Recognition for outstanding service to the community.

One of West Midlands Police’s top officers has been recognised for his 30-year career in which he has led one of Birmingham’s busiest areas and helped to prevent terrorism.

Chief Superintendent Surjeet Manku, 51, was awarded the Gold Award at the Asian Achievers awards ceremony held at Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Park Lane last week.

The awards celebrate the very best of Britain’s diverse Asian community, Ch Supt Manku was one of four who had been short listed in the Uniform and Civil Services category. He is the highest ranking Asian officer in West Midlands Police and, since joining in 1984, has dedicated almost 30 years of his life to the force. He has commanded one of the busiest areas in Birmingham and led the force on preventing extremism – working alongside the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit to help prevent terrorism.

Surjeet also played a key role in policing the summer riots of 2011 and led the planning of the open air memorial service for the three men who died on Dudley Road during the disorder.

Earlier this year he was awarded the Queens Policing Medal in the New Years Honours List and he hopes that receiving this latest award will inspire others to follow in his footsteps. He said: “It is a real privilege that I have been able to serve the communities of the West Midlands and I was flattered to have been nominated for this award. I hope the award will inspire others to be ambitious in serving and protecting communities.”

The event, which was hosted by Asian Voice and was being held for the thirteenth time, included guest speeches from Cherie Blair QC and the Rev Jessie Jackson.