‘Inspirational’ Manjit ‘shocked’ by honour
QUEEN’S
A MUM-of-two who has worked in policing for 24 years has been included in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Chief Inspector Manjit Atwal, of Leicestershire Police, will be awarded the Queen’s Policing Medal (QPM) this year for her dedication to the job, and the support she has shown to others during her career.
Nominated for being a “truly inspiring woman in policing”, Manjit joined the force in 1996 as a mum of two small children.
Since then, she has worked in 18 areas of policing, including neighbourhood policing, youth offending, operational planning, intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism. She is also a trained hostage and crisis negotiator.
She spent more than two years as the commander of the City Neighbourhood Policing Area until July 2019, before taking up roles working with other organisations to help tackle and prevent serious violent crime.
Manjit is also chairman of the Sikh Police Association and part of the Women’s Inclusive Network.
She has been highlighted as an “exemplary advocate for those under-represented in policing”, providing coaching and mentoring to many officers through promotion and personal development programmes.
The officer already has several accolades to her name, including
Student Officer of the Year, Beat Bobby of the Year and Asian Community Person of the Year.
Of this latest gong, she said: “I was totally shocked and speechless when I found out I was to be awarded a QPM. It is such an honour and I feel truly grateful to have even been nominated, especially when I think of all the amazing people who deserve recognition for the incredi
ble work they do. I have been fortunate to work with so many talented and committed people across my many years in policing, and my achievements have only been possible because of the fantastic teams I have been a part of.
“It sounds like a cliché, but policing was something I’d always wanted to do from a young age growing up in Derbyshire. I’d seen a female
Asian officer working in the city centre and I thought ‘I’d like to do that’.
“I’m so grateful for all the opportunities my career so far has given me, including this incredible honour, and I look forward to seeing where the next few years will take me.”
Alongside Manjit, former Leicestershire detective Colin Stott has been awarded a QPM for his instrumental role in the development of the UK policing’s response to serious and organised crime as the former national coordinator of the Regional Organised Crime Units (ROCU).
The recently retired detective chief superintendent began his career in Leicestershire where, early in his service, he was involved in the development of what is now known as evidence-based policing – where evidence is used to inform and challenge policies, practices and decisions.
During his time in force, he was also director of intelligence and head of professional standards, and played a pivotal role in the development of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU).
The pair are among 19 officers, including two special constables, across the country who have been recognised.
Leicestershire’s Chief Constable Simon Cole said: “The whole force is thrilled to learn of the honours of two of our team. Manjit has led the way on so many policing issues and has been instrumental in working with local communities, especially through our Sikh Police Association.
“She really is a role model to so many colleagues across the force.
“Colin had a distinguished career as a detective within the force and we are delighted that this, coupled with his national work, has seen him also rewarded with a QPM.”
Suleman Nagdi, spokesman for the Leicester-based Federation of Muslims Organisations, said of Manjit’s success: “This is a remarkable achievement and is testament to Manjit’s incredible drive, determination and experience that she has demonstrated. She has been an inspiration to all around her.
“Our thanks go to her and the whole police force for keeping us all safe.”