International policing family comes together for the Coronation
Coordinated by the National Police Coordination Centre (NPoCC), police officers from across the UK and the world have travelled to London to be part of the policing operation for the Coronation of King Charles III.
In addition to the 43 UK forces represented, officers from the British Overseas Territories and the Crown Dependencies will also be involved in a “truly international representation of the policing family”, said NPoCC.
NPoCC supports the British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies with planning, contingency and any additional assistance required. Examples include a cadre of several hundred officers who are trained and available at short notice to provide humanitarian and immediate policing support in the event of a major hurricane.
Officers from the British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies are Crown servants who provide policing to their communities and British citizens visiting the countries. They are often represented at national events such as the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the Coronation this weekend.
Here are just a few of these officers who have travelled to the capital from the British Overseas Territories, Crown Dependencies and UK forces this weekend, including a four-legged specialist resource in the form of PD Isla.
Acting Inspector Jacquelyne Tom, Royal Virgin Islands Police.
“I am delighted to have been chosen to be part of the Coronation. It will be a great event in history and it’s really exciting to know I’ll be there.
“I’ve been a police officer for 33 years and community policing is my passion. I wake up every day looking forward to going out and reaching the general public, especially children and young people.
“It’s great to meet other officers and we all learn something from each other. I expect this weekend to be a spectacular event and I can’t wait to be part of it.”
Detective Constable Samantha Sillitoe, Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS)
“As a British national and a former Metropolitan Police officer, I am proud and excited to be representing the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) at the Coronation.
“I’m looking forward to being sworn in as a Special Constable and renewing my oath of allegiance – this time to King Charles III, to give me the powers here in the UK to protect the people of London who have come to this amazing event… and to be a part of history!
“I was an officer in the Metropolitan Police in London for 13 years before coming to the Cayman Islands in 2015. For the majority of my career in both services I’ve been a homicide detective, but here in Cayman I’ve had the further opportunity and honour of being the Major Incident Room (MIR) Office Manager. The MIR is the department from which all homicides and other major incidents are investigated. The role has a lot of responsibility and pressure and I really enjoy the challenges it brings every day.
“All police officers work as one big team and I feel really privileged to have been selected for this prestigious deployment at the Coronation, representing the people and the government of the Cayman Islands.
“I’m often asked how policing London compares to the Cayman Islands. As a British Overseas Territory, the law in Cayman is very similar to UK law, as are the investigations and court procedures.
“The RCIPS is predominantly staffed by Cayman or Caribbean officers but around 10 per cent are from the UK. The Cayman Islands have one of the most diverse populations in the Caribbean and they are a safe and rewarding place to live and work.
“The population sizes between Cayman and London are very different as we have three small islands and as such, policing is very community based. Officers are really well known within their local community and offenders tend to be very well known too!
“I really enjoy policing big events as it’s great to meet new people within the policing family, gaining potential new friends and contacts.
“I’m really excited and honoured to be part of history on Saturday and meeting members of the public who have come along to watch. I will be proud to wear my RCIPS ceremonial uniform which always generates questions from the public so I look forward to speaking to lots of people and representing my force on this momentous day.”
Detective Sergeant Shane Ennis, Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS)
“I have some twenty plus years of combined service between the Cayman Islands and Jamaica. Being a student of history and a police officer, my participation in the Coronation celebrations is a real highlight of my career so far and personally I’m proud to be part of such an historic event.
“I’ve been part of many high level investigations and prosecutions thus far in my career and playing a role in this event ranks right up there.
“Policing in London is similar to that of the Cayman Islands in terms of the leadership structure, policies and laws. There are cultural differences to consider but for the most part the similarities are strong.
“It’s a joy to be working with other officers from the British Territories and the Commonwealth on such an auspicious occasion. I am looking forward to working with these officers in making this occasion safe and memorable for the people of the United Kingdom.
“I am looking forward to playing my part in making it a safe and memorable experience for all present.”
Detective Constable Pippa Le Mottee, States of Jersey Police
“I feel exceptionally privileged to be invited to participate in the Coronation celebrations and it is also a real honour to represent my force at such a large scale historic event.
“I’ve been a police officer for 25 years and have served in multiple departments. I received my long service and good conduct medal in 2018.
“Working as a community police officer was one of my career highlights as I was able to get to know those within my community area really well. In addition, as I was investigating crime, I was able to work with them to resolve issues and seek solutions. One of my most fulfilling yet challenging specialisms is that of a Family Liaison Officer. I have been deployed on high profile cases and have even been deployed overseas.
