Counter Terrorism Policing Chief recognised with a Queen’s Police Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List
Detective Chief Superintendent Kath Barnes has been recognised for her distinguished services to policing. Along with other police officers from all ranks, she will receive medals at a dedicated ceremony later this year. Detective Chief Superintendent Kath Barnes has dedicated 27 years to policing after starting her police career in 1992 with Hampshire Constabulary, where she served until August 2014 before transferring to Thames Valley Police. Kath has been a detective for the majority of her career; she has worked in major crime and serious and organised crime including economic crime. She transferred to Thames Valley Police, the host force for the regional Counter Terrorism Unit and in 2017 became the Head of Counter Terrorism Policing in the South East. She said: “I am honoured and humbled to learn of this award. Policing is the ultimate team game and in 27 years of service I’ve been inspired and supported by every team with whom I’ve worked. “No police officer could start or end a shift without support from their family too. My family’s love and patience has got me through in tricky times and I can’t thank them enough for their support. “I’ve had the privilege to work in two fantastic forces and with my current role, this has expanded into working closely with forces in the South East region and colleagues across the whole of UK policing, which has brought me great pride. “It is the people I work with in the whole policing family who do their very best every day to keep people safe which is what I am most proud of. It’s on their behalf, and with great pride, that I accept this award.” Assistant Commissioner, Neil Basu, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, said: “As the Head of Counter Terrorism Policing in the SE Region, Kath Barnes, has shown leadership and resilience that without doubt has helped keep this country safe. I am so pleased that her relentless hard work and dedication has been publicly recognised – it is very deserved.”
