MPA appoints two new assistant commissioners

The Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) has appointed Mark Rowley, the current chief constable of Surrey Police and Simon Byrne, the current deputy chief constable of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), as assistant commissioners with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

The appointments were announced this week after interviews were conducted by an MPA panel, with Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Denis O’Connor and Catherine Crawford, MPA chief executive, acting as advisers.

Kit Malthouse, deputy mayor for policing, said: “While all the candidates interviewed had their individual strengths, both Mark and Simon excelled in interview and impressed the panel with their knowledge and experience. As assistant commissioners they will be expected to play a significant role within the MPS, ensuring its officers make London a safer city for us all.”

Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe added: “From the interviews it was very clear that Mark and Simon bring with them huge levels of operational experience. I am really pleased to be able to welcome them to the MPS and know that their appointment will help the MPS deliver our aim of world class policing that Londoners can be proud of.”

Mr Rowley has served in his current role since 2008. He began his policing career in 1987 with West Midlands Police before joining the National Criminal Intelligence Service as detective superintendent. He joined Surrey Police as chief superintendent in 2003.

Mr Byrne joined the MPS from school in 1982, moving to Merseyside Police in 1985 where he was promoted through the ranks to assistant chief constable. He was appointed deputy chief constable at GMP in 2009.

The appointment to assistant commissioner will be for a five-year fixed-term period at an annual starting salary of £181,455.