MPS appoints new head of countering terrorism
The new head of the Metropolitan Police Service’s (MPS’s) Counter Terrorism Command (CTC) has vowed to develop relationships with partners and the public to keep people safe.
Commander Richard Smith will lead the CTC, also known as SO15, following the retirement of Acting Commander Clarke Jarrett. Mr Jarrett had been leading the command since May 2018.
The CTC is part of the national counter-terrorism policing network and has responsibility for tackling the threat in London, but also has responsibilities for activity across the UK and overseas. It includes the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit and the National Terrorism Financial Investigation Unit.
Mr Smith joined the MPS in 1996, beginning his policing career as a constable in south-west London. Since then, he has worked as a detective in local policing, anti-corruption, organised crime, covert policing and the MPS’s Trident Gang Crime Command.
He spent three years as the borough commander in Wandsworth before leading the MPS’s Safeguarding portfolio, with responsibility for protecting vulnerable adults and children in London.
Mr Smith, said: “I am very proud to be taking up the post of Commander of the Counter Terrorism Command.
“It is a privilege to lead a team of officers and staff who have exceptional experience in tackling terrorism. My priority will be to consolidate and develop the excellent working relationships we have with our partners, nationally and internationally, to ensure the safety of our communities. But we cannot do this alone and I would urge the public to work with us to tackle the ongoing threat of terrorism by reporting anything suspicious to police.”
