Metropolitan Police’s Deputy Commissioner Sir Craig Mackey has announced his retirement
The Metropolitan Police’s Deputy Commissioner Sir Craig Mackey has announced his intention to retire from policing in December after more than 34 years of service. Sir Craig joined Wiltshire Police in 1984 and served with Gloucestershire Police and as Chief Constable of Cumbria before joining the Metropolitan Police in January 2012 as Deputy Commissioner. When he retires in December, he will have been the longest serving Deputy Commissioner since the 1950s. Sir Craig said: “It is a huge privilege to be a part of the Met. I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing people throughout my policing career and I know I will miss everyone. Although I am moving on to new adventures, my heart and soul will always be with the men and women of the police service and I will continue to champion and support the incredible work that we do.” Commissioner Cressida Dick said: “Craig has been one of the most extraordinary senior police leaders of his generation. His selfless dedication and service over 34 years commands respect and I was delighted that this was recognised nationally through his Knighthood which he received last month. Craig has been a hugely successful and influential Deputy Commissioner and takes the credit for steering the Met through a period of huge change and transformation. I also want to express my personal gratitude to Craig for the kindness, support and guidance he has provided to me since becoming Commissioner last year. “Craig’s compassion for the people he leads – and the people he serves – truly marks him out as a great police leader. He has unparalleled levels of expertise and a unique understanding of policing issues nationally. He will be truly missed in the Met and in London more generally. Policing will be poorer without him but he leaves a strong legacy and we wish him and his wife Debbie all the very best for the future.” The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “On behalf of Londoners, I would like to thank Craig for his years of first-rate service and dedication to keeping Londoners safe. It has been a great privilege working with him over the past two years. “During his time at the Met, Craig has undertaken some of the most challenging and demanding roles with huge determination and fortitude. I wish him all the best for the future.” On his retirement at the end of the year, Sir Craig intends to take some time out to go travelling with his wife. In the meantime he remains as fully committed to the MPS as ever and in due course will focus on supporting his successor and ensuring a smooth handover. The process to select Sir Craig’s successor as Deputy Commissioner will commence shortly.
