Paula Craig MBE

Former undercover officer

Following a 4 year career in radiography at St Thomas’ Hospital, London, Paula joined the Metropolitan Police Service in January 1986.  She joined the CID in 1992 and was posted to West Hendon for four years before being seconded to the National Crime Squad for five years. She was an undercover officer for nine years but, in May 2001, she was hit by a car whilst cycling and was left paralysed from the waist down.

In April 2002, Paula returned to work and was posted to the Flying Squad, a role for which she had been selected prior to her accident.  In February 2003, she moved to the Homicide and Serious Crime Command on promotion and, as Detective Sergeant, ran the Intelligence Unit for two years. 

In July 2005, Paula was promoted to Detective Inspector and led the Homicide Task Force, a unit responsible for man hunts and managing threats to life.  Further postings include Investigating Officer on a Murder Investigation Team and Policy Unit.

In 2013, Paula moved to the Department of Professional Standards with responsibility for corruption proofing within the MPS as well as leading a team of Field Intelligence Officers. 

Her final posting was with the Counter Terrorism Command where her roles included Investigating Officer for the first all female terror cell in the UK.

Paula also delivered diversity and inclusivity training to senior leadership at the College of Policing.

She was awarded an MBE for Services to the Police in 2005.