Knighthood for chief HMI in Queen’s Birthday Honours

Police officers, staff and volunteers in the policing sector have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list published over the weekend. Most notably, the Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Sir Denis O’Connor, was knighted.

Prior to his current role, Sir Denis was chief constable of Surrey Police between 2000 and 2004, but started his career with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), working up to assistant commissioner. He was also deputy chief constable of Kent Police.

Sir Denis said: “Forty years ago when I first started in the police, I was based at Limehouse police station. Last week, I visited that same station. And while many things have changed and evolved with time, the principle remains the same. It is encapsulated by the inscription on the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) – ‘To Guard my People’. I have seen this as my mission for the last 40 years and I consider it a privilege to be able to continue doing this as Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary. I am honoured to be recognised in this way.”

In 1996, Sir Denis was awarded the QPM and was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2002 for his service to policing.

Over the years, Sir Denis has reviewed the fitness of the current police force structure, which resulted in publication of the 2005 report Closing the Gap.

Other significant analysis, commentary and reviews overseen by Sir Denis include the issues arising
from the death of Baby P, a review of the Lessons to be Learned from Stockwell and more recently a review of the policing of public protests for G20.

Lancashire Constabulary and its authority were recognised, with Chief Constable Steve Finnigan appointed a CBE, two constables and one former constable appointed Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), along with Saima Afzal, an independent member of Lancashire Police Authority.

Mr Finnigan, previously awarded the QPM, has been recognised for his contribution to the police service.

After spending 25 years at Merseyside Police, he arrived at Lancashire in 2001 as an assistant chief constable and was promoted to deputy chief constable in 2002. Following the departure of Sir Paul Stephenson to the MPS in 2005, Mr Finnigan became acting chief constable, before being substantively appointed in 2007.

Mr Finnigan said: “I am obviously delighted. I am conscious, however, that this is recognition of much more than my own personal contribution to policing over the last 34 years. 

“It is testament, I believe, to the wonderful advice, support and commitment I have received from many colleagues in the police service and other partner agencies over those years.

“And crucially, of course, the unstinting support I have received from my wife, Jackie, has been invaluable.

“It has been a privilege and an honour to lead what I believe to be an excellent organisation, whose people are very focused on delivering a high quality policing service to the diverse communities of Lancashire.”

Cllr Malcolm Doherty, chair of Lancashire Police Authority, congratulated Mr Finnigan, saying: “This is a fitting acknowledgment of the tremendous contribution that Steve Finnigan has made to policing and the community and I’m delighted for him. .  It is a very well deserved honour that recognises Steve’s commitment and remarkable dedication to duty.”

The three members of staff from Lancashire Constabulary appointed MBEs are PCs Janet Roe and Kathleen Bromilow for services to policing, and retired PC Margaret Mills for voluntary service to the constabulary and charity.

Mr Finnigan added: “I would like to send my warm congratulations to my colleagues who have also been honoured. I am extremely proud of their achievements.

“It really is a unique way to be recognised for the hard work and the dedication they have shown.
“Finally, I would like to congratulate police authority member Saima Afzal, who has been appointed MBE for her services to the police