MORE frontline police officers should receive recognition by way of a Queen\u2019s Police Medal in future, the new Prime Minister has said.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the National Police Bravery Awards, Theresa May revealed that one of the last things she did as Home Secretary was make a recommendation that more rank-and-file officers should receive the QPM.<\/p>\n
Mrs May (pictured) said: \u201cI\u2019ve noticed over the years it is a bit imbalanced with rank-and-file officers, and senior and chief officers, so I\u2019ve asked them in future to rebalance that so that a few more rank-and-file officers get awarded the QPM.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the last Queen\u2019s Birthday Honours \u2013 announced last month, 18 Queen\u2019s Police Medals were handed out to Bobbies in England and Wales.<\/p>\n
Nine were to Chief Officers, six were to the Superintending ranks, two to the Inspecting ranks, and one to a Sergeant. There were none at all for Police Constables.<\/p>\n
And separately, research by PoliceOracle.com showed a Chief Officer is more than 1,500 times more likely to be handed a Queen\u2019s Police Medal than a PC, Sergeant or Inspector\/Chief Inspector.<\/p>\n
Of the 255 QPMs handed out since 2011, the website found that 40% were for chief officers \u2013 who make up less than 1% of all police personnel.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile those at ranks from constable to chief inspector \u2013 around 98% of the total \u2013 received 36% of all QPMs.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course more rank and file officers should get the QPM,\u201d said Neil Bowles, Chairman of South Yorkshire Police Federation. \u201cAfter all it\u2019s the hard work by our members that allow senior officers to claim credit for theirs!<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the one of the original criteria for the QPM\u2019s predecessor the KPM:- (a) Conspicuous gallantry in saving life and property, or in preventing crime or arresting criminals; the risks incurred to be estimated with due regard to the obligations and duties of the officer concerned.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery nominee of the recent national Police Bravery Awards would be a recipient in that case.\u201d<\/p>\n