Summary
The Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Laurence Taylor has been awarded one of the UK’s highest honours for police officers in recognition of his outstanding service and contribution to policing over a 30-year career.
He has received the King’s Police Medal (KPM) for distinguished service as part of His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours 2026, marking three decades in policing since he joined Sussex Police in June 1996.
Assistant Commissioner Taylor has built a reputation as a highly experienced and respected leader, having worked across a wide range of frontline and specialist roles, including firearms, public order, neighbourhood policing and criminal investigations. He rose through the ranks at Sussex Police to become Assistant Chief Constable before joining the Metropolitan Police Service in 2018.
Since then, he has held a number of senior leadership positions, including Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations. In that role, he led the national coordination of Protect and Prepare – work focused on strengthening the UK’s ability to safeguard the public and respond to terrorist threats. Since May 2025, he has served as Head of Counter Terrorism Policing and the Met’s Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations.
Alongside his counter terrorism responsibilities, AC Taylor is also the National Police Lead for Aviation at the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), overseeing the development and delivery of drone capabilities in policing.
Throughout his career, AC Taylor has led major operations and national responses to complex and evolving threats with clarity and integrity, as well as supporting the policing of significant public events and protests. His leadership has helped strengthen how policing works together across organisations and with partners, improving the UK’s ability to respond to emerging risks and keep the public safe.
He has also been a strong champion of high standards, accountability and organisational integrity, playing a key role in strengthening public trust and ensuring that policing remains fair, effective and focused on protecting the public.
Other policing recipients recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours include:
- Two Royalty & Specialist Protection Command police officers who have been awarded the Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) for their services to the Royal Family.
- A Counter Terrorism Policing South East staff member who has been awarded a British Empire Medal for their services to policing.
Speaking about the award, AC Taylor said: “It is an enormous honour to be recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours, particularly alongside so many colleagues from across policing whose dedication and service are also reflected in this year’s awards.
“I have been privileged to be able to lead some amazing teams of people, and work with incredible partners, throughout my career and without whom this achievement would have been impossible.
“I am also proud to congratulate my colleagues on receiving these prestigious honours. They have each been recognised for outstanding service across many years – exemplifying the protection Counter Terrorism Policing offers the UK against a myriad of threats.
This recognition reflects not only AC Taylor’s leadership, but also the collective efforts of the many teams and colleagues he has worked alongside.
The full list of recipients of the KPM can be found on the NPCC website.