Tarique Ghaffur QPM,CBE

Former Assistant Commissioner Metropolitan Police Force

Tarique Ghaffur spent over three decades in UK policing diligently and passionately working towards making communities safe within Greater Manchester, Leicestershire and London. He found it a personal honour to lead thousands of dedicated and skilled police officers and detectives dealing with community reassurance, investigations, law enforcement, counter terrorism and global security issues.

Tarique made history by becoming the highest ranking Asian and Muslim Police Officer in United Kingdom for which he received several high achievement awards. He is a graduate of FBI Academy, veteran of several overseas assignments,and countless international advisory presentations.

He has a BA (Hons) in Public Administration, MA in Criminology, Honorary doctorates in Law and Criminal Justice Degrees from Manchester Metropolitan, Leicester and East London Universities. He was awarded the Queens Police Medal (QPM) in 2001 and was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for Services to Policing  in 2004.

A unique combination of recognised role model, operational leader and `individual` practitioner makes Tarique a unique speaker on professional issues related to leadership, crises response, policing, community dynamics and race relations. He applies a mix of real life experiences, case studies and humour to convey his material and often tests conventional thinking by being forthright and controversial on emotive and serious subjects. Tarique regularly writes articles on security related matters for authoritative publications.

Through over 30 years of policing allied to his personal life, Tarique Ghaffur has created a real sense of proportion around vulnerable communities. He is recognised as a positive role model, resulting in his receipt of a number of community awards and high public profile on Race Issues within the Police Service. He is well known in South Asia, Middle East and Africa and has become an expert on protecting and securing major cities from terrorist attacks and major emergencies.

Since retiring from the Police Service in 2008 Tarique has established a Foundation to promote shared responsibility for security and safety amongst vulnerable communities in UK. He is also a Chairman of Community Safety Development Global Limited which provides innovative security knowledge, solutions and training.

Career

Tarique Ghaffur joined Greater Manchester Police in 1974 and worked in CID, undercover and uniform roles up to the rank of Chief Inspector in inner city areas including Salford and Moss Side. He led a goodwill mission to India and was commended for his work to tackle street robberies, public disorder and crime investigations.

In 1989 he transferred to Leicestershire Constabulary, where as a Superintendent and then Chief Superintendent, he gained experience in operational commands and headed a major force re-organisation to implement community based policing. He graduated from FBI Academy at Quantico, and was part of the team that inspected Jamaica Constabulary Force.

In 1996 Mr Ghaffur transferred to Lancashire Constabulary as Assistant Chief Constable where he was appointed head of operational policing and headed a major anti-terrorist operation for the Blackpool Labour Party Conference. He also led a major corruption inquiry into a public organisation.

In 1998 Tarique was promoted to Deputy Chief Constable and worked at the Home Office Police Technology Organisation as operational adviser to develop technology for Policing.

In 1999 he became a Deputy Assistant Commissioner with the Metropolitan Police Service. He initially assumed command of territorial policing in South London and in 2000 was appointed as the Commander of Westminster Borough with responsibility for the government security zone, demonstrations and public events such as the Notting Hill Carnival. He drastically reduced crime in the City of Westminster.

Tarique was promoted to Assistant Commissioner in 2001 and took command of the Policy, Review and Standards Directorate. Amongst a broad portfolio, he worked with senior criminal justice partner Heads nationwide to form an effective and collaborative partnership. He instigated innovative solutions to improve police and private sector partnerships.

In 2002 Mr Ghaffur set up the Specialist Crime Directorate (3200 detectives), to provide a distinct response to tackling serious and organised crime in London, including homicide, drugs and gun crime. The directorate implemented many innovative programmes. He also developed Operation Quadrant to build confidence in South Asian communities in London through effective law enforcement and community engagement.

Tarique has overseen many high profile investigations, including the Damilola Taylor and Victoria Climbié cases. In 2004 he carried out a comprehensive crosscutting review of race and diversity within the MPS and played a major part in supporting casualty recovery, investigations and building community relations after 7 July bombings in London.

Until 2008, Tarique Ghaffur was responsible for Central Operations (7,000 staff) delivering ‘Capital City Policing’ and `security’ around policing of airports, diplomatic missions, security of state buildings. He was also responsible for firearms, public order, traffic, communications and contingency planning. His officers planned for and dealt with over 5000 public events per annum.

He was the Operational Co-ordinator Lead for the 2012 Olympics for which he produced a comprehensive and holistic security and safety strategy to protect London and the UK during the games.