Sir Ian Blair appointed new Met chief

Thursday, 28 October 2004 12:00 AM

Sir Ian Blair has today been confirmed as the new Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.

Sir Ian had been widely tipped to take over the force's leadership when Sir John Stevens retires at the end of January.

He is currently the Deputy Commissioner of the Met, having first joined the force in 1974. Sir Ian has been heavily involved with the force's reform agenda, in particular the introduction of Police Community Support Officers, and was knighted for his work in 2003.

Speaking on Thursday morning, Sir Ian said: "I don't underestimate the challenges that lie ahead, but the dedication, hard-work and professionalism of our officers and staff gives me the confidence to build on those achievements and shape a police service that we and future generations can be proud of."

He added that it was an "enormous honour to have been chosen to lead what I believe to be the greatest police service in the world". Paying tribute to his predecessor, Sir Ian added: "A successful Met is vital to the success of London and Sir John Stevens and I have worked closely together over the last five years to make it the safest major city in the world

"The Met has been through a period of substantial change in the last few years and it is an absolute privilege to be entrusted with leading, shaping and modernising the Service in the years ahead."

Sir Ian has long held a reputation as a reforming policeman. In 1985 he published a book on rape investigation which led to major police procedure changes, and in 1993 he led the Met Operation Gallery, at the time the largest police corruption enquiry in London for a decade.

Commenting on the appointment, Len Duvall who chairs the Metropolitan Police Authority, said he was delighted that the MPA's recommendation for the appointment had been endorsed.

Saying that he looked forward to working with the new Commissioner, Mr Duval said: "One of the most fundamental changes of recent years has been the establishment of the MPA, making the MPS publicly accountable for the first time. Sir Ian has worked tirelessly with us to raise standards, increase effectiveness throughout the service, and oversee rapid growth in police numbers.

"Whilst he is widely applauded as a moderniser, Sir Ian displays the traditional standards of duty and commitment that are intrinsic to successful and effective policing. He has given dedicated service throughout his career to the police and the communities they serve, and is a consummate professional policeman with the outstanding abilities needed to lead the MPS into the 21st century."

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