Detective Chief Superintendent Sue Williams, borough commander of Tower Hamlets in east London, has been awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in the Birthday honours.

DCS Williams said she was “absolutely thrilled” at the “very unexpected” award which recognised over three decades of distinguished service.

The Radlett Reform Synagogue member, who was previously borough commander for Redbridge, told the JC she was proud of having recruited and helped develop as police officers women and LGBT, black and minority ethnic community members.

She added that there has been a “massive increase” in the number of Jews in the police. “There were only a handful when I started. I’m probably the highest ranking but there are more Jewish senior officers now.”