A SCOTTISH-BORN black woman who joined London police over 27 years ago has risen to one of the force’s most senior positions.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed Patricia Gallan has been elevated to assistant commissioner for specialist crime and operations, leaving her current post as deputy assistant commissioner for specialist operations - security and protection.
“I am pleased and honoured to be appointed to this post and excited about the opportunity it presents to work with some of the best detectives in the country plus a diverse range of operational units, all of which contribute to making London a safer place to be”, said the newly promoted officer, who replaces the outgoing Cressida Dick.
Met chief Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe added: “I am delighted to welcome Patricia to her new post.
“Having worked with her for several years, I know her commitment, professionalism and wealth of experience will be a real asset to this role.”
Gallan joined the Met in 1987 and began her career policing in east London’s Stoke Newington, where she trained to become a detective.
A qualified barrister and trained hostage negotiator, the new assistant commissioner has had a wide range of experience in different roles across the British police.
Gallan spent a year outside of the Met, from 2005 to 2006, working with the National Crime Squad, playing a leading role in their undercover policing operations, informants, witness protection and intelligence.
Known to downplay her gender and ethnicity in an organisation that was deemed “institutionally racist” by the 1999 Macpherson report into the bungled murder investigation of Stephen Lawrence, Gallan said in a previous interview: “When it comes to being the first black woman ACC [assistant chief constable], it’s not something I think about. I just want to do a good job.”
In 2012, Gallan was promoted to deputy assistant commissioner at the Met during a time when the capital’s force was dealing with a racism storm after 18 officers had been accused racial offences.
Welcoming her latest promotion, chairman of the Metropolitan Black Police Association Janet Hills said: "I am delighted to hear the news that Patricia Gallan has been promoted.
"Gallan has made history as being the first black female at this rank and will act as a role model to others."