Michael Todd - Biography and tributes

Reporter: Ask Bury
Date online: 12 March 2008

Michael Todd, 50, (born 10/8/57) joined Essex Police in 1976 and served as both a uniformed officer and a detective.

As an Inspector, he served at Bethnal Green in London, as part of the first management exchange scheme between Essex Police and the Metropolitan Police Service.

He was appointed Assistant Chief Constable in Nottinghamshire in 1995. His role included operational policing, management and technical services. He reorganised the Personnel and Training Department and developed strategies on human resources and information technology.

In 1998, he was appointed as the Deputy Assistant Commissioner responsible for policing the North West Area of London.

In 2000, following his promotion to Assistant Commissioner in the Metropolitan Police, he was responsible for Territorial Policing, covering all 32 London Boroughs. He has led many high profile operations and events, including the policing of May Day demonstrations, Notting Hill Carnival, the Queen's Jubilee celebrations and the Met's Street Crime initiative.

He joined Greater Manchester Police as Chief Constable on 1 October 2002.

Tributes

Superintendent Alan Greene, of Greater Manchester Superintendent's Association said: "We are all in shock at this very sad news and our thoughts are with our Chief's family and friends.

"He was a natural leader who led with energy and a passion to make a difference for the public of Greater Manchester. He certainly made that difference.

"He will be sadly missed."

Our thoughts are with Michael’s family and friends during this difficult time, having met him on various occasions I was struck by his commitment to tackling crime and helping improve communities.

"Since his arrival in Greater Manchester, the force has been engaged in building links with the Muslim community and his personal support on these issues was valued by me personally and the wider Muslim community.

"Once again I offer my support and condolences to Michael’s family and friends."

Greater Manchester Police Federation said: "It is with great regret that we have today learned of the death of our Chief Constable Michael Todd. In the six years that he has been the leader of the force he has maintained a high profile with rank and file officers.

"Not only did he move the force forward in terms of increased numbers of officers on the streets of Greater Manchester, he allowed those officers to deliver a better quality of service to the public.

"He will be sadly missed by officers of all ranks and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."

Paul Murphy, Chair of Greater Manchester Police Authority, said: "Michael Todd's death is a tragedy, for his family, friends and colleagues but also a massive loss to Greater Manchester Police and the police service in general. He was a great Chief Constable and exceptional leader.  I had the privilege of working with him for 6 years and very closely over the past 10 months as the Chairman of the Authority. He was an outstanding man and his death is a terrible loss.

"However the last thing Michael would want is for his death to effect the policing in Greater Manchester therefore the message from the Police Authority is business as usual for our communities, under the able direction of Deputy Chief Constable Dave Whatton who enjoys the trust and confidence of the Authority and the Command team."

The National Association of Muslim Police said: "The National Association of Muslim Police takes this opportunity in passing our deepest condolences and sympathy to Greater Manchester Police and the family of Michael Todd.

"We share their loss, grief and shock at this tragic moment.

"Mr Todd will be missed but never forgotten.  

"We would like to offer you our support through this difficult period."

Greater Manchester Police's Lesbian and Gay Staff Affiliation said: "Greater Manchester Police's Lesbian and Gay Staff Affiliation would like to pass on our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Mr Todd's family.

"He always strongly supported LAGSA and was keen to ensure that GMP listened to, represented and supported the LGBT communities in Greater Manchester.

"He was a good chief, a good leader and a good man. He will be sadly missed."

The Bishop of Manchester, the Right Revd Nigel McCulloch, has issued a statement on behalf of the Faith Community Leaders of Greater Manchester Group: "Members of the churches and faith communities across Greater Manchester have been shocked and saddened to learn of the death of the Chief Constable.

"We pay tribute to the significant role Chief Constable Mike Todd has played in community relations in greater Manchester – and not least through his personal meetings with church and faith community leaders.

"We offer our sincere condolences to his family and to the Greater Manchester Police Force in the loss of their leader."