Greater Manchester chief constable quits after critical watchdog report

The chief constable of Greater Manchester Police has resigned after the force was placed in special measures over its failure to record more than 80,000 crimes in the space of a year.

A report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) last week said it was “deeply troubled” by how cases handled by GMP were closed without proper investigation.

The watchdog also said the service from England’s second largest police force to victims of crime was a “serious cause of concern”.

On Friday, Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “These are challenging times for Greater Manchester Police.

“The force has a long-term strategic plan to address the issues raised by the HMIC and I believe this plan should be led by a chief constable who can oversee it from start to finish.

“Considering what is best for GMP and the communities we serve, and given my current ill health, I have decided to stand down from the post of chief constable with immediate effect.”