“States of Jersey Police is a small force, therefore as police officers we have to deal with everything that comes in, often without being able to call on specialist teams or units. This means we all ‘multi-hat’ and carry many specialisms, which can be a challenge but makes the job varied and exciting. Also coming from a small island force we work within the community where we live, which is both a blessing and a challenge. I expect that this is very different to working in London and other large cities.
“I am a true people person so really enjoy meeting officers with a wide variety of experience and knowledge at occasions like the Coronation. There is nothing like working within a team and, regardless of whether you are from the same force or not you know that you can rely on each other. Working at large events is always exciting but also a little nerve wracking.
“I know that the Coronation will be a long and tiring day but I’m certain that the atmosphere will be incredible. I’m expecting that the crowds will be in good spirits and I look forward to hearing and seeing their reactions. To say that I was there and that I played my small part will be something that I will treasure forever.”
Police Sergeant Caleb Jn Pierre, Bermuda Police Service
“I’m delighted to be part of the Coronation, showing the diversity of the whole policing family and sharing the occasion.
“I’ve been a police officer for 15 years and there have been a lot of moments which stand out including a voluntary deployment to the British Virgin Islands in 2017 in the aftermath of catastrophic damage caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
“I’m looking forward to catching up with a colleague also attending the Coronation who I trained with and who served in the British Virgin Islands deployment.
“From what I’ve seen there are some similarities between London and Bermuda, especially when it comes to traffic related matters and the uniform and markings on patrol vehicles, but there are obvious differences such as the Met Police Air Support Unit. In Bermuda we do not have this capacity.
“Our service is relatively small so I know all the other officers. I’m sure there are officers here that work at the same station and may not even know each other.
“Events like this have wonderful camaraderie and it’s also amazing who you can meet and reacquaint with.
“I’m most looking forward to the regal flair of the pomp and circumstance that will be on display and spending my time with such a diverse group of people from across the policing family.”
UK officers
Police Constable Gareth Gummerson and canine colleague, Police Dog Isla from North Yorkshire Police
“I joined North Yorkshire Police in March 2004 and became a dog handler ten years ago.
“In my job as an officer in North Yorkshire I work with a general purpose dog, PD Milo and explosives search dog, PD Isla.
“Police dogs are a specialist and important resource so we’re often deployed on mutual aid, where we work with colleagues from across the UK to help keep everyone safe at a variety of events and occasions.
“PD Isla and I have travelled to London to be part of the policing operation for the King’s Coronation where we’re working alongside many officers to ensure the safety of everyone attending the celebrations, whether you’re a visitor coming to watch or a delegate invited to the event.
“Isla is an eight year old springer spaniel and we’ve always worked together since she joined North Yorkshire Police as a puppy. She’s highly trained and skilled at her job and she’s never happier than when she’s working.
“We’ve been to many events together including the G7 in Cornwall, Cop26 in Glasgow, the UCI cycling championships, Armed Forces Day and on a number of deployments with the National Crime Agency.
“London is certainly very different to North Yorkshire. There’s huge numbers of people around, large crowds and a lot of traffic but none of that phases Isla – she’s a true professional.
“Isla has been working hard searching a range of venues and locations but she’s also had plenty of downtime socialising with new canine friends. She’s definitely been enjoying staying in my hotel with me which is not a luxury she usually gets at home!
“Not only do we have the opportunity to see behind the scenes but I love working alongside colleagues from all over the UK and overseas. So far on this deployment I’ve worked with colleagues from Northumbria Police, the Metropolitan Police, South Wales Police, Ministry of Defence and Devon and Cornwall Police.
“I’m really proud to be part of this historic event and to play a role in keeping everyone safe so they can enjoy the celebrations and make the most of the occasion.”
Police Sergeant Jules West, Lancashire Police
“I am incredibly humbled to be one of two chosen officers from Lancashire Police to form the ceremonial route lining duties on the coronation, which for most is a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness and be part of such a monumental event. I’m proud to serve Lancashire Police and excited to be part of this large scale event.
“I’ve just achieved 22 years’ service, recently receiving my long service and good conduct medal. I have so many career highlights and thoroughly enjoyed a deployment to Edinburgh for the G8 in 2005 and Cop 26 in Glasgow 2021.
“I’ve never been deployed to London before but having friends and retired colleagues from the Met, I know they do a fantastic job and are no strangers to planning and policing such large scale events as this, doing so with incredible precision and professionalism.
“Being part of the Coronation is a showcase of the policing family, how proud we all are to serve and to be advocates of the Crown. I’m looking forward to soaking up the enormity of the day, being part of a once in a lifetime opportunity and watching my Dad’s old regiment ‘The Coldstream Guards’ march past, which will no doubt be an emotional affair.”
