Stephen Watson

Sir Stephen Watson is a British police officer. Since 2021, he has been the chief constable of Greater Manchester Police.

Watson joined Lancashire Constabulary in 1988. In 2006, he was promoted to chief superintendent and joined Merseyside Police, and later served as area commander for Liverpool North for three years. In 2011, he joined the Metropolitan Police as Commander for the East Area; he had over 6,000 police officers under his command. He was involved in policing in the aftermath of the 2011 riots and was a senior member of the 2012 Olympic Command Team. From 2015 to 2016, he was deputy chief constable of Durham Constabulary, and from 2016 to 2021 he was the chief constable of South Yorkshire Police. Since May 2021, he has been the chief constable of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the second-largest police force in England and Wales with over 14,000 staff.

Prior to Watson's appointments at South Yorkshire Police and GMP, both authorities had been placed in special measures by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services; he has been credited with rapidly improving both forces and turning them into "high performing organisations". At GMP, he also started Operation Vulcan, GMP has received multiple awards for the operation.

Personal life

Watson has an MBA. He has two children; sails, enjoys rugby union, travelling, current affairs, and history.

Honours

Watson received the Queen's Police Medal in the 2019 Birthday Honours, and was knighted in the 2025 Birthday Honours.

Ribbon Description Notes40px Knight Bachelor (Kt) 2025 King's Birthday Honours List.