Honour for policeman who began career in Yorkshire

THE Sheffield-born police chief Bernard Hogan-Howe receives a knighthood in the New Year Honours.

Mr Hogan-Howe, 55, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, began his police career with South Yorkshire Police in 1979 and rose to become district commander of the Doncaster West area.

He was 22 when he joined the police and had spells in the CID, traffic and personnel departments.

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During his time in South Yorkshire he helped police Doncaster communities during the Miners’ Strike.

He has also served with Merseyside Police as chief constable.

Mr Hogan-Howe developed a high profile on Merseyside and earned admirers for his tough approach to anti-social behaviour and stance on gun crime.

He hit the headlines in 2006 for sprinting after a suspected drink-driver after spotting him from his chauffeur-driven car.

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Last night a spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: “Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe has been recognised in the 2013 New Year’s Honours list with a knighthood for bringing new energy and action on gangs, guns and knife crime in the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and his focus on sustaining front line visibility.

“He is also recognised for overseeing policing during the Diamond Jubilee, the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Mr Hogan-Howe said: “I am very proud and thrilled at this recognition of the hard work of colleagues in the Metropolitan Police, South Yorkshire, Merseyside and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate.

“I couldn’t have achieved this without the love and support of my wife Marion, and my mum, who hasn’t seen the day.”

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Mr Hogan-Howe is in charge of more than 50,000 staff, including 32,000 officers.

The force, the biggest in the UK, includes more than a fifth of all police in England and Wales.

Mr Hogan-Howe was brought up by his mother whose surname of Hogan he later added by Deed poll.

He worked as a lab assistant for four years after leaving school.