Sir Peter Fahy has announced he is retiring as Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police.
The 56-year-old, who held the position for seven years after initially joining the force in 1981, stated that it was always his ‘intention’ to leave this year.
Sir Peter, who was counter-terrorism lead for the Association of Chief Police Officers and its replacement, the National Police Chiefs’ Council, will now take on a new role as chief executive of children’s charity Retrak.
In a statement, he said: “It has been a great privilege to serve the people of Greater Manchester and to lead the wonderfully dedicated staff of GMP.
“It has always been my intention to leave during the Autumn of this year. I have led the force through four years of budget cuts and staffing reductions, but despite this we have achieved significant improvements in service, increased public confidence and reduced crime and anti-social behaviour.
“It is now time for someone else to bring fresh ideas for what will be more challenging years ahead.
Sir Peter explained the inspiration behind his new career move to Retrak, which he described as an ‘exciting’ move.
“Over the past five years I have worked with the charity on a voluntary basis with teams of GMP staff and colleagues from the Fire Service traveling to Uganda and Ethiopia to work with street children there,” he said.
“It is a great charity rescuing hundreds of children every year and with the potential to grow further. It fits in well with my interest in child protection and child welfare issues in this country.
“I am very excited by this new challenge.”
Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd, applauded Sir Peter’s work for the force.
“Greater Manchester has been fortunate to have a leader of such distinction to guide the force through the enormous challenges faced in policing and across the public sector,” he said.
“Through his tireless commitment to public service, Sir Peter has become a highly respected figure both locally and nationally.
“During his seven years with GMP, Sir Peter has worked with me to implement fundamental changes to how Greater Manchester is policed, ensuring that we protect those that are most vulnerable whilst ensuring that all of our communities are safe from harm.
“Sir Peter has been a great credit to both GMP and Greater Manchester and he leaves us in much better shape than when he arrived. He is held in the highest regard, not just by his colleagues in GMP, but across Greater Manchester and the country.“
Image courtesy of GMP with thanks.
