UK Police Honoured in King’s New Year List
From top brass to volunteers, police officers across the UK have bagged honours in His Majesty the King’s New Year’s Honours List. The awards recognise outstanding contributions to law enforcement, community safety, and diversity.
Police Chiefs Praise Heroes of Public Safety
Martin Hewitt, Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, saluted the winners, saying:
“I congratulate and pay my respects to all recognised for their service to policing in the King’s New Year’s Honours List. It’s fantastic to see so many officers, staff, and volunteers honoured for their efforts in protecting communities year-round.”
Top Honours for Policing Excellence
Order of the Bath: Dr Nina Cope, former Director General at the National Crime Agency, snagged a Companion of the Order of the Bath for services to law enforcement and diversity.
OBEs: Senior officers like Hadley Gill (NCA), David Kevin Lawes (City of London Police), and Jonathan Peter Mearns (Metropolitan Police) received OBEs for their leadership and contributions to diversity and counter-terrorism.
MBEs and BEMs Shine a Light on Frontline and Community Work
Scores of officers and volunteers earned MBEs for dedicated service, including:
- Phillip William Collins, ex-Detective Inspector at the Met
- Nigel William Goodband of British Transport Police
- Alicia Charlotte Harper, campaigner for victims of violent crime
- Simon Peter Couldrey, Detective Superintendent focusing on health and wellbeing
Community champions like Nicola Baboneau, Marjorie Zoe Black, and Richard Fox also received the British Empire Medal for their tireless support across policing and charity sectors.
King’s Police Medal Highlights Outstanding Bravery & Leadership
The prestigious King’s Police Medal (KPM) went to notable figures including Emma Barnett, Deputy Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police, Lee Freeman, Chief Constable of Humberside Police, and many others across UK forces. These honours recognise exceptional courage, leadership, and dedication to public safety.
Royal Victorian and Overseas Medals Awarded
Special honours were also given:
- Barbara Gray, Assistant Commissioner, Metropolitan Police – Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order
- Adesola Adelekan, Commander, and retired Met officers Simon Hammett and Fiona Wilson received Royal Victorian Order memberships
- Overseas Territories Police Medal awarded to Maria Atalioti (Cyprus) and Elliott Forbes (Anguilla) for services to policing and diversity abroad
These awards showcase the extraordinary commitment of police personnel throughout the UK and beyond, recognising their sacrifices and unwavering dedication to keeping communities safe.
