Mr. Andy Harding
Mr. Andy Harding is a recently retired London Metropolitan Police Inspector and has been appointed the UK National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) Strategic Manager for Less Lethal Weapons and Counter Drones. He has 31 years policing experience in a variety of roles including, front line policing, instructing, developing strategy, Territorial Support Group (TSG), Intelligence and has gained subject matter expertise in less lethal weapons and countering the threat from drones. In 2007 he was responsible for the role out of Taser to 2000 officers in the Metropolitan Police including community engagement to all 32 Boroughs. This developed into being appointed the UK strategic advisor to Chief Constables and the National lead for less lethal weapons. He has lectured around the world.
In 2018 following the Airport incursion by drones at Gatwick, Mr. Harding was asked to mirror the success of the less lethal weapons portfolio and create and lead a team to counter the threat from drones which has resulted in a comprehensive review of capability, intelligence and evidential procedures resulting in the deployment of equipment and resources across the UK to assist front line officers and forces.
Mr. Harding is passionate about policing and ensuring officers have the correct equipment whilst delivering a service to their communities and always considering value for money. He believes that policing cannot produce all the answers and a collaborative approach with industry and stakeholders is a utopia to focus on.
Mr. Harding has broad experience of working in challenging policing environments, including the Territorial Support Group, Intelligence services and front line policing. Whilst on the Territorial Support Group Mr. Harding was a highly experienced public order advisor to senior officers and worked on the command team for most high profile incidents in the late 90s through to his retirement in 2021.
Mr. Harding has held many positions outside of policing to give back to his community. He was a school governor with responsibility for safeguarding, chair of a parents association and chair of a residents association.
