Greater Manchester Police, which serves the Oldham area, has been awarded the highest ranking in a new performance system, marking a dramatic turnaround from being placed in special measures five years ago.

The Police Performance System, introduced in April, is a joint initiative between the policing sector and the government to evaluate and enhance police performance across England and Wales. Under this system, GMP has achieved Level 1 status, the top tier, indicating that the force requires no external intervention and is performing at a high standard.

This achievement is particularly notable given GMP's recent history. In 2020, the force was placed into special measures following concerns over its performance, and the then Chief Constable Ian Hopkins was ordered to resign. Under the leadership of Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson, GMP adopted a "back to basics" approach, focusing on fundamentals and improving standards. By 2022, the force was removed from special measures, and it has continued to improve since then.

For residents in Oldham, this ranking signals that local policing is now considered high-performing. It means that officers in Oldham are part of a force that is committed to protecting the vulnerable, pursuing offenders, and keeping communities safe. The improvement is expected to have a positive impact on crime rates and public safety across the borough.

Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson expressed pride in the ranking, stating: "This outcome is a source of considerable encouragement and one in which every member of the GMP family can take legitimate pride. While this is an occasion for satisfaction, we must recognise that performance is a continuous journey. The communities we serve, including those in Oldham, rightly expect us to constantly strive for improvement."

He added: "There is great honour in what we do. Every day, across Greater Manchester, officers and staff make a tangible difference to people's lives through their commitment to protecting the vulnerable, pursuing offenders, and keeping our communities safe."

The ranking is a testament to the hard work of GMP officers and staff across the region, including those stationed in Oldham and surrounding areas. It represents a new chapter for the force, one built on accountability and continuous improvement.