Highest operational ranks
Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.24.035693
I note you seek access to the following information:
What operational rank would lead a department? For example: Dog Support - is the highest rank that would patrol in that unit be a inspector/chief inspector/superintendent. Firearms Emergency Response Dog Unit. All Im asking for is the highest rank that would be operational in that department, not the rank that leads it.
On the 15 February 2024, we discussed your request for information. You explained that your request concerns the rank of police officer that performs operational roles in departments across the MPS. I explained that each department across the MPS had its own process/procedure for determining which rank was appropriate for each role, whether that be an operational or non-operational role. I stated that I could provide you with a broad explanation of the position within the MPS and a more specific explanation in relation to the Dog Support Unit. I could then answer further questions, as required, to assist you. You confirmed that you were happy with this approach to your request for information.
Decision
I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.
Please find below information pursuant to your request above.
The rank of police officer that performs an operational role and/or is directly involved in operational decisions, will differ from department to department depending on the nature of work and/or operation taking place. In this regard, officers of any rank can undertake operational roles. In the MPS, there are 11 police officer ranks. These are:
1. Constable and Detective Constable
2. Sergeant and Detective Sergeant
3. Inspector and Detective Inspector
4. Chief Inspector and Detective Chief Inspector
5. Superintendent and Detective Superintendent
6. Chief Superintendent and Detective Chief Superintendent
7. Commander
8. Deputy Assistant Commissioner
9. Assistant Commissioner
10. Deputy Commissioner
11. Commissioner
In the example you have made a specific enquiry about, the Met’s Dog Support Unit is a team of specialist officers that provide 24 hour a day, seven day a week support, to colleagues across the MPS. The police officers that work with dogs are known as dog handlers. Dog handlers will typically hold the rank of constable with their supervisors holding the rank of sergeant. Police officers holding the rank of constable and sergeant will typically be deployed operationally by the Dog Support Unit.
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MPS Website: Stats and Data
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