Chief Constable Jo Shiner Awarded King’s Police Medal

Sussex Police Chief Honoured for Over 30 Years of Distinguished Service Sussex Police Chief Constable Jo Shiner has been awarded the prestigious King’s Police Medal (KPM) in the King’s Birthday Honours, recognising her outstanding contributions to policing and public service over a distinguished 32-year career. Appointed Chief Constable in July 2020, Jo Shiner became the […]

Sussex Police Chief Honoured for Over 30 Years of Distinguished Service

Sussex Police Chief Constable Jo Shiner has been awarded the prestigious King’s Police Medal (KPM) in the King’s Birthday Honours, recognising her outstanding contributions to policing and public service over a distinguished 32-year career.

Appointed Chief Constable in July 2020, Jo Shiner became the first female Chief Constable in the history of Sussex Police and has led the force with distinction, dedication, and a clear commitment to professionalism and community service.

Career Spanning Three Police Forces

Jo began her policing career in Norfolk in 1993, serving in various operational roles including Specialist Operations, Public Protection, and CID. In 2014, she moved to Kent Police as Assistant Chief Constable for Operations Command before joining Sussex Police as Deputy Chief Constable in 2018.

Throughout her career, she has qualified as a Firearms, Critical Incident and Public Order Commander, roles she has held for over 20 years.

National Roads Policing Leadership

The medal also recognises her current national work as the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for Roads Policing. In this role, she champions vital changes in legislation and road safety awareness to reduce deaths and serious injuries. She regularly meets with families affected by road tragedies and works closely with charities to amplify their voices.

Passion for Charitable Causes

Outside of policing, Jo Shiner is deeply involved in charitable work. She serves as national ambassador for Oscar Kilo 9 (OK9), the police wellbeing canine initiative, and is patron of Sussex Search and Rescue, Sussex Police Charitable Trust, and Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare. She also supports the RNLI, Beachy Head Chaplains, and Arundawn Dog Rescue.

A Career Rooted in Community and Service

Reacting to the honour, 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.
This medal is a reflection of teamwork, and I’m humbled to accept it on behalf of those I’ve worked with across Norfolk, Kent, and Sussex.”

She added that despite the complexity of modern policing, the mission remains the same: “to protect communities, catch criminals, and deliver the service the public rightly expect.”

Commissioner Praise

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne praised the award:

“Chief Constable Jo Shiner has provided inspirational leadership and outstanding service to Sussex. This King’s Police Medal is richly deserved recognition of her exceptional achievements and dedication.”

Jo lives in Sussex with her husband Andrew and their energetic rescue dog, Rocky.