Lifetime achievement award for WMP’s longest serving officer

Described as “one of the real unsung heroes of West Midlands Police”, PC Rani Gundhu QPM, who joined the force in the 1980s, picked up the Sislin Fay Allen Lifetime Achievement Award last week at the National Black Police Association (NBPA) Conference.

The NBPA’s lifetime achievement award is named after the UK’s first black policewoman, Sislin Fay Allen, who died aged 83 in 2021.

The West Midlands Black and Asian Police Association (BAPA) said she was nominated for the difference she has made, with “nearly four decades of exemplary, relentless dedication to service pioneering community cohesion and integration”.

PC Gundhu has “extensive experience” working in numerous roles and departments including vice, serious complex crime, major public events, CID, domestic violence, major incident rooms, response and neighbourhood.

The force said she “continues to move with the times” and is now a positive action coordinator, supporting others on their policing journey.

Sergeant Aaron Bell, BAPA vice-chair, said PC Gundhu joined the force at a time when inclusivity was not a priority and individuals of colour and females faced “unimaginable challenges”.

“Despite having been able to retire many years ago, Rani thrives in delivering high standards in public service, genuinely caring about serving the community and the next generation of policing,” he added.

“She’s respected for her specialist knowledge in continuously bringing community partnerships together and proactively driving and embracing the hearts of our settled ,transitional and emerging communities making a lasting difference.

“It’s difficult to summarise all that Rani does but she truly is an asset and one of the real unsung heroes of West Midlands Police. She is a fundamental pillar of the community and has given a true and unwavering lifetime of dedication and service to West Midlands Police.”