Local Roads Policing Expert Honoured By King

A roads policing expert has been awarded The King’s Police Medal for his dedication to keeping Kent moving during times of disruption over many years.

Recently retired Police Constable Ross Dorman played a key role in helping prepare the county for the impact of new border controls following the UK’s exit from the European Union.

He was also instrumental in helping partner agencies respond to new rules on freight drivers introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent closure of the French border in December 2020.

The King’s Police Medal is awarded by His Majesty The King as part of his New Year and Birthday Honours, and recognises those who have achieved a specially distinguished record in policing.

Former PC Dorman, 56, from Sittingbourne, retired from the force in May 2024.

He told SFM News: ‘I thoroughly enjoyed my career with Kent Police and to even be nominated for The King’s Police Medal is a huge honour for me. I could barely believe it when I received the news but I am very happy and grateful to have been recognised in this way. Being a police officer is all about serving the community and that is a responsibility I have always taken seriously. I will treasure this honour for the rest of my life.’

Former PC Dorman has been at the heart of the local response to border disruption for many years, playing a vital role in keeping traffic congestion in Kent to a minimum whilst also ensuring UK citizens continue to have access to vital supplies at times of major disruption.

He also helped forge strong relationships between Kent Police and its partner agencies responsible for highways management including Kent County Council, National Highways, and the Department for Transport who view him as a national expert in his field.

Chief Constable Tim Smith told SFM News: ‘The role former PC Dorman played in helping Kent and the UK as a whole prepare for disruption at the borders cannot be understated and I am delighted his contributions have been recognised by His Majesty The King. Keeping people safe is every police officer’s priority and Ross has helped to ensure that when there is severe traffic disruption on Kent’s roads that could pose a risk to public safety, it is kept to a minimum. He has achieved this with modesty, humility and a great deal of professionalism, and we are very proud of him."