Kent Police officers recognised in The King’s Birthday Honours

A covert officer who works on protecting extremely vulnerable children, a retired senior member of police staff, and the Chief Constable of Kent Police have been recognised in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List 2026.

Published on 12 June 2026, the list included Chief Constable Tim Smith and an officer who must remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of her work, who have both been honoured with The King’s Police Medal. Retired Deputy Chief Officer Ian Drysdale is made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

The unnamed officer, who has protected numerous vulnerable victims from harm, said receiving The King’s Police Medal came as a big surprise.

Shock

She said:

‘It was a huge shock to be told I had been awarded The King’s Police Medal and I am beyond grateful to have even been nominated. ‘I joined Kent Police because I wanted to help people and I am very proud to have been recognised for doing a job that I love and take extremely seriously. ‘Safeguarding children is a difficult and often harrowing job, but it is also very rewarding. I hope that by receiving The King’s Police Medal it will help to recognise this important area of policing.’

Also recognised in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours is former Deputy Chief Officer Ian Drysdale.

Before retiring from Kent Police in July 2025 after 36 years, Ian served as the most senior civilian member of police staff and oversaw finance, HR, IT, and corporate services. He also spearheaded the creation of the Kent Police Benevolent Fund in 1996, serving as its first chairman, and was appointed Vice Chair of the Chief Police Officers’ Staff Association in 2022, where he continues to support Chief Officers across the country.

After learning he was to be appointed an MBE, Mr Drysdale said:

‘I had the profound privilege of serving with and leading some extraordinary people whose commitment to serving the people of Kent was relentless. I was thrilled to receive the news but my humble acceptance will be forever measured by my sincere gratitude to my former colleagues and my ongoing respect for those who continue to serve.’

Chief Constable

Chief Constable Smith has over 35 years of police service with Kent Police, with the majority of his career spent in Major Crime and Serious and Organised Crime. He has led complex and large-scale investigations, including being a senior investigating officer for the Tonbridge Securitas Robbery - the largest ever peacetime cash robbery - and was the Gold Commander for Operation Melrose, the trafficking and manslaughter of 39 people found deceased in a refrigerated trailer in Essex. He is the national police lead on kidnap and extortion at the National Police Chief’s Council.

Serving as Chief Constable since October 2022, he was previously the Deputy Chief Constable of Kent Police, and served as the Serious Crime Assistant Chief Constable for both Kent Police and Essex Police.

Chief Constable Smith said:

‘I’m a police officer through and through, so being awarded The King’s Police Medal is a great honour for me personally. Kent Police is an incredible team, full of officers, staff, and volunteers who carry out exceptional work protecting the communities of Kent all day, every day. I’m privileged to lead the force, and I would not have received this recognition if it wasn’t for their support and what we all do in Kent Police as one team.’

The Chief Constable also expressed his pride in the awards for the covert officer and Ian Drysdale. He said:

‘Both are exceptional examples of the passion and dedication that makes Kent a great county and Kent Police a great police force, and I know everyone will be as proud of them as I am.’

Exceptional

Kent PCC Matthew Scott said:

‘I am delighted that the Chief Constable's exceptional leadership and service to our county has been recognised by His Majesty and he is a very deserving recipient. ‘During his time as Chief Constable, we have seen great improvements in the Force's standing and performance. His leadership has also been recognised consistently in independent inspections by HMICFRS. Crime is falling, victims are receiving a better service and outcomes are improving. ‘During his service, he has also led some significant investigations, including at an international level, which has delivered justice for victims and brought offenders to justice. I extend my fullest congratulations to him, and all those from the force and in policing, who have been recognised.'

The King’s Police Medal is awarded to police officers across of the United Kingdom for a specially distinguished record in police services of conspicuous merit.