Assistant commissioner McPherson has headed the Metropolitan Police Service’s Territorial Policing directorate – the largest command in the force – for the past two years, and has been responsible for developing a wide-ranging and innovative modernisation programme designed to reduce waste and increase effectiveness while continuing to cut crime and maintaining the Met’s commitment to neighbourhood policing.
McPherson has 32 years service behind him in the police, and has served across the country in various senior positions (including a term as chief constable of Norfolk).
Speaking today, McPherson said: “I’m proud to have served for 32 years in the British police service, the most respected police force in the world, and I’ll be taking all of my experiences with me as I retire in order to pursue opportunities in the private sector.”
He continued: “I’d like to thank my team, and the men and women of my command who every day go out to protect and serve the public, often putting their own lives at risk. I’m honoured to have worked with so many committed and dedicated people.”
In addition, McPherson stated: “I’d also like to express my sincere gratitude to the chairman and members of the Metropolitan Police Authority.”
Fully supporting the appointment of the new Metropolitan Police Service Commissioner, McPherson said: “Bernard Hogan-Howe is the right man for the job, who will provide the Met with strong leadership in trying times, particularly in its continued drive towards reducing criminality in the city. I wish him every success, and I’m sure he’ll achieve it.”
Response from the Met and the MPA
Incoming Metropolitan Police Service Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe explained: “Ian will be sorely missed by the British police service and especially here at the Met, where he has built on his great success as chief constable of Norfolk.”
Hogan-Howe went on to say: “In the Met, he has initiated and overseen one of the largest change programmes in policing in order to cut red tape and waste, while at the same time maintaining quality policing services to the people of London.”
Chairman of the MPA Kit Malthouse said: “I received Ian’s retirement notice with a heavy heart. His time at Territorial Policing has been one of quiet revolution and clear focus that has paid significant dividends in terms of crime reduction and value for money.”
Concluding his personal tribute to McPherson, Malthouse added: “Always constructive and imaginative, Ian has been a pleasure to work with and we should all be grateful for his dedication to the safety of others, not just in London but throughout a remarkable career. It’s no surprise that Ian’s undoubted talents have been noticed outside policing, and we wish him well for the future.”
Tribute courtesy of ACPO
A short statement on ACPO’s website reads: “On national policing, Ian McPherson has worked tirelessly to improve the way in which police work with young people and reduce crime and disorder in which children and young people are victims, witnesses and offenders.”
In a personal tribute, ACPO president Sir Hugh Orde said: “The decision by assistant commissioner Ian McPherson to retire from the service is a loss for British policing. Ian has made a great contribution to territorial policing within the Met, and previously as an innovative and imaginative chief constable of Norfolk Constabulary.”
Sir Hugh continued: “On national policing, Ian worked tirelessly to improve the way in which police work with young people and reduce crime and disorder in which children and young people are victims, witnesses and offenders.”
