TOEX Director Awarded King's Police Medal
Detective Chief Superintendent Kathryn Thacker Awarded King's Police Medal in New Year’s Honours for Exceptional Service in Policing and Tackling Organised Exploitation.
Norfolk Constabulary and the Tackling Organised Exploitation (TOEX) Programme are proud to announce that Detective Chief Superintendent and Director of TOEX, Kate Thacker, has been awarded the prestigious King’s Police Medal (KPM) in the 2025 New Year’s Honours List.
The recognition acknowledges her outstanding contributions to policing, particularly her leadership in tackling serious and organised crime and her relentless work to combat exploitation in all its forms.
The King's Police Medal is awarded to police officers who have shown exceptional dedication, leadership, and achievements in their service. Kate’s 28-year career, marked by her tireless commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals and dismantling criminal networks, has made her a deserving recipient of this high honour.
In her current role as Director of the TOEX Programme, which supports two National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) portfolios - Intelligence led by Dave McLaren, Deputy Chief Constable at Sussex Police, and Child Protection and Abuse Investigation (CPAI) led by ACC Rebecca Riggs, Kate leads the intelligence capability that provides dedicated intelligence and analytical expertise in support of forces undertaking complex organised exploitation investigations, such as modern slavery & human trafficking, organised immigration crime, county lines, adult & child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Built around existing structures, TOEX teams are embedded within each of the Regional Organised Crime Units (ROCUs), and ensure victims are safeguarded and those seeking to profit from exploitation - including localised criminality and the upstream organised criminality which drives it, are disrupted, and brought to justice.
Speaking about her award, Kate said: “I am deeply honoured to receive the King’s Police Medal. This recognition is not just for me, but for the entire team, who work tirelessly day in and day out to combat exploitation and serious crime.
“Our mission is to protect the vulnerable and bring perpetrators to justice, and this award reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. I am privileged to serve in a role that makes such a difference in the lives of those most at risk.
“TOEX will always be the pinnacle of my career and I am blessed to work alongside some exceptionally talented and dedicated colleagues, both within the programme, wider law enforcement, government, and industry. Once I am over the shock, I will raise a toast to you all in humble thanks for your support.”
Deputy Chief Constable Dave McLaren, the NPCC Intelligence lead said: "I am delighted to see that Kate's hard work and dedication have been recognised by His Majesty in this year's honours. Her work to tackle organised exploitation has been nothing short of remarkable, having made a positive impact across the entire country. She has made a huge difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our society and should be incredibly proud of all that she has achieved.
"Kate being awarded the Kings Policing Medal is a testament to not only her accomplishments, but also those officers, staff and partners who have supported the work she has led."
Assistant Chief Constable Rebecca Riggs, the NPCC CPAI lead said: "I am absolutely delighted to see Kate awarded the King’s Police Medal. This prestigious recognition is a true reflection of her exceptional leadership, dedication, and tireless efforts to make a real difference.
"Her work, particularly in tackling organised exploitation and supporting vulnerable people, has made an extraordinary impact. She has consistently gone above and beyond in her role, leading with both compassion and professionalism. Her award is well-deserved, and it highlights the invaluable contribution she has made to policing and public service. On behalf of us, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Kate. We are incredibly proud of her, and I look forward to seeing her continue to lead and inspire others in this vital area of work.”