New Met deputy chief is announced

Tim Godwin joined the Metropolitan Police in 1999

A new deputy commissioner for the Metropolitan Police (Met) has been announced by the Home Secretary.

Tim Godwin, who has been acting deputy commissioner since December, was appointed by Alan Johnson.

Mr Godwin, who joined the Met in 1999, has overseen the expansion of Safer Neighbourhood Teams and reforms to the criminal justice system.

Mr Johnson said: "I know he will bring a vigorous commitment to the vital responsibilities of his new role."

His other duties include support for victims of serious sexual assault under Operation Sapphire, tackling mobile phone crime and reforming the capital's criminal justice system by introducing "virtual courts" and reduced bureaucracy.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London and chairman of the Metropolitan Police Authority, said: "Having done an outstanding job as acting deputy commissioner over the past months, today's announcement is a recognition of his undoubted abilities."