Police chief thanks force for honour

Mr Neyroud has helped put 400 officers back on the beat

The chief constable of Thames Valley Police has praised the rank and file officers behind his recognition in the New Years Honours list.

Peter Neyroud, 44, has been awarded the Queen's Police Medal for distinguished service in the force.

Mr Neyroud, who became head of the force in February 2002, has recently helped move 400 Thames Valley officers from desk jobs and put them back on the beat.

Thames Valley Police also won praise in 2003 for Operation Robbery, which the force says saw robberies drop by 16%.

Mr Neyroud said: "Of course I'm absolutely delighted at this award.

"I should say however, that it recognises excellent work across Thames Valley Police in addition to my own accomplishments.

"There's little doubt this award mirrors the reputation it has as an innovative force, continually at the forefront of new policing methods."

Mr Neyroud, who holds joint British and Swiss nationality, is married with four children.