The Metropolitan Police is set to reshuffle its top ranks with the retirement of the force’s lead in tackling violent crime.

Assistant Commissioner Mark Simmons will retire from the Metropolitan Police Service later this month, opening the opportunity for several promotions – if the force decides to recruit his replacement from current ranks.

AC Simmons joined the Met on September 6 1982 and will be leaving just short of 38 years of service with the force.

During his service he held a number of important roles in frontline policing, including Borough Commander in Tower Hamlets. In February 2012, he was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service.

AC Mark Simmons, said: “I feel so deeply privileged to have had the opportunity to serve London in what I firmly believe is the best police force in the world. The organisation today is fundamentally different in so many respects to the one I joined and I am proud to have played a small part in the changes.”

He added: “However the underpinning values that drew me to a career in policing hold true - compassion for victims, care for communities, a desire for justice, and a can-do attitude and strong team spirit."

His retirement leaves a vacancy for someone to join the top team that already includes Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu who leads on specialist operations, Operations lead Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave and Standards lead Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball.

Before the lockdown there was a reshuffle of responsibilities but top-performing officers could see their roles change including Deputy Assistant Commissioner Lucy D’Orsi, who is currently head of Protection Command and Temporary Commander Ade Adelekan who is responsible for public order.

Commissioner Cressida Dick said: “Mark Simmons is a police officer who has dedicated nearly 38-extraordinary years to policing London.

“Mark’s wealth of knowledge and experience in policing will be a great loss to the Met and to London. I want to thank him for his service and, on behalf of so many colleagues and friends within the Met and beyond, wish him every happiness in the future.”