Former chief constable Olivia Pinkney appointed CBE in King’s Birthday Honours

Ms Pinkney, who became the first female chief constable of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Constabulary in April 2016, retired from the force this year after 31 years of police service.

She said: “I am extremely honoured to receive this award for services to policing. I am delighted to accept it, and I do so on behalf of the fine profession that I was proud to serve for 31 years. Proud of the service delivered by the most brilliant, compassionate, humble, and capable people who genuinely make a difference every day.

“I have been fortunate to hold so many varied positions throughout my career, which allowed me to witness the depth and breadth of what policing has to offer.

“I strongly believe that a career in policing is one of the most rewarding you can have. The day I was appointed chief constable of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will always be one of the proudest days of my life. I got to witness the brilliance of those I have been lucky enough to serve with, and I also had opportunities to influence and shape policing more widely in the national positions that I held.

“It is a vocation like no other, where even on the darkest days, people step up and bring light. They do the right thing, go the extra mile, stick to their values and put the public first. It is a real team effort, and I feel truly privileged to have been recognised for the part I have played.”

Police and crime commissioner Donna Jones, said: “I was pleased to support Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney’s nomination for a national honour. Olivia was the first female chief constable of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and at the time she stood down as our chief, one of the longest serving chief constables in the UK.

“Olivia led our force with distinction, focus and represented policing on the national stage for a number of years.

“Olivia’s commitment to policing has been unwavering with total dedication to public service since she graduated from Cambridge University.

“She has helped bring about improvements in equality and diversity in policing at a national level. I had the privilege to work alongside Olivia in my first two years as Police and Crime Commissioner.

“I am thrilled she has been recognised today for her exemplary service.”

Ms Pinkney has also held national positions as the lead for Local Policing and the Policing of Children and Young People, was chair of the UK Women Chief Officers’ Network and the national chaplaincy lead for the police service. Prior to leaving her role, she led the national strategic command course for three months, developing the next generation of aspiring chief officers and wider executives.

Ms Pinkney began her career in policing with Avon and Somerset Constabulary, and also served as assistant chief constable for Surrey and Sussex forces. During this time she was the national lead for the police on tackling organised immigration crime, including people trafficking. She then took up the role of assistant inspector of constabulary with HMICFRS, later becoming deputy chief constable in Sussex Police, before taking up her final position in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

In 2016, she was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in the New Year Honours list.

Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, chair of the National Police Chief’s Council, said: “Olivia’s honour is very well-deserved, marking her tireless commitment to policing over more than 30 years.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Olivia in both her local and national roles and she has been a great inspiration to me and many others. Even following retirement Olivia continues to support policing, through the development of police leaders and research work. Olivia’s contribution to public service is exemplary and I am delighted it has been recognised in this way.”

British Transport Police (BTP) Assistant Chief Constable Sean O’Callaghan, who led the operation for the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, was appointed OBE for services to policing.

At BTP, he leads the specialist capabilities portfolio, which has seen him lead the force’s operations for Covid-19, G7, Commonwealth Games, Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Operation London Bridge and the King’s Coronation. He has also taken on the role of ‘corporate witness’ for BTP in the Manchester Arena Inquiry and has led changes made within the force following the attack.

Mr O’Callaghan said it was an “honour” after leaving school at the age of 15 and starting his career as a Special Constable 32 years ago.

He was recognised for his services to policing, with his citation stating he is an “inspirational police leader who consistently delivers beyond what is expected”.

He joined BTP in 2018, having started out as a Special Constable with Essex Police in 1991 and serving 25 years – including as divisional commander for West Essex and lead for Learning and Development for Essex and Kent.

“I could never have imagined the amazing policing career I have experienced so far and I am humbled that my duty to public service was receiving such an acknowledgement,” sais Mr O’Callaghan.

“Without doubt my proudest experience has been to lead BTP’s women and men through our contribution to Operation London Bridge and I am honoured to receive this award with such direct recognition.”

Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi said: “It is a privilege to work alongside Sean and see the commitment, expertise and dedication he brings to BTP every single day.

“Congratulations to him on this thoroughly well-deserved honour.”

Police officers, staff and volunteers from forces across the country have been recognised in the King’s first Birthday Honours List.

People of all ranks and roles were recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

Mr Stephens, said: “I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to all members of our policing family who have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

“Each and every one of them has contributed significantly to both their communities and to the world of policing.  Policing is a vocation that requires great resilience and resolve to keep our communities safe, and those receiving awards set an example for us all.

“I’m delighted that their achievements, stories and commitment to going above and beyond can be showcased through the honours which are very well-deserved.”

Metropolitan Police Service Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “I am delighted that so many dedicated Met officers and staff have been recognised by His Majesty the King in his Birthday Honours.

“Each and every one of them should be incredibly proud of their wonderful achievements and the service they have delivered for Londoners.”

Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone QPM congratulated the three current and former Police Scotland officers who were recognised for their commitment to public service in the King’s Birthday Honours 2023.

Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham and recently retired Assistant Chief Constable Kenny MacDonald both receive the King’s Police Medal, while Detective Inspector (retired) Simon Broadhurst swas appointed MBE for services to policing.

Sir Iain said: “I warmly congratulate Malcolm, Kenny and Simon and thank them for their outstanding service to policing and the people we serve.

“These awards are tribute to their dedication to public service and the communities of Scotland. I am hugely grateful for their professionalism and quality.”

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Olivia Clare PINKNEY QPM Chief Constable, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. For services to Policing

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Sean Joseph O’CALLAGHAN Police Leader, British Transport Police. For services to Policing and the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Michelle Prudencear SKEER QPM Chief Constable, Cumbria Police. For services to Policing.

Ewan David ANDERSON Superintendent, Police Service of Northern Ireland. For services to Law and Order

Gavin Marcus MCKINNON Chief Officer, Kent Special Constabulary. For services to Policing

Leanne ALMOND Lately Deputy Director, National Crime Agency. For services to Law Enforcement

Luke ANTHONY Senior Officer, National Crime Agency. For services to Law Enforcement

Anthony COOK Senior Officer, National Crime Agency. For services to Law Enforcement

Steven HEMSLEY Senior Officer, National Crime Agency.For services to Law Enforcement

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Richard Norman AUTY Lately Inspector, Metropolitan Police Service. For services to Forensic Collision Investigation

Simon Andrew BROADHURST Detective Inspector, Police Service of Scotland. For services to Policing

Catherine DALEY Lately Constable, British Transport Police. For services to Law and Order

Aqil FAROOQ Police Sergeant and Chair, Staff Association, Avon and Somerset Police. For services to Policing and to Diversity and Inclusion

Dr Victoria Louise HARRINGTON Lately Assistant Chief Officer, Essex Police. For services to Policing

John Alexander Charles SENNETT Police Staff, Metropolitan Police Service. For services to Policing

Harvinder SINGH RAI Sergeant, West Midlands Police. For services to Policing and to the Sikh Community

Kate FISHER-STEVENS Deputy Director, National Crime Agency. For services to Law Enforcement

Andrew MASON Officer, National Crime Agency. For services to Law Enforcement

John Beresford WILLETT Police Staff, Office of the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner. For services to Policing and to Community Cohesion in Sussex

John Alexander Charles SENNETT Police Staff, Metropolitan Police Service. For services to Policing

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

Ezekiel Abiodun AWOYOMI Inspector, British Transport Police. For services to Policing and to Young People

Claire Marie BOND Constable, Staffordshire Police. For services to Women in Policing and to the community in Staffordshire

Paul Stuart CORDING Sergeant, North Yorkshire Police. For services to Policing and to Charity

Stephen Lionel JUDD Police Constable and Leader, Essex Volunteer Police Cadets, Essex Police. For services to Policing and to Young People

Robert LEWIS Special Inspector, South Wales Police Special Constabulary. For services to Policing

Mandy ROWLATT Head of Prosecutions, Northamptonshire Police. For services to Policing

James Austin HETHERINGTON For voluntary services to Police Officers in Northern Ireland

Karen Anne HARRIS Police Staff, Citizens in Policing, East Regional Coordinator and Suffolk Manager, Suffolk Constabulary. For services to Policing

King’s Police Medal (KPM)

Amanda Jane BLAKEMAN, Chief Constable, North Wales Police.

Adrian Charles CAFE, Constable, Thames Valley Police.

Susannah CLARKE, lately Detective Chief Superintendent, Lancashire Constabulary.

Paul Jonathon DENARO, lately Detective Inspector, West Midlands Police.

Joanna EDWARDS, lately Superintendent, Metropolitan Police Service.

Nicholas Brian ELTON, lately Chief Inspector, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary.

Daniel FLEMING, Constable, Humberside Police.

Garry Mark FORSYTH, lately Chief Constable, Bedfordshire Police.

Redouane HADDOUCH, Constable, Metropolitan Police Service.

Emily-Jane HIGHAM, Chief Superintendent, Greater Manchester Police.

Stephen Michael JUPP, Chief Constable, National Police Chiefs’ Council.

Wendy KEEPIN, lately Inspector, Gwent Police.

Serena Margaret KENNEDY, Chief Constable, Merseyside Police.

Andrew NIMMO, Detective Sergeant, Metropolitan Police Service.

Bernard Declan O’REILLY, Deputy Chief Constable, Sussex Police and College of Policing.

Mark Graham PORTER, Constable, Metropolitan Police Service.

Emanuel Nathaniel SAMUEL, Constable, Devon and Cornwall Police.

David STURMAN, lately Chief Superintendent, West Midlands Police.

Malcolm GRAHAM, Deputy Chief Constable, Police Service of Scotland.

Kenneth Edward MacDONALD, Assistant Chief Constable, Police Service of Scotland.

Darrin JONES, Chief Superintendent, Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Kellie Janine McMILLAN, Superintendent, Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Valarie Elizabeth ROBINSON, Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland.