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Met officer who oversaw de Menezes operation given top job
Justin Davenport, Crime Correspondent01.07.09
The senior officer who oversaw the operation that led to the death of Jean Charles de Menezes has been promoted to one of the top roles at Scotland Yard.
Assistant Commissioner Cressida Dick has taken responsibility for the Metropolitan Police's specialist crime wing - the third most powerful post in the force.
The prestigious £172,000 post includes some of the force's toughest beats including murder inquiries, tackling organised crime and undercover policing.
It is the first permanent appointment of a woman at assistant commissioner level, equivalent to a chief constable in a regional force.
And it effectively rules out speculation Ms Dick might take over as the head of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
The senior officer was promoted from her role as deputy assistant commissioner for security and protection.
Ms Dick faced tough questions over her role in the July 2005 Stockwell Tube station shooting at the inquest into the Brazilian's death last year.
But she was exonerated of blame by a jury at the end of the prosecution of the Metropolitan Police under health and safety laws, and this is her second promotion since the killing.
The family of the murdered Brazilian today reacted with anger to the appointment.
Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson said one of her first challenges will be to oversee a reorganisation of how rapes are investigated.
The force has endured a torrent of criticism in the aftermath of several high profile sex attack cases that exposed police failings.
Sir Paul said: “Cressida Dick is a first-class police officer who brings with her over 25 years of policing experience both in London and other parts of the country.
“Cressida is known amongst colleagues for her leadership and professional resilience even in the most testing of circumstances.
“A key role for her in specialist crime will be leading on the move of rape investigation into a new single command.
“I know that Cressida will apply a high level of commitment and strategic oversight to all her specialist areas as part of this new appointment.”
Kit Malthouse, of the Metropolitan Police Authority, said: “This is a challenging position which requires an officer of outstanding abilities and extensive relevant experience.
“The entire panel was impressed by each candidate's skills. However, Cressida Dick impressed us with her in depth knowledge and leadership qualities.”
A spokesman for the De Menezes family said they were angered by the news of the promotion.
In a statement, the family said: “Despite a health and safety trial nobody has been held to account for Jean's death. Those in charge on the day have been rewarded. No wonder more and more of the public have lost confidence in the senior levels of the Met.
“Like MPs, they simply refuse to accept that they have done anything wrong.”
Reader views (9)
Well, the world can rest easy now knowing that Dick is in Charge. She figured out how to solve the crime even if a few innocents have to go. Shoot them in the head. Send a whole bunch of swaggering cops to handle the problem. The same guys that couldn't even pass a breathalyzer 3 out of 7 days.
- Rich, Dallas USA
Dave Davies, I disagree, on the contrary she didn't do anything right!
- Max, Isleworth
Another example of rewarding for failure. There was a massive failure to protect Jean Charles de Menezes. The operation failed and the result; senior officers in charged are promoted! I don't understand. Maybe she was moved so she would NEVER lead a highly demanded pressurised operation.
- Max, Isleworth
In some companies, they promote people who they want to get rid of with more responsibility. It makes it easier to sack them later on.
- Josh, London
Paul, London - She oversaw the operation and was found to have acted within the established Met guidelines and the law - So did nothing wrong.
- Dave Davies, Basingstoke, Hants
Is the barrel so empty that they have to scrape this low?
- Dannyp, Egham
At this rate the officer who assaulted Ian Tomlinson will the head of the Met within a year! The only positive aspect to this shameful promotion is that at least the citizens of Northern Ireland will be spared this woman's appalling lack of judgement.
- David, London, UK
Why not? She didn't do anything wrong.
- Dave Davies, Basingstoke, Hants
Cressida Dick oversaw the whole operation. An operation; which lead to the death of an innocent man. If anyone should take the blame it should be her! We have a corrupt culture in this country of awarding failure. The police tend to close ranks… In this case they blatantly lied to cover their tracks. How would you feel if a member of your family was murdered by the police and the person in charge got a top promotion? Surely this whole situation is wrong.
- Paul, London
Why not? She didn't do anything wrong.
- Dave Davies, Basingstoke, Hants
