Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable awarded knighthood
Sir Stephen Watson said he is "delighted and humbled in equal measure"
Last updated 14th Jun 2025
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Stephen Watson QPM has received a knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Sir Stephen Watson is amongst the most experience senior officers in the country, having joined Lancashire Constabulary in 1988; moving on to roles in Merseyside Police, The Metropolitan Police, Durham Constabulary and South Yorkshire Police which, during his tenure as Chief Constable, became the most improved force in the country for three consecutive years.
As Chief Constable of Greater Manchester since 2021, Sir Stephen has led the second largest force in the country through one of the most rapid and wide-ranging transformations in British policing history - reducing crime by 7.2%, increasing the number of crimes solved by 70% and delivering sector-leading response times.
Sir Stephen Watson said:
“I was delighted and humbled in equal measure on learning that I was to receive an honour from HM The King.
“I am immensely grateful to my wife and family for their unstinting support; they have willingly made innumerable sacrifices over many years, as is the case for so many police families.
“My own good fortune only arises because of the guidance, support and confidence provided to me by a great number of excellent colleagues over a long career.
“It has been the privilege of my life to work amongst the extraordinary officers and staff of Greater Manchester Police and in several other forces across our country.
"My honour is reflective of their sustained determination, decency and effectiveness in the service of the public."