HONOURS QPM FOR
OFFICER WHO USES FOOTBALL TO TURN LIVES AROUND
PC Stewart Bladen of West Midlands Police knows the potential of football to turn young lives around and away from crime. A liaison officer for Aston Villa FC
for 10 years, he is part of a group of dedicated football officers who cover six Midlands clubs. The unit includes a hate crime officer, an inspector and an offender manager. When Stewart was recently honoured with a Queen’s Police Medal (QPM), he was delighted but also professed to being “kind of embarrassed” as he says it was really a team effort. Speaking about his rehabilitative
work, Wolverhampton supporter Stewart explained: “We have a project for over-18s called Yellow Card, which is bespoke to whatever offence they have committed. If it’s a hate crime, we bring in an organisation like Kick It Out to educate them. If it’s a football offence, like flares on the pitch, we talk to them about how this affects the club – it’s about showing the consequences of their actions.”
Nick O’Time By Colin Whittock
He added: “When I was the football
liaison officer in Walsall, I came across one lad who would cause problems with the fans. I spent a lot of time talking to him and his parents and finding out why he was acting out. He eventually joined the Marines and I used to get letters from him all the time. I was so glad that he’d found a positive career as, if he’d been continuing in the way he was, he would have ended up in prison.” Stewart, who has an autistic son, also does a lot of work with the Disabled Supporters’ Association and is passionate about football being accessible to all fans. Reflecting on his QPM, which was
for his work in football policing and setting up education and rehabilitation for offenders, he said: “I honestly didn’t believe it until the Chief’s secretary confirmed it. I’m humbled and embarrassed – but it’s the best thing that’s happened in my career. This is also recognition for my team which is the best football policing team in the country.”
PC Stewart Bladen In total, 18 UK officers received the
QPM in June as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours. In addition to Stewart, three others were of Federated rank: PC Christopher Madden (West Yorkshire), former Sergeant Meldin Thomas (Leicestershire) and former DC Susan Thurley (Metropolitan). Police staff members Peter Beirne and Christine Bovingdon Cox, both of Thames Valley Police, were made MBEs, as was Michael Taggart (North Wales) and Christopher Varrall (Sussex). Special Constable Ken Iredale, who
serves as chief officer for Surrey Police, with responsibility for more than 130 volunteer officers, was named Medallist of the Order of the British Empire. PFEW National Chair John Apter
said: “Police officers do not do what they do for the thanks but to receive such an honour is something to be incredibly proud of. I pass on the Federation’s congratulations to all colleagues who have received recognition.”
09 I POLICE I AUGUST 2021
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