Lifetime achievement award for 'unsung police hero'

PC Rani Gundhu started working with West Midlands Police in the 1980s

A lifetime achievement award has been given to a police force's longest serving officer described as a "fundamental pillar of the community".

PC Rani Gundhu QPM, who joined West Midlands Police in the 1980s, picked up the lifetime achievement award at a conference.

She was nominated for "exemplary, relentless dedication to service pioneering community cohesion and integration," the force said.

During near four decades of service, PC Gundhu worked in several roles and departments including vice, serious complex crime and domestic violence.

She was recognised for her work driving diversity and supporting communities at the 2024 National Black Police Association (NBPA) Conference, held earlier this month.

The NBPA's lifetime achievement award is named after the UK's first black policewoman, Sislin Fay Allen, who died aged 83 in 2021.

Sgt Aaron Bell, vice-chairman of the Black and Asian Police Association, described PC Gundhu as an asset and said she was "one of the real unsung heroes of West Midlands Police".

"She is a fundamental pillar of the community and has given a true and unwavering lifetime of dedication and service to West Midlands Police," he added.

"Despite having been able to retire many years ago, Rani thrives in delivering high standards in public service, genuinely caring about serving the community and the next generation of policing."

PC Gundhu was awarded the Queen's Police Medal (QPM) in 2020.