Royal honour to “exceptional” Warwickshire Police constable

Police Chief Constable Martin Jelley received the Queen’s Police Medal in the 2016 awards - an accolade given to officers for gallantry or distinguished service during their careers.

On being named in the New Year’s list, Mr Jelley said: “I feel hugely humbled and honoured to have been nominated and selected to receive the Queen’s Police Medal.

“Becoming Chief Constable of Warwickshire was, and remains, a huge privilege. I am fortunate to lead a dedicated and committed workforce, so this award coming on top of that feels very special.”

Mr Jelley joined the police force in Norfolk in 1988, being appointed to Chief Constable of Warwickshire Police in April 2015.

In this role he has set out the joint vision for building an alliance with West Mercia Police to help deliver a continued joint policing programme up to, and beyond 2020.

Praising his award, Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Ball said: “I am absolutely delighted, but not entirely surprised to hear that Martin Jelley has been awarded the Queen’s Police Medal.

“Martin is an extremely impressive individual who has effortlessly picked up the reins as Chief Constable for Warwickshire from day one.

“Clearly this award is in recognition for work that preceded his arrival in Warwickshire, but this reinforces my view, if any reinforcing was necessary, that we have an exceptional individual to lead Warwickshire Police in the years ahead.”

Also listed in the honours from Warwickshire was Southam resident, Sarah Louisa Goodall, deputy director at the National Crime Agency.

She was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to law enforcement.