A career detective who has dedicated more than 31 years of his life to policing has been awarded the King’s Police Medal.

Former temporary Assistant Chief Constable Kevin Baldwin, who retired from Essex Police last year, received the prestigious policing honour recognising a life dedicated to public service, protecting and serving victims and investigative excellence.

Kevin first joined policing, serving with the Metropolitan Police Service, in 1992. He served in a variety of detective roles, including on Hackney CID, the robbery squad at Bethnal Green and the murder squad at Barking.

During his career, Kevin has led countless cases involving harrowing crimes against children and vulnerable people, with a commitment to giving victims a first-class service and showing them that they’re not alone.

In 2010, Kevin undertook the role of Detective Chief Inspector on the Met’s first gangs unit in Newham before transferring to Essex Police in 2016.

During his time in Essex, Kevin was both the Superintendent and Chief Superintendent for the South Local Policing Area, a role he cherished as a South Essex resident.

During his time in the South of the county, public confidence in Essex Police soared which is testament to not just Kevin’s own commitment to victims, but his drive as a senior leader to instil his values in every one of his officers.

Kevin was extremely proud of his achievements as a detective and to this end formed Essex Police’s first Crime Academy, to not only support those undertaking their tough National Investigation Exams but to drive up investigative excellence amongst the force’s many talented detectives.

Following the awarding of Kevin’s King’s Police Medal, Essex Police’s Chief Constable BJ Harrington said: “There is no more deserving recipient of this amazing honour than Kevin.

“Kevin has not just dedicated his entire professional life to policing he has created a legacy here at Essex Police – a legacy of always striving for first-class victim care and investigative excellence – which remain core to all we do here at Essex Police.

“Kevin has inspired generations of uniformed officers and detectives to be the very best they can be – those he has mentored still remember him fondly and stay true to his ethos of victim care and relentlessly pursuing the bad guys.

“Among those Kevin has inspired are his own son, who I’m proud to say now wears the Essex Police badge and continues to ensure the Baldwins remain a proud part of our force’s family – congratulations Kevin.”

Right up until his retirement in July 2024, ACC Baldwin continued to frequently visit officers across the South Local Policing Area, often joining them for late and night shifts and patrols.