New Met boss makes history
BRITAIN: Cressida Dick has been named the next head of Scotland Yard, the first time that the biggest job in British policing has been given to a woman.
Dick, 56, the former head of counterterrorism for the Metropolitan Police, is best known for heading an operation that led to the killing of an innocent Brazilian, Jean Charles de Menezes, in 2005. However, she was cleared of blame at a trial in 2007 and was said to be the clear favourite of the home secretary and mayor of London to succeed Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, 59.
In a subtle acknowledgement that she had made history, Dick said she was looking forward to working with the ‘‘fabulous women and men’’ of the Metropolitan Police.
She has worked at the Foreign Office since leaving the force in 2015, and has been the favourite to succeed Hogan-Howe since he announced his resignation in September.
Dick, who began her career in 1983 as a constable in London, said the appointment was ‘‘beyond my wildest dreams’’ and described it as an ‘‘extraordinary privilege’’.
She faces daunting challenges when she takes on the role, from combating a severe terror threat and managing at least £400 million of budget cuts, to overseeing a state visit by United States Presi- dent Donald Trump.
Former colleagues describe Dick as being deeply intelligent, ethical and honest. Her appointment is expected to result in a shakeup at the top of the force.
Before leaving the Met she had a 31-year career in policing, in which she became the most senior female officer in the country when she was made an assistant commissioner in 2009. She rose through the ranks, working as the national lead for counterterrorism and playing a leading role in the security operation around the 2012 London Olympics.
The family of De Menezes said they had ‘‘serious concerns’’ about her appointment. However, Amber Rudd, the home secretary, said Dick was an ‘‘exceptional leader’’ with a ‘‘clear vision for the future of the Metropolitan Police and an understanding of the diverse range of communities it serves’’.
Dick may want to foster better relations with the media after Hogan-Howe’s time at the Met was marred by his cancellation of monthly briefings and the use of anti-terrorist laws to spy on journalists. - The Times