Police Legend Kevin Macey Bags British Empire Medal for 47 Years of Service
Kevin Macey, a veteran investigator from the joint Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, has been honoured in the King’s New Year’s Honours List. He scooped a British Empire Medal for his outstanding contribution to policing and support for victims throughout a career spanning nearly five decades.
From Rookie to Senior Detective Superintendent
Starting his career with Essex Police back in 1975, Macey carved out a reputation as a top-notch investigator. In 2011, he took on a crucial role reviewing major crime cases for the combined Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, where his expertise has been key to solving serious offences.
High-Profile Cases and Top Awards
Over his career, the former Head of Specialist Investigations has tackled more than 50 murder and attempted murder cases. Recent headline-grabbing cases include:
- The conviction of Mark Brown for the murders of Kent mother Alexandra Morgan and Leah Ware from Sussex. Brown received two life sentences earlier this year.
- Operation Sandpiper – cracking the cold case that caught David Fuller, responsible for 1987 murders in Tunbridge Wells. Fuller’s capture also exposed his abuse of 101 bodies in mortuary settings over 15 years. He now serves a whole life order.
- The conviction of Callum Wheeler for the murder of Kent Police PCSO Julia James in July 2022, leading to a life sentence.
Macey has also bagged three top awards from the National Police Chiefs’ Council and Homicide Working Group. In 2022, he received a lifetime achievement award for developing homicide investigation best practices and prevention processes.
Still Fighting the Good Fight
“Serious crime investigations can be hugely testing but there are fewer greater rewards than the gratitude of victims, or their families,” said Macey. “Each case is interesting because of the victims, their families, and the people you work with – helping them to be the best they can be.”
Even now, as a strategic level investigator (PIP4), Macey continues to mentor new detectives and senior staff, passing on his hard-earned wisdom in the fight against serious crime.
