of working with throughout my service.”
Stu Berry, Chairman of Greater Manchester Police Federation, said: “It has been an extremely busy, difficult and demanding year for Greater Manchester Police and our members have worked tremendously hard to keep our communities safe during this extraordinary Covid-19 pandemic.
“As a consequence of the HMICFRS report this week, GMP has been placed into ‘special measures’ to assist with a strategy to improve in specific key areas, as set out within the report.
“These issues have been widely reported and well publicised but they should not – and must not – detract from the efforts of our hard working Greater Manchester Police Officers, who continue to put themselves in harm’s way to keep the public safe, each and every day.”
“Chief Constable Ian Hopkins has stood down with immediate effect and I have personally wished him well in the future. It is now time to consider the impact of these events and I will remain in direct contact with the acting chief constable and the Mayor’s office to influence and negotiate on behalf of our members.
“There are a number of priorities our members will expect me to pursue and I will engage internally to seek those views. Those efforts will start forthwith as the recruitment process for a permanent chief constable begins.”
