Former Detective Chief Superintendent Jim Weems recognised in King’s New Years Honours

Thames Valley Police is delighted to announce the recognition of one of our officers in the King’s New Years Honours List.

Former Head of Force Intelligence and Specialist Operations, Detective Chief Superintendent James (Jim) Roger Weems is to receive a King’s Police Medal for his services to policing.

Jim was the Police Silver Commander for the funeral of Her Majesty the Queen in 2022, the funeral of His Royal Highness Prince Philip in 2021, the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in 2018 and the visit of President Donald Trump to the UK in 2018.

He designed plans around the Royal Wedding to support the royal couple’s desired feel of the day, whilst allowing the scope for plans to be scaled up or down dependent on the threat level.

He dealt with the magnitude of this operation with professionalism and remained calm throughout the planning and delivery.

During Donald Trump’s State visit, Jim managed a significant number of staff and took personal responsibility to ensure they were all fully briefed. He visited all the relevant venues that TVP hosted over this two-day-period to engage with the police officers who were on the ground as well as the other agencies.

He provided leadership as Police Silver Commander during some incredibly traumatic events for the force, including the tragic deaths of two serving TVP officers. 

In advance of the funeral of His Royal Highness Prince Phillip and, later, Her Majesty the Queen, Jim was appointed as the Police Silver Commander for Operation Bridge.

He worked with all the key partners across The Royal Household, Government, the Military and local agencies. And due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, the funeral of His Royal Highness required considerable readjustment.

Despite these challenges, Jim delivered an excellent security operation, in keeping with the tone required.

Following the passing of Her Majesty and a subsequent eleven-day Thames Valley Police operation, Jim was elevated to Deputy Gold as thousands of people travelled to Windsor to pay their respects.

On the day of the funeral, more than 120,000 members of the public joined the Royal Family to pay their tributes.

Continuing in the role of deputy Gold Commander, Jim also managed the force’s operation for the Coronation of King Charles.

In 2022, Jim led the creation of a Drug Task Force (DTF), made up of 19 police staff and officers.

The DTF identified 31 county drugs lines, closed 14 drug lines and disrupted 26. It has made 48 arrests, of which 32 have resulted in charges and 14 successful convictions. Further, 43 individuals have been safeguarded, including 16 children. The DTF seized £17,895 and £600,000 worth of drugs and seized 21 weapons.

Upon hearing about his recognition, Jim said: “It is overwhelming. I was very surprised when I got the call but I was delighted.

“I feel very fortunate that I have had an incredible 31-years in policing. Thames Valley Police is the best organisation to work for.

“I have been very fortunate to work with great commanders, leaders, officers and staff across the force and to have been a part of events both nationally and internationally including Donald Trump’s state visit, the funerals of both Her Majesty and Prince Philip and the Royal Wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. I have been blessed with luck.”

The force is excited to announce that Jim’s dedication to TVP will not end here. After retiring as a police officer, he will begin a new staff role with us as curator at the Thames Valley Police Museum in Sulhamstead, West Berkshire.

Jim added: “When you leave Thames Valley Police, no matter what role you do, you leave the policing family and it leaves a hole.

“When this [role] came up, I was excited to come back and talk about how great policing is with members of the public, students and visitors.

“I am very excited to start.”

Chief Constable Jason Hogg said: “Jim is an exceptional leader and I am delighted that his hard work, dedication and conscientiousness has been recognised.

“His success in countless high-profile operations is testament to his devotion and commitment to his role and his pride for policing as a whole.

“He provided a calm and reassuring leadership voice that enables us to come together as a force and address the challenges being faced.

“Jim has had a career to be proud of and I wish him the very best of luck with his new role as museum curator.”

HA