Volunteer officers recognised in Birthday Honours

Two volunteer police officers in the West Midlands have been recognised with British Empire Medals in the King's Birthday Honours List.

Special Sgt Mike Leonard and Special Con Hitesh Mehta were recognised for their dedication towards helping and protecting people as volunteer officers.

Leonard has given more than 20,000 hours of his own time over the course of nearly 50 years as a volunteer officer and has been involved in a number of initiatives, including efforts to tackle knife crime in Solihull.

Mehta, who grew up in Hillfields in Coventry, became a special constable in 2003 and said he wanted to make a difference in his local community.

Special constables are volunteer police officers with the same powers as a regular officer.

They take part in frontline work, and can be called to get involved in preventing, tackling and investigating incidents, as well as public safety initiatives.

During his time working as a volunteer officer, Mehta has met King Charles on two occasions - during his visit to mark Coventry's City of Culture and at the opening of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

He was previously awarded the platinum champion award by The Queen as part of the Royal Voluntary Service, and has taken on leadership roles within special policing.

This has included helping special constables obtaining their independent patrol status and supporting new officers with their training.

Meanwhile Leonard has been a special constable for almost half a century and among his many achievements, he has helped secure funding for thousands of bike marking kits to deter thieves.

He has helped mentor many other specials, with a large number going on to become full-time officers.

Steven Rice, special chief officer, said the force was extremely proud of Mehta and Leonard.

"They have selflessly volunteered many, many years to making a difference in policing and within communities," he said.

"These honours are well-deserved and, like everyone at West Midlands Police, I want to say a massive thank you and congratulations."

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