Manchester police lose chief constable
A police chief known for being gay friendly has died. As Chief Constable of Greater Manchester police, Mike Todd was in charge of the service when they joined the Stonewall Diversity Champions scheme.
Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme is Britain’s good practice forum in which employers can work with Stonewall, and each other, to promote lesbian, gay and bisexual equality in the workplace.
Manchester, the second-largest police force in the UK, was last year was placed joint 43rd on the list of top 100 employers for gay people in the Stonewall Work Equality Index.
The city is home to one of the largest gay scenes in England.
Mr Todd became Chief Constable in 2002. He was previously an assistant commissioner in the Metropolitan police.
He supported police officers marching in gay Pride parades and welcomed the 2003 Europride celebrations to Manchester.
Earlier today Deputy Chief Constable Dave Watson made the following statement:
“Yesterday, Michael Todd, the chief constable of Greater Manchester Police was off-duty and walking in Snowdonia.
“Last night we became concerned for his welfare and as a result searches started to find him.
“These searches have continued today and unfortunately this afternoon a body has been found.
“I and all the officers of Greater Manchester Police and all the members of Greater Manchester Police Authority are absolutely shocked by what’s happened and what has taken place in the last 16 hours.”
