Devon and Cornwall Police Officer Awarded King’s Policing Medal

Retired Devon and Cornwall Detective Superintendent Mike West has been awarded the King’s Policing Medal (KPM) in the New Year’s Honours list, recognising an exceptional 30-year career dedicated to serving communities across the region.

The honour, reserved for those with a distinguished record in policing, celebrates Mike’s unwavering commitment, professionalism, and leadership throughout his decades-long service.

A Career of Dedication

Mike began his career in May 1994 with Devon and Cornwall Police, starting in Torquay, where he was named the Police Probationer of the Year in 1995. Over the years, he held roles in Plymouth, the Public Protection Unit, and the Serious and Organised Crime Branch.

The majority of his career was spent within the Major Crime Investigation Teams, where he led numerous high-profile investigations, including cases involving homicides, kidnaps, extortion, and serious sexual offences. Mike also worked on Counter Terrorism Act offences and managed covert operations.

Recently retired, Mike served as Detective Superintendent and Head of the Force’s Major Crime Branch. His expertise earned him the highest level of national accreditation for Senior Investigating Officers, along with significant experience as a Senior Identification Manager for disaster victim identification and mass fatality incidents.

Recognised for Excellence

Throughout his career, Mike received numerous commendations from the Judiciary, Chief Constables, and Policing Commanders. In 2021, his achievements were further recognised when he was named Senior Investigating Officer of the Year by the National Police Chiefs’ Council for his outstanding service to victims, families, and communities affected by serious crimes.

Chief Constable James Vaughan said, “I am delighted that Mike has been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list. He has enjoyed a long and distinguished career and successfully led some of the most complex, high-profile, and high-risk major crimes that have affected Devon, Cornwall and the Southwest Region for over two decades.”

He added, “Mike is extremely well thought of by colleagues across the Force and our partners, and I wish him a long and happy retirement.”

A Humbling Honour

Mike expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am truly honoured and humbled to be recognised in the King’s New Year’s Honours List.”

Reflecting on his career, Mike shared, “It has been a privilege to have worked alongside the dedicated and professional officers and staff that I have met throughout my career, and to witness first-hand the quality of the care, compassion, and expertise that they seek to deliver to victims, families, and communities that have been affected by major crimes and tragic events.”

He also acknowledged the vital support of his family, adding, “The counsel and support that I have received from colleagues, friends, and particularly from my family, who have been so understanding when I have worked extended hours away from home for days, weeks, and sometimes months, have made my policing career an incredibly varied and rewarding experience, and I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to them.”

This accolade caps a career that has left an indelible mark on the policing community and the lives of those he served.