Laurence Taylor

Laurence James Taylor[1] KPM (born 1972) is a senior British police officer who is currently serving as Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations of the Metropolitan Police Service and Head of Counter Terrorism Policing.[2][3]

Taylor has a degree in natural sciences from Durham University.[4] He joined Sussex Police in 1996, eventually becoming Assistant Chief Constable before a transfer to the Metropolitan Police as a Deputy Assistant Commissioner in 2018.[5][3] He was awarded the King's Police Medal in the 2026 Birthday Honours.[3]

Taylor took charge of Counter Terrorism Policing in 2025. In his first media briefing he revealed there were "800 live investigations ongoing" and that counter-terrorism officers had made 248 arrests the previous year.[6] He told The Guardian in April 2026 that the Prevent counter-extremism scheme was being "overwhelmed" by a large surge in referrals and advocated for a separate strategy to account for young people whose fascination with violence was not rooted in any particular ideology.[7]

References

  1. ↑ "Birthday Honours 2026: The King's Police Medal for Distinguished Service (accessible)". GOV.UK. 12 June 2026. Retrieved 27 July 2026.
  2. ↑ "Laurence Taylor and Rachel Williams appointed as Assistant Commissioners". Metropolitan Police. 3 June 2025. Retrieved 27 July 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 "Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Laurence Taylor recognised in King's Birthday Honours". Counter Terrorism Policing. 24 June 2026. Retrieved 27 July 2026.
  4. ↑ "Royal honour for Wallace & Gromit studio co-founder". Durham University. 13 June 2026. Retrieved 27 July 2026.
  5. ↑ Razavi, Amir (17 June 2018). "Top job for one of county's police chiefs". The Argus. Retrieved 27 July 2026.
  6. ↑ Allison, George (4 November 2025). "Taylor details counter-terrorism priorities at Yard briefing". UK Defence Journal. Retrieved 27 July 2026.
  7. ↑ Dodd, Vikram (2 April 2026). "'Overwhelmed' Prevent at risk of missing threats as referrals rise, UK counter-terror chief says". The Guardian. Retrieved 27 July 2026.
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