Former Detective Honoured by the King for Distinguished Service

A former Thames Valley Police Senior Detective has received a King’s Police Medal in the 2024 New Year’s Honours.

Former Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Hunter was the Head of Crime at Thames Valley Police, until retiring this summer, after working as a Detective at every rank over his 26-year career in departments including Major Crime, Professional Standards and Counter Terrorism.

Through his skill, leadership and dedication to investigative policing he has built a lasting legacy reflected in the quality of serious crime investigation within Thames Valley Police and the capability of its detectives.

His impressive and extensive career saw him lead a number of high-profile murder investigations as well as a number of investigations involving international authorities, bringing offenders to justice no matter where they hid.

He also led the multi-agency response following a tragic incident of arson in 2021 that led to the death of two people at a block of flats in Reading and numerous residents losing their homes and possessions. Colleagues and partners noted his professionalism and competence throughout what was an emotive and complex investigation and response, but his leadership ensured it was considered and dignified and led to the conviction and whole life sentence of a 32-year-old man.

He has always had a passion for training and sharing knowledge, which saw him lead a recruitment programme for new detectives. This initiative successfully reduced the force’s vacancy rate from a significant number to virtually zero. He has also trained multiple senior detectives nationally and advised many around the country on international and complex investigations.

He graduated from the FBI National Academy as the UK representative and has built connections with the FBI to champion UK policing and to bring international learning back to the UK.

Bringing his learning and experience to his role as Head of Crime, he initiated a five-year investment and transformation of Forensic Services, which will complete in 2027 and revolutionise the workforce and services we offer.

He designed and implemented a new structure for crime investigations, putting victims at the heart of the investigation, which led to dramatic improvements in investigative capability and interoperability across the force and is now recognised nationally as innovative, positive practice.

Changes he implemented to ensure dedicated leadership for investigations into offences involving violence against women and girls led to significant increases in charges for stalking, harassment and sexual offences and an increase in formal action taken against domestic abuse offenders.

On his award, former Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Hunter, said: "I am truly humbled to receive the King's Police Medal, it is such a great honour. I thoroughly enjoyed my policing career and I have worked with so many wonderful colleagues who make such a difference to our safety and security on a daily basis."

Chief Constable for Thames Valley Police Jason Hogg, said: “I had the privilege of working with Ian for a number of years and saw first-hand his dedication and love for policing as well as his conscientious and professional approach to his work, the investigations he led and the families he worked with.

“This honour highlights former Detective Chief Superintendent Hunter’s exceptional achievements and lasting impact on the community. I am pleased to see him recognised.”

GFL/MR