ACC Hopkins to take on Deputy role

ACC Hopkins

Greater Manchester Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Ian Hopkins has been appointed acting Deputy Chief Constable.

ACC Hopkins will take on his new role on 5 December 2011, following the departure of DCC Byrne to the Metropolitan Police.

Mr Hopkins joined the Force from Cheshire Constabulary where he was a Divisional Commander. In April 2008, he took up post as Assistant Chief Constable with GMP where he’s been responsible for response policing, specialist operations and is the command lead for critical and major incidents.

In his new role, Mr Hopkin’s key responsibilities will include development of strategy, day-to-day force and performance management, and managing relationships with key stakeholders including the Police Authority, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) and the National Police Improvement Agency (NPIA).

Councillor Paul Murphy, Chairman of GMPA, said: “We interviewed two very impressive candidates for the post, making it a difficult decision for the panel and we congratulate Ian on his successful appointment.  The Police Authority has every confidence that he will do an outstanding job as acting Deputy Chief Constable; continuing to drive performance, bring down crime and deliver a quality police service to our communities.
 
“There is also no doubt that Garry Shewan will continue to be an excellent Assistant Chief Constable, providing outstanding leadership to all officers and staff in GMP and helping to ensure the Force continuously improves.

 “The appointment of a temporary Deputy Chief Constable will allow us to fully consider the future needs of the Chief Officer team in the face of immense changes and financial uncertainty. GMP’s command team needs to be flexible and have the right balance of skills and knowledge to see us through the challenges ahead and also build on the successes of recent years.”

Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: “Given the uncertainty facing the force over finances and future changes to governance it is right to make a temporary appointment. I am sure Ian will do a great job.”

Ian Hopkins was appointed by GMPA’s Appointments and Remuneration Panel, following interviews on Friday 25 November. Chief Constable Peter Fahy was also involved in the interview process.