Led a programme of reform of Lancashire Constabulary, the UK’s 6th largest police force (1996-8), which put in place the foundations of Excellence, leading to award of ‘best performing UK police force’ in 2002/3.

Leadership/Command role of a 3 day National Counter-Terrorism Exercise (REMOUNT, 1994) involving the government Cabinet Office (COBRA), the Secret Security Services (MI5 and MI6); the Army (SAS), several police forces, and hundreds of police personnel, in co-ordination with BAE industries (scenario was the hijacking of aircraft with Middle East VIP on UK soil, containment of terrorists, negotiation, and armed intervention (by SAS).  This exercise is the subject of huge professional interest in the UK and is recorded in ‘live time’ for transmission to all policing and law enforcement agencies to critique and learn from – it is also the subject of major press coverage and intrusion, including live press conferences and TV coverage by the Commander (Gerry O’Connell).

It was a great honour for Gerry O’Connell to be selected to as the overall operational commander of this major counter-terrorist event in the UK.  At the conclusion of this REMOUNT exercise he was commended by COBRA report (UK government) for his ‘outstanding command leadership’ of the joint service exercise over the 3 days of the event and this praise was supported by all agencies including SAS who had mounted an explosion and an entry into the aircraft;

Leadership/Command role of National Nuclear Emergency Exercise based upon Heysham Nuclear Reactor, Lancashire UK.  2 day exercise simulating a major radiation leak, in conjunction with all the major UK agencies, including the government COBRA Cabinet Office, Health and Safety Executive, local authorities, surrounding police forces.  Gerry O’Connell was commended by the COBRA office for his leadership throughout the exercise.

Command role of major prison riot in Lancashire UK (prisoners attacked staff and took control of prison and major fires/arson were started).  The riot lasted for 2 days and involved command and control strategy and tactics.  Gerry O’Connell was commended by the Home Secretary (Minister) for his command of a highly dangerous situation.

Command role for major political conference (Blackpool, 1997) which was attended by Prime Minister and government of the day, and subject to high ‘threat level’ by IRA terrorists.

Command role in anti-riot operations in Toxteth/Liverpool (1981). The city was the subject of worst rioting on British mainland for over a century – over 800 police personnel were injured, many very badly – police forces from all over Britain were involved in the anti-riot operation.  Gerry O’Connell was a commander of vehicle tactics that regained the initiative from the rioters who were attacking the city centre and police headquarters. His tactics and conduct of his officers were later examined by the courts following the death of one of the rioters.  The officers and the tactics were vindicated and have since become the standard operating procedure (SOP) for such riots in mainland Britain.  Gerry O’Connell’s role was commented favourably by all the British press who followed the trial in detail.

Head of Liverpool City Vice Squad – commended for his outstanding leadership by the Chief Constable for reducing organized crime in Liverpool City (1982-4).

Abu Dhabi Police: Leadership role of major organizational reform programme of Abu Dhabi Police (UAE), one of the world’s largest police forces (32,000 personnel).

Led a team of over 35 international consultants.

Responsible for developing and implementing a change management strategy of transformational change (all aspects of operations and management, vision, strategy, organizational structure, business processes, systems, management style, culture) including, operations in the field (community policing); CID investigations, Forensic Science capability.

Gave presentations (monthly) to Minister of Interior, His Highness Sheik Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the progress and for key decisions on strategic direction.

Gave presentation to the Executive Counsel of Abu Dhabi Government, chaired by His Highness Sheik Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

At the conclusion of this contract (2002-2007) Gerry O’Connell received a letter of personal commendation from the Minister of Interior (UAE) in very supportive and appreciative terms.

Led a review of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) corporate strategy and implementation to achieve ‘Best Value’ (2001); this involved a major study of organizational development of MPS, strengths and weaknesses, and giving advice and feedback to all high level managers about improvements.

Led a review of the MPS’s approach to designing business processes for working with criminal justice agencies to reduce crime and disorder (2002).