The Chief Constable of Sussex has been awarded the King’s Police Medal in the birthday honours list.
Sussex Police said: “Jo became the force’s ninth chief constable in July 2020 and the first female chief constable in the history of Sussex Police.
“She has served as a police officer for more than 32 years and remains committed to ensuring the public of Sussex receive a police service that is professional, effective and fair and puts the needs of the community first.
“The medal recognises her distinguished services to policing which started in Norfolk in 1993, where she was promoted through a range of operational roles both in uniform, specialist operations and as a detective in the Public Protection Unit and CID.
“She transferred to Kent Police as Assistant Chief Constable for Operations Command in 2014 before promotion to Deputy Chief Constable at Sussex Police in 2018.
“She has worked as a firearms, critical incident and public order commander for over 20 years.
“The medal acknowledges her vital national work to reduce crime and save lives on Britain’s roads as the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for roads policing.
“The award also reflects her wide-ranging charitable work over many years to support volunteers and some of the most vulnerable in society.”
Chief Constable Shiner said: “I am incredibly proud to be the Chief Constable of Sussex Police and lead a workforce of such professional, dedicated, passionate officers, staff and volunteers, who work hard every day to put the communities of Sussex first.
“I’ve had the opportunity to serve in Norfolk, Kent and Sussex during my career and I am delighted and humbled to receive this medal on behalf of all those with whom I have had the privilege to work alongside because policing is all about the teamwork.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to have enjoyed a challenging career which has complemented the different charities that I have been proud and pleased to support during my years of service.
“The ethos of policing, while far more complex in almost every way than when I first joined over 32 years ago, has not really changed.
“We are still here to protect our communities, catch criminals and strive to deliver the outstanding service that the public rightly expect.
“I have felt particularly privileged to lead the NPCC roads policing portfolio team who collectively try to influence changes which will vitally save loved ones from being killed and seriously injured on our roads.”
Sussex Police added: In her NPCC role, Jo continues to raise the profile and importance of road safety and speaks out about vital legislative, behavioural and procedural changes which could save lives in the future.
“She meets regularly with families affected by death and serious injury on the roads and actively supports those charities upon whom those families depend to ensure their voices are heard.
“She has previously held other national portfolios including as the lead for police fitness and children and young people.
“She remains a passionate fitness advocate, regularly signing up for events including marathons and long bike rides to fundraise for good causes.
“Her charitable work encompasses her role as national ambassador for Oscar Kilo 9 (OK9), the canine element of the Police Wellbeing Service, patron of Sussex Search and Rescue, Sussex Police Charitable Trust and Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare.
“She also actively supports other charities including the Beachy Head Chaplains, the RNLI and animal rescue charities such as Arundawn dog rescue.
“Jo is happily married and lives with husband Andrew and their beloved exuberant rescue dog Rocky.”
Sussex police and crime commissioner Katy Bourne said: “I would like to congratulate Sussex Police Chief Constable Jo Shiner for being awarded the King’s Police Medal today.
“The KPM is the highest honour that can be awarded in recognition of exceptional achievements and dedication to policing.
“Chief Constable Shiner has provided inspirational leadership to Sussex Police and outstanding service to Sussex residents.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Jo for the past seven years and commend her tireless work to improve our policing service and for her hands-on approach, which leads by example and sets the highest standards. This award is really well deserved.”