Police Constable Alex Mills, Heddlu Gwent Police
“I am about to retire after 35 years in policing and being part of the Coronation will be a last event to attend as a great finish to my career. I have met members of the Royal Family through my career including the King in 1992 at the Ebbw vale garden Festival when I only had a few years’ service. I was a Protection Officer later in my career and looked after various members of the Royal Family. It will mean a great deal to me to finish with such an honour of lining the route for the King.
“I’ve had many highlights in my career including a Chief Constable’s Commendation for my work around Minority Staff retention and progression, team of the year for a major drugs operation, deployments as a protection officer at the 2012 Olympics, Golden Jubilee and G20 Summit. I’ve also been proud to see both of my sons successfully apply to join the police.
“London is very different to my home force. Everything is busier and faster paced but the policing is the same. I find an advantage is being used to talking to people and the curiosity of locals and tourists to the Welsh policing uniform and badges.
“One of things I love about being part of a deployment like this is sharing an experience that not many people will get to say they did. Sharing new stories and making memories with my colleagues.
“It’s also an important opportunity to show policing in a positive light on parade, representing all my colleagues and showing the continued dedication of the police to the ceremonial history and being an integral part of the UK.”
Police Sergeant Matthew Holman, Cleveland Police
“I am extremely proud to have been given the opportunity to be part of the policing response to the Coronation event, having been a dedicated crown servant for over 20 years, first in the British Army and now the Police. I am really excited about describing the event to my daughters, even if they do think I’m off to meet the King!
“Earlier in my career I was really lucky to work in London during the Olympics, and although it was an extremely sad event, I was proud to have helped in the search for April Jones.
“My home force, Cleveland, is a third of the size of the Met, with a population 16 times smaller! With the sheer size and magnitude of the geography aside, when I have previously worked in London I found the biggest difference to be the wide spread of nationalities and backgrounds of the people I met. I look forward to being out and about in public, and talking to the people flocking to the capital to take part in the Coronation festivities.
“It’s always nice to meet like-minded people from different parts of the UK at events like these and to share the challenges of our different roles.
“I love anything traditional and historic so I am especially looking forward to seeing all the different uniformed organisations from around the Commonwealth being represented, and the undoubtedly celebratory atmosphere that will be generated by the crowds.”
Police Constable Tammy Careless, Derbyshire Police
“It means a lot to me to be policing the Coronation as I have never been a part of something so historic and special in my whole life time.
“This event is not just about the Coronation but true patronage of the Royal hierarchy in the UK that I am sure not just me but many others support and value.
“I’ve been a police officer since 2020. Joining the police was a lifelong dream since being young and after I was made redundant from a long term job in banking, the opportunity came my way. When I was successful in my application I felt a huge feeling of elation.
“A highlight of my career was being named ‘Student Officer of the Year’ in 2021 and the Coronation will definitely be another significant highlight!
“Joining officers from across many police forces on events like this is a great opportunity to talk and find out about how different our areas and communities are. We can also hopefully bring back ideas that can be shared to supervision or highlight areas that we improve or change.
“I think the weekend will be such a beautiful spectacle and a great celebration.”
Police Constable Mumnoon Ahmad, Northamptonshire Police
“This is a chance to be part of history. To say I was involved is huge. Not only does it reflect on my immediate family, but my extended family who at present are not aware and won’t be informed until the day. It is also important to my village where I have been a resident for 18 years. It is quintessentially an English village which will be celebrating the coronation with a street party. To have a villager who will be a route liner will be remembered and acknowledged in the village archives and be a legacy for the Ahmad family.
“I retire from policing next year and will have been an officer for 23 years having been a Prison officer beforehand, and transported prisoners prior to that. I have given 30 years to the service of protecting people.
“Reaching and receiving my long service medal was incredibly important and a satisfying moment as it was a milestone in my policing career and a very proud moment for my family.
“I have received recognition and various team awards in my career, but my career highlights have not been the awards but the various colleagues I worked with. The camaraderie I had with various individuals in the numerous teams I worked in, the success we achieved as a collective and the satisfaction it provided both in and out of the work place. Those are memories that I will cherish
“On a lighter note and individual level, I represented Northants Police at cricket at a local and PAA level captaining both and memorably scored 180 in a league match that remains unbeaten.
“The Met is a huge force in comparison to Northamptonshire, and policing London with its vast demographic no doubt presents a lot of challenges as does the additional pressure of keeping the nation’s capital safe.
“While much smaller, Northamptonshire has a different and varied topography, which presents its own challenges as the size of its workforce is reflective of the size of its population. Ultimately, I believe all forces face the same difficulties in fighting crime.
