Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary officer recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary officer has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours this year, for his outstanding services to policing.

PC Paul Shutler, from the Joint Operations Specialist Search Unit, has served the Constabulary since 1998, and has built an exceptional record in police search, public order, disaster victim identification (DVI) and explosives dog handling, during his near 30 years in service.

As a licensed search officer, police search adviser and explosives dog handler, he has been central to the planning and delivery of complex search and security operations.

His most distinguished contribution has been in the field of disaster victim identification in which he has worked for 23 years, having also introduced formalised protocols for the recovery of body parts, ensuring DVI trained personnel were deployed appropriately across Hampshire and Thames Valley.

Operationally, PC Shutler has deployed to some of the most significant and tragic incidents of recent years and has supported more than 200 complex body recoveries, transforming practice and safeguarding the wellbeing of officers engaged in this demanding work. He has also forged new partnerships with the fire service and Hampshire Search and Rescue volunteers.

Additionally to his work in search and victim recovery, PC Shutler has deployed with his dogs to safeguard major public events, including Farnborough International Airshow, Royal Ascot, Henley Regatta, Boomtown Festival, Isle of Wight Festival, NATO Wales, COP26, the Commonwealth Games and royal weddings and funerals. His work has ensured the safety of the public, dignitaries and members of the Royal Family.

In response to finding out he had been recognised in the Honours, PC Paul Shutler said: “It is incredibly unexpected, I feel very privileged to have been recognised in this way. I have had an incredibly varied career over 28 years; 15 years on response in Portsmouth and 13 years in search roles and disaster victim identification.

"Being able to travel to Paris for the Paralympics with my Explosive Detection dog, and support at disaster sites, such as an air crash in Ethiopia, this job has given me the chance to really make a difference to people and hopefully support families during some of the most challenging moments any of us can imagine.

"Being recognised in the King's Honours is something incredibly special that I will never forget."

Chief Constable Alexis Boon said: “On behalf of the whole force, I am incredibly proud to see Paul awarded the King’s Police Medal.

“Paul’s career, spanning more than two decades, has been defined by dedication, compassion and an unwavering commitment to serving others.

“His work in police search, explosives dog handling and in Disaster Victim Identification supporting responses to incidents including the Shoreham Air Disaster, the Grenfell Tower fire and the Ethiopian Airlines crash, has been delivered with professionalism, compassion and humanity.

“Beyond his operational achievements, Paul has transformed DVI capability. Through training hundreds of officers and partners, and introducing improved recovery protocols now adopted more widely, his impact will be felt for many years to come.

“This recognition is so richly deserved. Paul’s leadership, quiet determination and commitment have made him an inspiration to colleagues across the force and beyond.”