POLICING across Tameside is now being led by a new man at the helm.
Greater Manchester Police has appointed a new district commander to help crack down on crime in the borough.
Chief Superintendent Chris Foster has already been in position for several months and is one of seven new district commanders, as part of a shake-up for the local policing leadership structure.
District commanders oversee and get sight of much of the key operational work going on in their area.
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Ch Supt Foster has replaced Phil Davies – who had been in the position since the summer of 2022, after previous incumbent Rob Cousen was moved to another area of GMP after boosting arrest rates in Tameside by 30 per cent in a short space of time.
After beginning his policing career in 2003, Ch Supt Foster received a national bravery award in South Yorkshire.
He joined GMP in 2021, where he continued his public order journey and assumed the lead for Operation Castle – which the force says has “led the way in significantly reducing burglaries across Greater Manchester” following a commitment for officers to attend every household burglary.
Chief Constable Stephen Watson has seen leadership as a key part of changing the force’s culture after it was taken out of special measures in October 2022 but, despite becoming the most improved in the country, the government’s most senior inspector of police said the force “still had more to do”.
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; they will be joining three previously established ones to continue to lead the improvements across towns and cities in Greater Manchester.
“This announcement reflects Chief Constable Watson’s belief that neighbourhood policing is a pivotal area in preventing crime and keeping the public safe. 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.”