Lynne Owens named as new head of National Crime Agency

CHIEF Constable of Surrey Police, Lynne Owens, has been appointed as the new Director General of the National Crime Agency.

Ms Owens (pictured), who has more than 25 years’ experience in policing, is expected to replace Keith Bristow in January, becoming the most senior woman in British law enforcement.

She has worked in a variety of roles, including as assistant commissioner at the Metropolitan Police, and has experience on the frontline as well as in complex national investigations and operations.

Home Secretary Theresa May said she was “delighted” to announce the new appointment and described Ms Owens’ career as “impressive” to date.

“Her strong track record of engaging teams and partners, along with her exceptional leadership skills, give me full confidence that she is the best candidate to lead the NCA and continue its vital work to tackle the full range of serious and organised crime threats, including cybercrime, firearms, money laundering and child sexual abuse,” said Mrs May.

Ms Owens was chosen from a pool of candidates from the UK, Canada, the US and Australia, with a final interview panel comprising senior civil servants and senior figures from the law enforcement community.

Speaking to The Sunday Times about the prospect of counter-terrorism moving from the Met to the NCA, Ms Owens said the decision would be one for the Home Secretary.

“My role is to lead the fight against serious and organised crime. But I will be working really closely with Mark Rowley, national lead for counter-terrorism. There are areas where we could better share capabilities but at the moment counter-terrorism won’t be my responsibility,” she said.

Mrs May has thanked Mr Bristow, who became the first Director General of the NCA four years ago.

“Under his leadership, the NCA has re-shaped the UK’s response to serious and organised crime. He has been at the forefront of the law enforcement community, leading and co-ordinating the UK’s effort to relentlessly tackle the most dangerous individuals and criminal groups that cost the UK more than £24bn per year,” she said.

http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/Society/article1641556.ece