Sir Ian Blair

Former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police

Sir Ian Blair was the 24th Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police from 2005 until the end of 2008. He was a police officer for more than 34 years and held a number of senior positions, including Chief Constable of Surrey Police from 1998 to 2000 and the Deputy Commissioner of the Met from 2000 to 2005.

His experience includes work in both uniform and detective roles. As commissioner, he had ultimate responsibility for the UK’s law enforcement approach to counterterrorism. He commanded the Met through the London bombings of July 2005.

His main reputation is as a reformer: first, he was a major force in reforming the response of UK police to rape and serious sexual assault (see his 1985 book: Investigating Rape: A new approach for police). Secondly, he transformed the police workforce by introducing a new grade of uniformed police patroller, the Police Community Support Officer. This permitted the largest ever expansion of community policing in London and had a significant and beneficial effect on recruitment from minority communities.

During his time as Commissioner, crime in London fell by nearly 18%, with violent crime falling by 13% and murders declining by nearly 20%. He holds honorary positions at a number of Oxford colleges, lectures extensively and is the author of numerous articles.