Chief police officer

Law enforcement in the United Kingdom
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Chief police officer is a phrase used in the United Kingdom to describe the position held by the most senior police officer in a police force. It refers to either one of the 53 Chief Constables, the Commissioner of the City of London Police or the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. Such police officers are members of the Association of Chief Police Officers. The phrase is used in legislation when giving powers such as those to permit public processions, or grant firearms licenses. Some such activities can usually be delegated to any constable.

Officers holding the ranks of Deputy Chief Constable, Assistant Chief Constable, Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, and Commander (and formerly Deputy Commander) are also members of ACPO and are usually referred to as being of "chief officer" rank.

See also

• Chief of police, a North American title
• Law enforcement in the United Kingdom
• List of law enforcement agencies in the United Kingdom