Salford has strengthened local policing welcoming a new district commander

The effort to strengthen the Salford police force have been made, with the Greater Manchester Police announcing a new district commander. 

The new appointment of Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood will become the district commander, replacing the retiring officers.

Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood started his career in Oldham in 2002, and has taken on a variety of roles within policing including covert policing locally, nationally and internationally.

Ch Supt Blackwood was instrumental in GMP’s Operation Vulcan as he led the operartion which has tackled north Manchester’s “counterfeit street” and has helped to drastically reduce exploitation and violence.

The appointment will coincide with the appointment of six fellow officers who have been promoted to district commanders across Greater Manchester who “will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience within policing to their roles.”

#NEWS | GMP goes from strength to strength as we welcome in seven new district commanders.

🗣️ "Making these appointments is a great stride in the right direction on our journey to continue improving GMP."

Read more ➡️ https://t.co/bjMRaPHKBu pic.twitter.com/2UMuYLBHgP

— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) November 5, 2024

The roles will be filled in The City of Manchester, Salford, Tameside, Stockport, Bolton, Bury, and Trafford.

The officers will oversee and direct operational activity to solve problems in their area, and work with partners to protect the vulnerable to ensure the best outcome possible for the community.

As Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle said: “As a force, we are going from strength to strength with the appointment of these seven new district commanders.”

He added: “Each district commander is committed and driven to putting in the hard work so the public can go about their daily lives with confidence.

“Making these appointments is a great stride in the right direction on our journey to continue improving GMP and provide an effective service that the people of Greater Manchester can be proud of.”