I am the "Basic Command Unit" Commander for Plymouth. That means I am accountable for all aspects of policing across the City.
I was brought up in Millbridge in Plymouth and lived here until I was 18, before moving to London in 1980. I went up to join the Metropolitan police, serving in the CID for most of my career. I served in South and East London for most of the time, working in Brixton, Peckham, Southwark, Limehouse and the Isle of Dogs. I was involved in the fight against the influx of crack into London and the murders involving ‘Yardie’ gangsters. I went over to Kingston in Jamaica on the trail of one particular group.
During my time with the Met I led Lambeth’s CID team, where we drove down street robbery from almost 1,000 a month to less than 400 a month. I was responsible for Project Sapphire, which led to improvements in the way rape victims are treated by the police, and investigated many serious rapes, including the notorious ‘Beast of Belgravia’ case.
I also worked for the Regional Crime Squad, investigating and carrying out surveillance on international drug-related crime, including ‘Yardie’ gangland murder and drug networks.
In 2003 I returned to the westcountry as head of Devon & Cornwall CID, and then in June, 2007 transferred to become Police Commander of Plymouth.
I am very pleased to be back in Plymouth, my home city and to be working with my team to keep it safe.
Devon and Cornwall Police are committed to providing a high quality policing service. We are very open to suggestions on how we can improve or comments on our services. You can contact us in many ways, through our website, by email to me, or by leaving your comments on this blog.