·       Freedom recognises over three decades of distinguished service to UK policing and community cohesion

·       Khan became first British Asian police officer appointed Commander at the City of London Police

·       Umer Khan: “I accept the Freedom of the City of London with great humility and gratitude.”

The capital’s most senior British Asian police officer, City of London Police Commander Umer Khan OBE, has received the Freedom of the City of London, in recognition of his exemplary service to policing and work in communities.

On being appointed as Commander for Security and Operations at the City of London Police in 2022, Khan also became the first police officer of his background to hold the role.  

Having moved to Manchester from Pakistan at the age of 11, Khan went on to serve almost 27 years with Greater Manchester Police after joining the force as a Constable at 21. During his career, he has held a range of senior leadership positions across neighbourhood policing, criminal investigation, and operational command.

Among his many achievements, Commander Khan helped introduce the National Reassurance Programme in Oldham following the 2001 riots, supporting efforts to strengthen trust between police and local communities. He later served as Territorial Commander for the City of Manchester and played a senior leadership role in the response to the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017.

In recognition of his commitment to policing and community cohesion, Commander Khan was awarded an OBE in 2019.

Since joining the City of London Police, he has played a leading role in policing operations across the Square Mile, supporting those who live and work in, and visit the area.

During his time with the force, the City of London Police has achieved outstanding HMICFRS inspection results and continues to rank among the country’s top-performing forces, combining high-performing local policing with national leadership on fraud and protecting the UK’s economic and financial infrastructure.

Commander Khan has been nominated for the Freedom by Deputy City of London Corporation Policy Chair, James Thomson, and Chair of the City of London Police Authority Board, Tijs Broeke.

Speaking after his Freedom ceremony, Commander Umer Khan OBE said:

“As an 11-year-old arriving in this country having to learn a new way of life, I could never have imagined receiving the Freedom of the City of London, and it means a great deal to me personally.

“Firstly, I want to thank my late mother and father for all that they did for me. Their love, sacrifice, and unwavering support shaped the person I am today. Although they are no longer here, they are with me constantly and I know they would be immensely proud of me today. Secondly, I want to thank the City of London Police and everyone that I have had the privilege of working alongside during my time here. Their tireless dedication is a credit to policing. Every day, they work to make people safe and feel safe in the City, often, in challenging circumstances and I am proud to have served with them.

“I am also extremely grateful to the City of London Corporation for bestowing me with the Freedom of the City of London, which I accept with great humility and gratitude.”

City of London Corporation Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, said:

"Commander Umer Khan is a true frontline leader, who commands the respect of so many, and his commitment to policing over the last three decades is underpinned by his personal warmth, humility, and compassion. I send him my sincere thanks and congratulations on his admission to the Freedom today."

Deputy City of London Corporation Policy Chair, James Thomson, said:

"Since joining the City of London Police, Umer has demonstrated exceptional dedication, professionalism and integrity. He is a visible and approachable leader who consistently puts frontline officers and the communities he serves first. His Freedom of the City of London is richly deserved and it has been a privilege to support his nomination."

Chair of the City of London Police Authority Board, Tijs Broeke, said:

“Throughout his career, Umer Khan has shown a deep commitment to responsible policing, reflecting his strong belief that it works best when it creates and builds trust in communities, and fosters a genuine sense of inclusion and belonging. His Freedom recognises his outstanding service and dedication to ensuring that the Square Mile is, and remains, a place where every community feels safe, seen, listened to, and valued.”

City of London Police Commissioner, Peter O’Doherty, said:

“Umer's Freedom of the City of London is a fitting recognition of an exceptional career dedicated to public service. His journey is particularly inspiring and his time in the City has left a lasting contribution to the safety and security of all those who live in, work in, and visit the Square Mile. Throughout his career, Umer has demonstrated outstanding leadership, integrity, and commitment to the public. He has always championed the values of policing and has been a passionate advocate for the communities we serve.

“On behalf of everyone at the City of London Police, I offer my warmest congratulations. This recognition reflects not only Umer’s personal achievements, but also the dedication and service he has given to the City, the force, and the wider policing profession over many years.”

One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade. As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.  

Recent notable recipients include two-time Academy Award-winning actor and humanitarian, Cate Blanchett; City of London Police Special Constable and TV presenter, Penny Lancaster; novelist, Ken Follett; veteran broadcaster and breast cancer charity ambassador, Gloria Hunniford; and actor, Ray Winstone.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

About the City of London Police:

The City of London Police is responsible for policing the City's business district, the 'Square Mile' in the historical centre of London. In addition, it holds national responsibility for economic crime, including cybercrime and fraud and, under this remit, is host to Report Fraud (the national cybercrime and fraud reporting service). The City of London continues to be one of the safest urban areas in the country.