US supercop not suitable for top job at Met, says May

HOME Secretary Theresa May has ruled out the appointment of a US “supercop” as the new head of Scotland Yard.

The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police has a “unique policing role in relation to national security” and that is why it has always been held by a British national, Ms May said.

The process of appointing a new commissioner after the resignation of Sir Paul Stephenson last month was too important to delay to enable contenders from other countries, such as former US police chief Bill Bratton, to be considered, she said.

“I think it’s absolutely important at the moment that we don’t delay the appointment of a new Metropolitan Police Commissioner,” Ms May said.

“It’s an Olympics year and the Met is facing challenges following the departure of Sir Paul Stephenson and [assistant commissioner] John Yates.

“It’s also clear to me that, as long as the Met retains its national policing duties, including counter-terrorism, the commissioner will have a unique policing role in relation to national security, and that is why the post has always been held by a British citizen.”

Speaking in London, she went on: “Of course, as you know, we always seek advice from abroad – and, as you know, Bill Bratton is going to be providing advice, as others will be, on gang crime.

“But I would also say this. I absolutely believe that we will be able to find from amongst our ranks the sort of tough crime fighter equipped to lead the Metropolitan Police and drive down crime in our capital.”

The deadline to apply to become Britain’s most senior police officer is today.

Stephen House, the Chief Constable of Strathclyde, is believed to be the front-runner among those senior officers who have applied to replace Sir Paul. Mr House, 54, who was born in Glasgow, moved to London with his family in the 1960s but returned to take the top job with the Strathclyde force four years ago.