A TOP West Midlands Police officer has been awarded a Queen’s award for her efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Superintendent Jennifer Pearson received the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) from Prince Charles after she was named in the most recent New Year Honours List.
During the pandemic the mother-of-one took on emotionally difficult, but sadly necessary, situations with dignity, respect and care.
Jennifer co-ordinated the immediate regional response to Covid-19 deaths, including the temporary mortuary at Birmingham Airport.
She worked alongside faith group and the Birmingham’s Coroner to ensure victims were treated with dignity in line with religious needs.
She already had experience of dealing with tragic circumstances having been seconded to Thailand to help develop a network of mortuaries in the aftermath of the tsunami in 2004.
The 48-year-old has also been instrumental in driving change through the justice system for survivors of domestic abuse.
The project, working alongside the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office, aims to offer victims greater support through the court process.
Jennifer – who has been a police officer for 26 years and was a Special officer before then – said: “It’s the highest award in policing so to receive the QPM is a huge honour.
“It was a fantastic day and still seems surreal meeting the Prince of Wales.
“I am West Midlands born and bred and became an officer so I could help others within our communities in their time of need.
“The pandemic has tragically hit so many families and through a range of partners we’ve tried to offer as much support as possible.
“I’ve worked alongside so many inspiring colleagues and I feel I’m accepting this award on behalf of all of them.”
Jennifer is also a volunteer with Soroptimist International which helps improve the lives of under-privileged women and girls.
