Cressida Dick has been appointed as the commissioner of the Scotland Yards, becoming the first woman commissioner in its 187-year old history. Britain’s Home Secretary Amber Rudd recommended her name and she was appointed by Queen Elizabeth II.
Ms. Dick (56) is known for heading an operation which led to the killing of an innocent Brazilian. She becomes the most senior officer in Britain. Earlier, she was working in the UK’s national policing lead on counter-terrorism but left the Metropolitan Police to join the foreign office.
She said, “This is a great responsibility and an amazing opportunity. I am looking forward immensely to protecting and serving the people of London and working again with the fabulous women and men of the Met. Thank you so much to everyone who has taught me and supported me along the way.”
The Metropolitan Police or Met is the largest police force in Britain with more than 43,000 employees and an annual budget of more than 3 billion pounds.
Rudd stated, “Cressida Dick is an exceptional leader, and has a clear vision for the future of the Metropolitan Police and an understanding of the diverse range of communities it serves.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said she is becoming the first female commissioner of the Met in its 187-year history and the most powerful police officer in the country. “She has already had a long and distinguished career, and her experience and ability have shown throughout this process.”
Ms. Dick joined the London force or the Scotland Yard in 1983 as a constable. With her skills and ability, she has been elevated to the post. In July 2005, she headed the operation in which Jean Charles de Menezes was shot dead by police after the Brazilian electrician was mistaken for a would-be suicide bomber.
Britain’s biggest police force Scotland Yard was founded in 1829. It is not only covering London but it has national functions including counter-terrorism and diplomatic and VIP protection.
She beat the competition to UK’s top police post from Essex Police chief constable Stephen Kavanagh, National Police Chiefs Council chairperson Sara Thornton and Scotland Yard’s Mark Rowley.
