Police chief heads for new role

Chief Superintendent John O'Hare

Chief Superintendent John O'Hare, Divisional Commander for Rochdale, will leave his post next week to take on a new role as Head of Greater Manchester Police’s Special Operations Branch.

Chief Superintendent O’Hare took over as Rochdale’s chief of police in 2009, he previously worked in the Special Operations Branch. He will now head up that department and be in charge of the Tactical Aid Unit, firearms officers, public order officers, dogs and mounted sections, traffic police and Manchester Airport.

Chief Superintendent O’Hare’s replacement is Annette Anderson.

Ms Anderson will be Rochdale’s first female police chief.

Chief Superintendent O’Hare said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time over the last three years as Divisional Commander for Rochdale.

“It is an area I had never worked in before, but an area that subsequently I have felt a real connection with.

“I will always look back with fond memories.”

Mr O’Hare praised the “unsung heroes” who work at community level and said he wants to thank them for their support on many occasions.

He added: “The Rochdale Division has some of the hardest working and loyal people I have ever worked with and they always try their best to make a difference.”

Mr O’Hare said: “Crime and disorder has reduced constantly over the last three years and it [Rochdale] has been one of the best performing divisions in Greater Manchester and that is down to the work with partners and agencies working to identify those individuals who cause the most damage.

“Rochdale now has a whole different policing model, where all teams work together, sharing intelligence and have shared priorities.

“The refurbishment of the Divisional Headquarters was essential to enable the team work that now exists.”

He concluded: “I have been in Rochdale for three years and its now time for somebody new to come in and keep the division moving forward. I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenges of daily policing and I will remember the experiences of policing in Rochdale with fond memories.”