New Chief Constable of Greater Manchester, Ian Hopkins, assures people that the police will still respond despite significant cuts

Ian Hopkins - the new Chief Constable of Greater Manchester

The new Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Ian Hopkins has assured people that despite cuts, the police will still respond to phone calls and will still have a presence in local communities.

Speaking to Rochdale Online, Mr Hopkins said: “The cuts to the police have affected every area and Rochdale is no exception. People may have noticed less police on the streets or driving around, but we are here and we will respond.

“When I started at GMP there were 8,100 officers. Since 2011 we have lost significant numbers in officers and we are set to lose more by 2019. It has affected every area and people will notice a difference, but I want to reassure people that we will continue to answer their calls. Out of the emergency calls that we get to 999 only 10% are a real emergency, but we will continue to answer those calls and respond.”

Mr Hopkins started his career in Staffordshire in 1989 and was transferred to Northamptonshire Police in 1991. He then moved to Cheshire Police in 2003 where he was a Divisional Commander for Chester and Ellesmere Port.

He joined Greater Manchester Police (GMP) from Cheshire Police in 2008 as an Assistant Constable before being promoted to Deputy Chief Constable in 2011. During his time with GMP, Mr Hopkins has experienced a variety of tasks including handling large events, high profile football matches and protests.

Speaking about his plans going forward as Chief Constable, Mr Hopkins said: “One of my top priorities is to work on the serious and organised crime side of things because that is the thing that really does get into the local communities and affect people. We will do all that we can but we need people to help us as well. We have some great communities out there who get stuck in and clean up and work with us, but there are some that don’t and it is about working together to tackle these issues.

“I have to work within a budget and we are set to get that in November, so once I get that and I know what I have to work with, I can set my priorities.”

Mr Hopkins is no stranger to Rochdale and has spent time in and around the borough.

He said: “Rochdale is a great place and it has a tremendous community spirit and yes it does have its problems, just like anywhere else, but I like Rochdale and I think it’s a great place.

“I have spent a lot of time in Rochdale and worked closely with Nadeem Mir before he retired. I also work closely with Chris Sykes and have worked with the Sunrise Team and their work around sexual exploitation. I was in Rochdale a few weeks ago and there is a great initiative going on between the police and the local authority and housing officers to crackdown on serious organised crime.”

Mr Hopkins is due to take over from current Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy at the end of October.

He added: “Sir Peter still has a few weeks to go yet. He doesn’t finish until 30 October but I think he last working day is the 23 October so I will take over on the 24 October. It is very exciting.”

Following the announcement of Mr Hopkins as the new Chief Constable, he agreed with the leaders of all 10 Local Authorities that he will visit with them once a quarter.

Mr Hopkins said: “When I accepted the job I made a promise to the leaders of each of the 10 Local Authorities that I would visit them once a quarter so that is something I intend to do, so I will be back in Rochdale.”