Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson QPM has paid tribute to the thousands of officers and staff he has served with throughout his career, as he was formally knighted by Anne, Princess Royal, yesterday at St James’ Palace.
CC Watson was named in the King’s Birthday Honours list last June where he was recognised for his extensive commitment to policing and the exceptional results his leadership as Chief Constable has inspired both here at GMP and in his previous force South Yorkshire Police.
Sir Stephen Watson began his policing career in 1988 when he joined Lancashire Constabulary as a police constable, and has since served in number of forces across the UK including Merseyside Police, The Metropolitan Police, Durham Constabulary, South Yorkshire Police and has been Chief Constable of GMP since May 2021.
Since 2021, under Sir Stephen’s leadership, we have seen one of the most rapid and wide-ranging transformations in recent British policing history.
His “back to basics” focus has seen us answer emergency calls after an average of five seconds, attend emergencies consistently within target, and more than double the number of crimes solved compared with 2021.
We have strengthened local policing and proactive operations such as Vulcan and Avro have further driven up arrests and outcomes to victims, helping to reduce neighbourhood crime and renew public confidence across Greater Manchester.
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said: “After many years of service, I continue to believe passionately in the importance of the policing mission to the wellbeing of our country.
“My being recognised in this way, whilst wonderful and humbling in equal measure, is more accurately a reflection of the quality and commitment demonstrated by the vast majority of the many thousands of officers and staff with whom I have served with across the country.
“I dedicate my honour to the men and women who, through British policing generally and within Greater Manchester Police particularly, strive to serve the public so faithfully and fearlessly.
“It was such a privilege to attend the investiture at St James’ Palace and to share the moment with my wonderful wife and children. That I have always been able to count on their ceaseless love and support amounts to the most precious of my personal blessings.”
