New national policing lead for serious and organised crime appointed

Further, Jupp will oversee the co-ordination and strategic development of the Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) network on behalf of all police forces and the wider serious and organised crime system in line with the vision set out in the ROCU Strategy 2030.

Jupp is taking up this new policing role on a full-time basis funded by the Home Office and the National Police Chiefs Council. He’s going to be working closely with the NCA, police forces and a wide range of organisations harbouring a role and expertise in tackling serious and organised crime.

Tackling the threat

To date, Jupp’s 35-year career has focused on combating the threat posed by serious and organised crime. Starting his career in the Metropolitan Police Service where his focus was on tackling such criminality, 1993 witnessed Jupp move into the Regional Crime Squad, again focusing on serious and organised crime. Six years later, he returned to the Met and developed its response policy for investigating armed robbery as well as looking into the London bombings.

In 2009, Jupp transferred to the West Midlands Police where, as head of crime, he held responsibility for all levels of criminal investigations. 2013 saw a departure to the Nottinghamshire Constabulary and the role of assistant chief constable tasked with looking after crime investigation and reduction.

Jupp joined the Suffolk Constabulary in April 2015 in the role of deputy chief constable and was promoted to chief constable exactly four years later.

Protecting people and communities

Speaking about his new appointment, Jupp affirmed: “I’m honoured to be taking on such an important role, which goes to the very heart of protecting people and keeping our communities safe. My career spans many different elements of crime, including serious and organised crime, and I’m fully committed to delivering a consistent and robust response to the significant threat it poses to members of the public here in the UK. I’m also looking forward to working collaboratively with the NCA, police forces and partner organisations alike to ensure that we do our very best to protect our communities from organised criminals.”

Graeme Biggar, director general of the NCA, said: “Serious and organised crime is a corrosive threat to national security. In leading the UK response, the NCA is clear that having the necessary focus, resources and capabilities at all levels of law enforcement is essential for meeting the challenge. This dedicated National Police Chiefs Council role will help to drive serious and organised crime priorities throughout policing, ensuring our collective response is most effective in protecting the UK’s people and economy. I welcome Steve to his new position and look forward to working with him.”

Tom Pursglove, Minister for Crime, Policing and Probation, added: “I welcome the appointment of Steve Jupp as the new full-time lead for serious and organised crime. Criminal networks are devastatingly corrosive to our society and make the lives of individuals and communities a misery. They threaten our national security and undermine the safety of our citizens. Bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to the role, Steve will work with the Home Office, the NCA, police forces and partners to crack down on the criminal gangs that often drive the most visible and harmful types of crime.”

Galvanising the system

Chief constable Alan Pughsley, chair of the National Police Chiefs Council’s Crime Committee, observed: “As the serious and organised crime lead, Steve will galvanise the whole system’s response to the considerable threat posed by serious and organised crime. He’s an experienced police officer and has spent much of his career tackling serious and organised crime. He also brings the experience of leading a police force in the role of chief constable. I look forward to continuing to work alongside Steve.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones, lead on serious and organized crime at the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, concluded: “I’m delighted that Steve has accepted the role as national lead. He has worked with me in this space for the last 12 months and is a very experienced senior strategic policing lead. Steve will be excellent in leading the fight against serious and organised crime, both locally and nationally alongside the NCA.”

Jupp is expected to take up the post full-time on Monday 3 October.