Officers And Staff Recognised For Long Service And Good Conduct

The Civil Nuclear Constabulary’s (CNC) annual Chief Constable’s Presentation Evening was held in Oxfordshire on Wednesday 10 September 2025.

This annual event is a night dedicated to excellence, achievement, and the celebration of remarkable individuals. Representatives from across the force, the Civil Nuclear Police Authority (CNPA), and family members gathered to honour accomplishments, share inspirational stories, and reflect on the very best of the organisation.

The event formed part of the celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the CNC. Whilst opening the ceremony, Assistant Chief Constable Kerry Smith, said: “Over the past two decades, our organisation has evolved significantly, and our people have been at the heart of that change, shaping the CNC into the professional and dedicated force it is today.”

During the event, Chief Constable Simon Chesterman formally recognised the outstanding achievements and long service of officers and police staff. For one officer, this represented 50 years of dedication and commitment. This is an achievement so rare that there is no formal recognition but it’s an achievement that deserved to be highlighted. Upon accepting his award, Chief Inspector Steve Edwards received a standing ovation from all those in attendance.

Chief Constable Simon Chesterman said: “Steve’s policing career spans over 50 years, a remarkable testament to his dedication and service. Throughout this time, he has held a wide range of operational and leadership roles, leaving a lasting mark across multiple areas of policing.

“Steve’s extraordinary career, professionalism, and unwavering commitment over five decades has shaped colleagues, operations, and the organisation itself. Tonight, we recognise and thank you for your 50 years of outstanding service.”

The night also provided an opportunity to say a fond farewell to two long-serving members of the CNC team, as Chief Superintendent Tim Needham and Chief Superintendent Kevin Carter celebrated their retirement from the force.

The Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal was instituted under Royal Warrant by King George VI in June 1951 and is awarded as a mark of the Sovereign’s appreciation of long and meritorious service rendered by members of the Police Forces of the United Kingdom. The qualification criteria which the Chief Constable is required to verify in order that officers are eligible for this award are that:

The officer has been a serving member of a Police Force for a period of 20 years, this can be a singular Force or aggregated service across more than one Force,
That the officer has served efficiently for the qualifying period, and
That the officer’s character has been very good.

The award was originally made for 22 years’ service, but this was reduced to 20 years in 2010 by Her late Majesty the Queen.

In March 2022, the Royal Warrant was further updated by Her late Majesty the Queen to grant clasps to officers who completed a further 10 and 20 years of long service. This change reflected the longer service of police officers following pension changes and sought to recognise their extended service.

The Police Staff Long Service and Good Conduct Commemorative Coin was instituted by Chief Constable Simon Chesterman for the CNC in 2019, as a mark of appreciation for long service, the qualification criteria are the same as that for the Medal.