Four PSNI-related gongs for New Year 2023 span the ranks of the force

There are four policing honours in the 2023 New Year list: three King’s Police Medals (KPM), and one British Empire Medal (BEM).

The KPMs are described by the government as being for those with a “specially distinguished record in police specific services of conspicuous merit, along with special services to royalty, heads of states and valuable political and secret services”.

The three KPM recipients span the ranks from Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd, Detective Superintendent Lindsay Fisher, and Constable John Bannon.

Meanwhile, James Reed, the head of PSNI crime scene investigation, gets the BEM.

A statement from PSNI HQ on Friday night described their careers as follows:

“ACC Alan Todd has over 30 years’ service and is currently responsible for the justice department.

“He strategically led the police service’s response to Covid-19 and recently oversaw the policing operation following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and the visit of His Majesty King Charles.

"He has previously led a number of major policing events including, The Open Championship, G8, The Giro d’italia and Olympic Torch Run.”

DS Fisher has been an officer for 20 years and “was the operation lead for the new domestic abuse legislation in Northern Ireland”, whilst constable Bannon has been on the force for 19 years and “has been influential in enhancing relationships and building community confidence”.

James Reed meanwhile has worked in policing for over 20 years, and currently manages forensic submissions.