South Yorkshire's next top cop confirmed

By Gareth Dennison
Published 11th Jul 2016, 09:36 BST
Updated 9th Jan 2017, 23:12 BST
SOUTH Yorkshire Police’s new top officer will join the force in November after his appointment was confirmed.

Stephen Watson was named as the preferred candidate for chief constable by police commissioner Dr Alan Billings.

His appointment was confirmed with a unanimous decision by members of the police and crime panel on Friday.

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Mr Watson, currently deputy chief constable at Durham Constabulary, said he was delighted to have been given the job.

The dad of two started his career in Lancashire in 1988 and was awarded a Commissioner’s Commendation as a senior member of the 2012 Olympic Command Team. His role during the games involved the planning and delivery of all territorial policing across London.

He has also served as a chief superintendent for Merseyside Police and a commander for the Metropolitan Police, during which time he was responsible for 6,250 officers and staff.

Mr Watson will be South Yorkshire’s fourth chief constable of 2016, after the suspension of David Crompton, resignation of Dawn Copley and interim cover by Dave Jones.