New Deputy Chief Constable appointed

Deputy Chief Constable Simon Byrne

Greater Manchester Police has appointed a new Deputy Chief Constable.

Simon Byrne, currently an Assistant Chief Constable at Merseyside Police, was selected from a field of six “extremely impressive” candidates from forces across the country  by Greater Manchester Police Authority’s nine-strong Appointments Panel following a two-day interview process.

Appointments Panel chairman Cllr Paul Murphy, who is also chairman of GMPA, said: “GMP is one of the largest forces in the country. Our officers are among the best there is and our chief officer vacancies always attract the highest calibre of applicants.

“The interview process is designed to ensure the most suitable candidate for the role is appointed and that has certainly been the case.”

GMP’s previous deputy David Whatton is leaving to become the Cheshire Constabulary Chief Constable.

Mr Byrne is expected to take up his GMP post, which is a five-year appointment, within the next three months.

His key responsibilities will include development of strategy, day-to-day force management, oversight of promotion (up to superintendent) and discipline and professional standards.