'Everyone in the town centre deserves to feel safe': Two local officers honoured for 'outstanding' frontline policing

Eight officers from forces across the country were presented with awards and addressed by Chief Constable Craig Guildford QPM of West Midlands Police at a ceremony in London on Friday (4th October).

For two local West Midlands Police officers they were praised for their 'inspiring' work. 

Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said: “The impact these inspiring officers have had on our streets shows that through their training and efforts, we can reduce crime and restore confidence in policing. I congratulate all of the winners and nominees for their service and dedication, and I know they will play an important role in our mission to keep our streets safe.”

PS Kiran Patel received the Outstanding Leadership Award which recognised for his role in successfully piloting West Midlands Police’s Operation Elevate in Washwood Heath – which resulted in 60 fewer reported victims of all crimes a month, a 38% reduction in serious youth violence, and a 17% reduction in overall crime since November 2023.

Kiran was commended for his role in piloting West Midlands Police’s ‘Operation Elevate’ in Washwood Heath, Birmingham - which aims to regenerate areas most affected by serious and organised crime.

As a neighbourhood policing leader, Kiran helped deliver the pilot at a strategic level and ensured the operation reached its objectives. The operation saw significant reductions in Washwood Heath neighbourhood policing area, including 60 fewer reported victims of all crimes a month, a 38% reduction in serious youth violence, and a 17% reduction in overall crime since November 2023. The operation also saw two new community street watch groups created, including the first ever women’s-only group in the West Midlands. He was also commended for his passion for building public trust and confidence and strengthening relationships with the diverse local community.  

Police Sergeant Kiran Patel said: “Having been on the Police Now Frontline Leadership Programme, I’ve seen the value that Police Now provides to the personal and professional development of future police leaders. I’ve been able to put my learning into practice within my team and communities that I serve. It is because of this I look at sharing my knowledge by supporting others around me, having been in that fortunate position.”

Similarly, PC Matthew Cooper was recognised for his transformative and creative approach to reducing street drinking in West Bromwich. He received the Transformative Innovation Award. 

When Matt joined the West Bromwich Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team, street-drinking and associated anti-social behaviour was a significant issue affecting residents - including rowdiness, physical disorder, littering, swearing, and intimidation.

With traditional policing responses not yielding effective results, Matt took a more creative approach. He worked with a local rehabilitation service to divert perpetrators away from street-drinking and worked with local businesses to identify and address factors contributing to offending.

 “Everyone in the town centre deserves to feel safe and to come to work knowing they aren’t going to be intimidated or harassed," Matthew Cooper, Police Constable had said. 

He continued: “It became apparent that issuing fines didn’t offer the relevant opportunities for street-drinkers to change their behaviour, and often created barriers between the police and perpetrators. A multi-agency approach was needed; individuals had to feel supported, be willing to engage and be held more accountable for their actions.I therefore focused on tackling the problem at its roots - building on my Police Now training, which advocates for long-term solutions and problem solving, and my university dissertation on behaviours associated with drug and alcohol use."