Alumni Impact Awards 2024: Sergeant Kiran Patel’s ‘Outstanding Leadership’
Monday 7th October 2024
Police Sergeant Kiran Patel has won a national Police Now award for his role in successfully piloting West Midlands Police’s Operation Elevate in Washwood Heath – resulting in significant crime reduction. He was also commended for his ability to inspire others and lead with inclusivity, and his passion for building public trust and confidence amongst the diverse local community.
The annual ‘Alumni Impact Awards’ celebrate the achievements of officers who have graduated from one of Police Now’s national programmes and have gone above and beyond to reduce or solve crime, problem-solve in their communities, or innovate and lead within policing. Kiran joined Police Now’s Frontline Leadership Programme in 2022 – which supports talented constables to progress to sergeant rank, with a focus on inclusive and innovative frontline leadership.
Eight officers from forces across the country were presented with awards and addressed by Chief Constable Craig Guildford QPM of West Midlands Police at a ceremony in London on Friday (4th October).
Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said: “The impact these inspiring officers have had on our streets shows that through their training and efforts, we can reduce crime and restore confidence in policing. I congratulate all of the winners and nominees for their service and dedication, and I know they will play an important role in our mission to keep our streets safe.”
WINNER: Outstanding Leadership, PS Kiran Patel
Police Sergeant Kiran Patel has won a national Police Now award for his role in successfully piloting West Midlands Police’s Operation Elevate in Washwood Heath, Birmingham – which aims to regenerate areas most affected by serious and organised crime.
As a neighbourhood policing leader, Kiran helped deliver the pilot at a strategic level and ensured the operation reached its objectives. The operation saw significant crime reductions in the Washwood Heath neighbourhood policing area, including 60 fewer reported victims of all crimes a month, a 38% reduction in serious youth violence, and a 17% reduction in overall crime since November 2023. The operation also saw two new community street watch groups created, including the first ever women’s-only group in the West Midlands.
Due to its success, the operation is being rolled out to other areas of the West Midlands and Kiran was asked to share learnings with regional and national forces, the Home Office, and at crime prevention conferences.
Kiran was also commended for his ability to inspire others, lead with inclusivity and put into practice the training from Police Now’s Frontline Leadership Programme (FLP). With support from the programme, Kiran scored 100% in his sergeant board interview during his promotion process in 2022 and has since returned to support other officers on the FLP.
He also plays a leading role in the West Midlands Police Black and Asian Police Association (WMPBAPA) and led the Washwood Heath Neighbourhood Policing Team to success in the force’s Excellence Awards last year, with a particular focus on building public trust and confidence and strengthening relationships with the diverse local community.
Police Sergeant Kiran Patel said: “Having been on the Police Now Frontline Leadership Programme, I’ve seen the value that Police Now provides to the personal and professional development of future police leaders. I’ve been able to put my learning into practice within my team and communities that I serve. It is because of this I look at sharing my knowledge by supporting others around me, having been in that fortunate position.”
To read about all the winners and runner ups in this year’s Alumni Impact Awards, please click here.
