The Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Laurence Taylor has been awarded one of the UK’s highest honours for police officers in recognition of his outstanding service and contribution to policing over a 30-year career.
He has received the King’s Police Medal (KPM) for distinguished service as part of His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours 2026, marking three decades in policing since he joined Sussex Police in June 1996.
Assistant Commissioner Taylor has worked across a wide range of frontline and specialist roles, including firearms, public order, neighbourhood policing and criminal investigations. He rose through the ranks at Sussex Police to become Assistant Chief Constable before joining the Metropolitan Police Service in 2018.
Alongside his counter terrorism responsibilities, AC Taylor is also the National Police Lead for Aviation at the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), overseeing the development and delivery of drone capabilities in policing.
Throughout his career, he has led major operations and national responses to complex and evolving threats.
Taylor said:
“It is an enormous honour to be recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours, particularly alongside so many colleagues from across policing whose dedication and service are also reflected in this year’s awards.
“I have been privileged to be able to lead some amazing teams of people, and work with incredible partners, throughout my career and without whom this achievement would have been impossible.
“I am also proud to congratulate my colleagues on receiving these prestigious honours. They have each been recognised for outstanding service across many years – exemplifying the protection Counter Terrorism Policing offers the UK against a myriad of threats."
Image: Counter Terror Policing
