GMP CHIEF QUITS AFTER DAMNING REPORT UNCOVERS HUGE FAILURES IN CRIME REPORTING

Ian Hopkins, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police has quit this afternoon, just days after the publication of a damning report into failures in crime reporting within the constabulary which have now lead to intervention and special measures being imposed.

Mr Hopkins has been on medical leave due to suffering from labyrinthitis - an inner-ear infection which affects your balance - since the end of October.

In a statement Mr Hopkins said:

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These are challenging times for Greater Manchester Police. The force has a long-term strategic plan to address the issues raised by the HMIC 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.

 

ACC Ian Pilling will not take his place as acting police constable with immediate effect.

Greater Manchester's Metro Mayor, Andy Burnham said that he must hold Mr Hopkins to account, adding:

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For a number of years, GMP has been found by the inspectorate to be in need of improvement in these important areas.

This latest report, carried out in September, and based of force data between April and June this year revealed a unacceptable lack of progress.

 

Meanwhile the Mayor has also come under criticism over his handling of the situation with MP for Bolton, Chris Green, calling him to immediately resign, stating that in his position Mr Burnham has ultimate authority over policing in Greater Manchester and is absolute responsible for its failures.

The force will now enter into the ‘national oversight process’ after inspectors found failures around crime recording and the protection of vulnerable people across the Greater Manchester region..