Paul Steven QPM Deputy Commissioner London Metropolitan Police

Mr Stephenson joined the Lancashire Constabulary in 1975 and was appointed Superintendent in February 1988. This was followed by successive positions in research and development and operational commands within both Lancashire and the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

He was appointed Assistant Chief Constable with the Merseyside Police in October 1994. His time on Merseyside saw him leading in areas of significant organisational change and high-profile operational challenges, including the reduction of gun crime and combating terrorist activity.

On 1 May 1999 he was appointed Deputy Chief Constable with the Lancashire Constabulary, assuming responsibility for the operations and operational support portfolios. He also led on strategic development, including construction of the organisation’s response to Best Value, crime reduction and development of the community and race relations strategy.

He took up the post of Chief Constable of the Lancashire Constabulary on 25 July 2002, with responsibility for an organisation of over 5,600 staff and the provision of policing services to one and a half million residents and visitors to the county.

In addition to other positions held locally he became the first Chair of the newly created Lancashire Criminal Justice Board in 2003.

During this period he also represented the Association of Chief Police Officers as head of their crime business area, working nationally with a number of portfolio leads and expert groups, coordinating professional advice and guidance on crime related issues to the police service and its stakeholders.

On 16 March 2005 Mr Stephenson took up the post of Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service. His role includes the function of Chief Operations Officer, and in particular oversight of strategy, modernisation and performance.

Mr Stephenson was awarded the Queen’s Policing Medal for services to policing in May 2000.