New national coordinator for counter-terrorism appointed

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball has been appointed the new Senior National Coordinator Counter-Terrorism following the retirement of her predecessor Stuart Osborne.

Ms Ball was the head of Trident Gang Crime Command in the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) before moving to Thames Valley Police on appointment as assistant chief constable. There she was in charge of the South East Counter-Terrorism Unit. She re-joined the MPS in November 2012 as deputy assistant commissioner for territorial policing.

Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe said: “The role of Senior National Coordinator Counter-Terrorism is one of the most important in policing. I am extremely pleased that we have appointed an outstanding candidate. I know that Helen has the leadership qualities required to take forward the national coordination of counter-terrorism investigations. I welcomed Helen back into the MPS last year from Thames Valley Police and look forward to continue working with her.”

Ms Ball will take up her new role next month.