Top GMP officer from Bolton in King’s Birthday Honours

Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods QPM, the UK’s most experienced officer of that rank, was awarded a CBE in recognition of his many years of service.

Bolton-born DCC Woods started his career as a special constable before joining Lancashire Police in 1996, eventually rising to the National Police Chiefs Council’s lead for Police Driving.

DCC Woods said: “I am extremely humbled and proud to be receiving an honour from His Majesty the King.

“I would particularly like to thank my wife and family who have supported me over many years, making countless sacrifices, as is the case for so many Police families.

DCC Woods is renowned across the country for his experience and expertise (Image: GMP)

“I would also like to pay tribute to the thousands of Greater Manchester Police officers and staff who work tirelessly around the clock to keep the public safe, all of which have my deepest respect and recognition for their constant dedication and sacrifice.”

DDC Wood’s roles with Lancashire Police included response, specialist operations, neighbourhood policing and safeguarding,

He was promoted to Assistant Chief Constable in 2017, and later Deputy Chief Constable in 2019, before joining Greater Manchester Police in September 2021.

Having been awarded the Queen’s Policing Medal in 2021 DDC Woods has become well know for his role as the National Police Chiefs Council’s lead for Police Driving.

He was forked to help transform standards, bring in legislative change and has worked hard to bring all 48 forces into full compliance.

The force says his work has contributed to public safety and provided more recognition and legal protections for police officers for the risk they are willing to take.

DCC Woods has also often been sought out for advice on UK specialist command training and operations and for organisations outside of policing.

GMP says that DCC Woods is known as a strong and engaging leader, with a rare combination of high competence and high proficiency and driving for organisational improvements. 

Whenever time allows, he is often to be found working shifts with one of the many teams across the force. 

The force says he is genuinely liked and admired by those who work with him and for him.

GMP Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said: “I am delighted to see Deputy Chief Constable Woods recognised for his contributions to policing.

“He is an officer of exceptional calibre, with significant achievements that markedly exceed the requirements of his role, both locally and nationally.

“DCC Woods has been at my side at Greater Manchester Police, almost from the beginning of my tenure.   

“His drive and effectiveness have been central to the improvements we have seen over the past five years.

“He has worked diligently through programmes of complex change, while driving up core standards and performance in what is genuinely one of the most challenging operating environments in UK policing.”