Greater Manchester Police Authority meets for the final time

DCC Ian Hopkins, Chief Executive Barbara Spicer, Chairman Cllr Paul Murphy, Vice Chair Christine McGawley JP, Exective Director Russell Bernstein, Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

Cllr Paul Murphy has reflected on the challenges and achievements during his time as Chairman of Greater Manchester Police Authority, as Members meet for the last time before handing over the reins to the incoming police and crime commissioner.

“There’s only a few days to go until Greater Manchester goes to the polls to elect the first police and commissioner, marking a significant change in the governance, oversight and, most importantly, the scrutiny of our police force,” said Cllr Murphy.

“I have served as Chairman for more than five years, and it has been an honour and a privilege. As we get ready to hand over to the newly elected commissioner, I am confident that we are also handing over a fitting legacy.

“During my time as Chairman, the police authority and GMP have faced many challenges. But we have overcome these together and have come a long way since 2009 when we were almost placed in special measures by the Home Office. It is thanks to the commitment of the command team, officers and staff at GMP, combined with the dedication, steer and increased robustness of scrutiny from police authority members, that we can proudly say that crime is at its lowest level for more than a decade and continues to fall. What is even more rewarding is that public satisfaction and support for the police continues to improve.”

At the meeting of the authority, on Friday 9 November, Members heard how crime continues to fall across Greater Manchester. Between April and September 2012, there were 12 per cent fewer crimes, compared to the same period the year before.

“The last couple of years have been the most challenging for the Authority, as we‘ve had to make some tough decisions in order to find savings of £134M. But despite this, and as Members have heard at today’s meeting, crime continues to fall and I want to thank the Chief Constable and GMP’s dedicated team of officers and staff for their continued hard work.

“Finally, I also want to thank the members of the police authority for their dedication and commitment over the years in ensuring that the people of Greater Manchester have the police service they deserve.”

Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: “The last Police Authority meeting is one of the most significant events in the history of policing in Manchester as it brings to an end this particular system of police oversight involving local councillors and, more recently, independent members.

“The relationship between the Police Authority and GMP has not always been easy but no one can doubt that the Authority has worked for the good of local people and the good of policing. It has provided robust scrutiny and challenge but also ensured that the Force was properly funded and made significant long term investments.

“One of its strengths has been the diversity of its membership and the way it has represented all the boroughs, cities and towns of Greater Manchester. The Authority made significant investments in the Force's ability to deal with serious crime, supported the creation of the Counter Terrorist Unit and then ensured the force strengthened its approach to neighbourhood policing.

“The Authority leaves the force in a good position with strong performance and significant investment in new buildings to enable the force to make savings for the future. Police Authority members have made considerable efforts to understand the day to day reality of policing and to support the staff trying to do their best in difficult situations. They have been alongside the force at times of tragedy and extreme events. GMP is very grateful for their personal commitment and dedication and recognises the part they have played in making GMP a better force and Greater Manchester a safer place.“