University honours former chief constable

The award was conferred in recognition of Sir Paul’s outstanding contribution to policing within the region. It was presented at yesterday’s (MON) official graduation ceremony for legal studies at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

Sir Paul said he was honoured to receive the award and that he was proud of being a Midlander. “This has special significance coming from my home area,” he said.

He told graduates: “I am sure that the education and whole environment of being at Wolverhampton will have helped you prepare yourselves for whatever the future may be.”

Sir Paul was appointed Chief Constable of West Midlands Police in September 2002, and knighted in the Queen's Birthday Honours in June 2007.

He said: “I spent 40 years thoroughly enjoying my time as a police officer; I would not change any of it.”

Professor Peter Waddington, Director of the University’s History and Governance Research Institute, presented Sir Paul with his award. He highlighted how crime had reduced by a third under Sir Paul’s leadership and how he has been a diversity champion.

Prof Waddington, a former police officer, established the University’s first Policing degree, launched last year with the support of West Midlands Police.

He said: “When the University proposed to launch a pioneering degree in policing, Sir Paul offered unstinting support.” The degree programme promoted the values Sir Paul had embedded, he added.

The course is one of few available in the UK and prepares students for a career in the force by giving them the skills they need in a professional qualification.

For more information about the policing degree see www.wlv.ac.uk/policing

Further information

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