A new era for GMP has officially begun.
Chief Constable Stephen Watson was sworn in at short ceremony today.
The event was short and sweet attended only by Greater Mayor, Andy Burnham, his deputy Bev Hughes, and magistrate, Steven Paine.
But the task facing the new head of the force is colossal as he attempts to bring it out of special measures.
Ms Hughes posted on social media: “Chief Constable Stephen Watson’s attestation today signals a new chapter for @gmpolice and acceleration of the positive changes already underway."
It would appear the only way is up after the force hit rock bottom.
Former chief constable Ian Hopkins was forced out of his £200,000-a-year job just before Christmas following a series of crises.
Mr Burnham asked Mr Hopkins to step down after government inspectors estimated 80,000 crimes hadn't been recorded in one year.
The force's new computer system, Integrated Operational Policing System (iOPS), has been dogged by problems since it was switched on at a cost of £27m in July 2019, some 19 months behind schedule.
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) said the iOPS debacle had exposed hundreds of vulnerable people to "potential risk of harm".
The revelations follow years of Manchester Evening News readers complaining of a poor response to everyday crime - and have left GMP's image in tatters amongst senior officers in other parts of the country.
One told the M.E.N: "That force is an injured wildebeest, wandering across the plains, waiting to be picked off by the criminals."
But the revolution required to restore moral in the force's rank and file is under way.
A £7.5m investment in CID will bolster the number of plainclothes detectives working on local divisions by 143.
It is just one of several changes being introduced by GMP in response to scathing criticism by government inspectors in their report in December.
The force was effectively put in 'special measures', with Home Secretary Priti Patel describing the crisis at GMP as 'appalling' and announcing a 'recovery plan'.
It also raised serious questions about how the force handled domestic violence and child protection, as well as delayed, dropped and badly-planned investigations.
But the force also continues to perform well in terms of tackling serious organised crime with multiple seizures of drugs, guns, and cash, boosted by the smashing of EncroChat encryption service used by criminals.
Chief Constable Watson promised a new era of policing and vowed 'every crime reported to GMP will be properly investigated' when he was revealed as Mr Hopkins' successor in March.
A short time after being sworn in Chief Constable Watson delivered an inaugural speech to representatives from across the force.
He said: "It is my distinct honour to take up the post of Chief Constable for Greater Manchester. It is humbling to be entrusted with the leadership of so many talented, professional and courageous people - people who faithfully serve our communities day in and day out.
"Whatever the travails of GMP at present, we should never forget that we serve alongside many thousands of people who routinely do what others either could not or would not do. The vast majority of our officers and staff do an extraordinary job and they deserve our respect and unstinting support.
"And whilst I suspect that the majority of the public instinctively know this and do support the force, I want all of the people of Greater Manchester to feel proud of their police force and confident in the knowledge that we are in the very vanguard of keeping them and their loved ones save.
"Our collective mission is to rapidly move GMP into a place where it is objectively recognised as a force that does the basics brilliantly. We are here to take the fight to criminals, to keep people and their families safe from those who would do them harm and to work with others to solve problems in our communities in a way which either prevents harm or offending altogether, or at least reduces the incidents.
"Whilst of course their is work to be done, it is really important for me to stress that Greater Manchester is faithfully served by thousands of dedicated people who are genuinely first class and I look forward to working with them. The next chapter of Greater Manchester Police's history starts with immediate effect."
Mr Burnham, said: “Today is the start of a new era for Greater Manchester Police and I am confident that, in Stephen Watson, we have found the right person to lead the change that is needed. He brings with him a wealth of experience to the role, having successfully led improvements at South Yorkshire Police
“I look forward to working with our new Chief Constable to strengthen the service that GMP provides to our communities. I know that Chief Constable Watson is committed to delivering real change and creating the victim-centred and accountable police force that I have said I want to see.”
Ms Hughes said:“Chief Constable Watson is highly experienced, having worked at a number of the country’s largest police forces. From today and onwards, he will begin to ensure the abilities and skills of our committed officers and staff result in a successful police service, responsive to the citizens of Greater Manchester. It is an exciting time for the force and we’re looking forward to working together to ensure Greater Manchester remains a safe place for people to live, work and visit.”
In March when his appointment was announced Mr Watson said: "My commitment is that all crime that is reported to GMP will be faithfully recorded, properly investigated and concluded to the satisfaction of the victim and where victims are vulnerable they will be safeguarded.
"And even when we cannot bring a criminal to book, we should always leave the victim with a very clear perception that we have done our best in every circumstance. It is possible to do that and that is my commitment in terms of our systems, structures and processes. Every crime reported to GMP will be properly investigated.
"And where we can bring people to book, we will do that. It's going to take some doing but I think that's the least the public can expect of us."
