Inspector Kiran Patel
West Midlands Police
“POLICE NOW IS HAVING A
PROFOUND IMPACT AND
INFLUENCE ON THE SECTOR”
Kiran grew up in inner-city Birmingham, in a community deeply affected by crime. As a young
man, he didn’t see police officers who looked like him and questioned whether leadership in
policing was something he could aspire to.
Now, he is an award-winning leader, and the face of West Midlands Police’s successful
Operation Elevate.
Kiran completed Police Now’s Frontline Leadership Programme and was one of only two officers to
achieve full marks in his sergeant interview that year. Under his leadership, the Washwood Heath
Neighbourhood Policing Team won the 2023 Local Policing Team Award at the force’s Excellence
Awards. He was also recognised with a national Police Now Alumni Impact Award.
Last year, he led the pilot of Operation Elevate, which resulted in 60 fewer victims of crime per
month, a 38% reduction in serious youth violence, and a 17% overall drop in crime. He also
supported the launch of the West Midlands’ first all-female community StreetWatch group,
empowering residents to play a leading role in public safety.
“As the face of Operation Elevate, I felt I was representing people in the community who look
like me. If people can’t see themselves in policing, how can they feel it represents them?
How can they work with us to affect change? Police Now recognises this, it helps people like
me break down barriers and shaped me into the leader I am today. Now I am able to create
the kind of visible change that truly matters.”
Kiran now shares his learning with other forces, the Home Office, and national
conferences – influencing strategy and policy beyond his immediate role.
TRANSFORMATION 3: A COMMITMENT TO LEADERSHIP AND CULTURAL CHANGE
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