THE former head of the Met's Diplomatic Protection Group is Croydon's new borough commander.
Chief Superintendent Andy Tarrant replaces David Musker, who was promoted to Commander in May.
Two other senior officers - Detective Superintendent Simon Messinger and Superintendent Caroline Trevithick - are also leaving Croydon, the Met announced today (Monday).
Chief Supt Tarrant had been in charge of the Diplomatic Protection Group, the unit at the centre of the 'Plebgate' row.
He has also worked in Hackney and on secondment with Lambeth Council as head of community safety. He will start work in Croydon on Monday (July 7).
Chief Supt Musker said working in Croydon had been a "honour and a privilege".
He said: "I've dealt with many things since I arrived; from the Olympics, fires to floods and even seeing Crystal Palace promoted to the Premier League - all of which have posed unique and varied policing challenges.
"Croydon is a safer place than three years ago with a sustained reduction in offences and with its lowest crime rate for many years.
"This is because there is a team of fantastic, dedicated and professional officers and staff that work tirelessly to keep the borough safe.
"I feel immensely proud to have worked with so many talented and dedicated officers and staff and I know that my successor, Andy Tarrant, is inheriting a brilliant group of people who will continue to keep Croydon safe."
Det Supt Messinger and Supt Trevithick leave after almost three and five years in the borough respectively.
Chief Supt Musker said: "I'd also like to thank Simon and Caroline who are moving on to specialist roles, as well as the rest of my command team here, who have shown great leadership, dedication and commitment over the past three years.
"Simply put, it is the best command team I have been involved with during my 24 years of police service."
Chief Supt Musker is to become the Met's ACPO Commander Taskforce and Specialist Armed Policing.
His new role will involve overseeing specialist branches of the police such as dog, mounted, armed response, the Territorial Support Group (TSG) and marine and air support units.
The Met also confirmed today that two senior officers - Det Supt Paul Astbury, from the criminal finance team, and Supt Schusler, from Bromley - will be joining Croydon.