“Events like this bring police forces together and remind me that I am part of something much bigger than my individual role and what can be achieved through mutual aid. It’s an opportunity to meet colleagues from other forces and share experiences.
“I’m most looking forward to experiencing first-hand the atmosphere of a global event. Being chosen for this historic event is an honour. I am representing Northamptonshire Police and am looking forward to wearing my dress uniform with pride. Most importantly I look forward to engaging with the public which I have always done and is a very important aspect of community policing.”
Police Constable Andrew Poole, West Midlands Police Honour Guard
“As part of the West Midlands Police Honour Guard, I attend various events to represent the force but the coronation will by far be the highlight of my career. Just to be able to say I was there as part of the ceremonial duties will be something to remember dearly.
“I have been a police officer for nearly 25 years with a varied career. My favourite role was being a dog handler and also appearing on a TV documentary with my police dog. I am currently a tactical trainer and have also very recently visited the US Embassy in London as part of the Honour Guard.
“I have never policed London but I have noticed that as a police officer, you are almost a celebrity with many foreign tourists.
“Speaking to officers from other forces makes you realise that it is only the geography that is different. We are all very similar wherever we police. There is always time for comparisons and the swapping of ideas to take back to force.
“Just being part of the weekend is what I am looking forward to. Hopefully catching a glimpse of royalty and knowing I was there.”
Police Constable Joshua Snaith, North Yorkshire Police
“The Coronation is an event that is going to be watched right around the world. To be part of such an event is truly something special and having been given this opportunity is fantastic and certainly a career highlight.
“I joined North Yorkshire Police in 2018 as a special constable and then moved on to be a police constable in 2020.
“London is obviously a humongous city. I can only compare this to the city of York where I have worked occasionally but normally my usual tours of duties are in a small fishing town called Whitby. This is similar to London on one hand because its attracts a lot of tourists and I’m often dealing with people who don’t live in my policing area which can add more challenging aspects to incidents.
“This opportunity at the Coronation allows police officers to join together as one and show the public that we are a united front and that we can all work together completing the same duties no matter where we are from. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and to share ideas. It helps me as an individual to develop but also take new ideas back to my force.
“I’m most looking forward to the atmosphere at the weekend. It’s going to be fantastic to see the public celebrating such an historic event.”
T/Sergeant Adele Armstrong, Northumbria Police
“I’ve been a police officer for 15 years serving two forces Thames valley and Northumbria and I’m overwhelmed to be a part of the coronation. I grew up in Windsor and then took part in a lot of royal events whilst working for Thames Valley Police. This opportunity has meant the world as I didn’t think I would get the chance again moving 300 miles away. The reason I was chosen meant the world too and I feel very proud to have this chance.
“The Metropolitan Police and Thames Valley Police worked closely together and as I worked in Slough I’m used to how different forces operate. I am not going to pick a favourite though!”
Detective Constable John Greathead, Devon and Cornwall Police
“When I was first informed that I was going to the Coronation, it didn’t really sink it. As we are now at the Coronation weekend you realise that it is global event. It’s a huge honour to be part of that.
“I’ve been a police officer for 20 years and I do wonder how it’s gone so fast. I still get a buzz being part of a team getting justice for victims and families. It’s the basics of what we do.
“Policing in London is so different to Devon and Cornwall. For one you have street lights and roads without grass in the middle. London is a fantastic mix of all different people which makes it such a great place to visit.
“This weekend I am looking forward to celebrating with members of the public, the atmosphere will be electric, just crossing fingers for precipitation to stay away. (Don’t say the “r” word)”
Police Constable James Perks, Dorset Police
“It’s an honour to have been chosen by Dorset Police to represent them and my colleagues.
“I have been a police officer for nearly 16 years covering a wide area in Dorset with a variety of crimes particularly in the summer with significant additional demand from tourists and day-trippers visiting the county.
“Joining other officers on events like these is great as we get know how other forces operate outside of our local area.
“I’m looking forward to meeting people from across the country and from other parts of the world who have come to see the coronation.”
Police Constable Damian Stanton, Derbyshire Police
“It’s a massive honour and privilege to represent my force at the Coronation, I’m really looking forward to being part of it.
“I’ve been a police officer for 15 years and done other ceremonial duties but there’s nothing quite like being part of an event of this scale.
“It’s so different to my home force, many more people and huge crowds travelling down for the occasion.
“I really enjoy taking part in events with colleagues from other forces. It’s great to meet different people from different backgrounds and with different ideas.
“I’m most looking forward to seeing all the crowds and celebrations as well as the procession itself. It’s going to be a really exciting day.”