Simon Ovens was born in 1967 at St Georges hospital on Hyde Park Corner which is now the Luxury Lainsborough Hotel.

At 19½ Simon joined the Metropolitan Police and commenced his residential training. His inspiration to join was Shaw Taylor on Police 5. Simon recalls patrolling in Tunics and helmets using a VDRS and HORTI book to perform his duties. Image and standards are large part of Simons professional ethos.

Simons first posting was Sutton, and it was a good grounding for his skills. He learnt the art of being a member of a team. His first step of management was running the local Tea Club.

Simon was a prolific thief taker and was introduced to the world of CID which he did not particularly like. Simon returned to uniform duties and took full advantage of opportunities. He became level 2 trained and was present during the first Poll Tax Riot.

As Sgts, Ray Gravet & John Lewis were inspirational to simon, and he chose to take part in the Sgts exam. However, he was unable to sit the exam because he had not served 5 years. The only way he could circumvent the rule was to be recommended by the Assistant Commissioner. Simon followed the chain of command. Simon put in his report and was seen by the Chief Superintendent Peter Lockley. Mr Lockley said that if Simon obtained an A Level in Law he would be supported. Simon duly obtained the exam and Mr Lockley facilitated the meeting between Simon and the commander. (John Coo) and sat his Sgts exam which he passed.

Simon climbed the ranks and worked with Tarique Ghaffur and was made a temporary C/Supt. His career was not without low points. He was dealt with.

Simon’s career saw him move through a number of roles including the head of Traffic and Transport which he loved.

We discuss the closure of Police Stations is discussed along with the link between the police and the public.

In 1989 Simon attended was allocated the role as the mortuary liaison officer he was armed with a box which contained bags and tags. 5 people died and 88 injured.

During his service Simon was appointed as a deputy lieutenant for London. This appointment is sanctioned by Buckingham palace. It is voluntary and unpaid. At the time of the coronation simon was selected to meet and greet Kings Queens and Heads of State on behalf of King Charles III. This was a full-on role for a brief period and at 6am on the morning of the coronation he had to meet the head of an African nation as they arrived in the UK.

Simon’s role as a Deputy Lieutenant is to support community cohesion.

Simons service in the police and since has been distinguished he has supported Royal Weddings, Funerals and Jubilee Celebration. on Simons very last day in the police he was on horseback at the Kings Birthday parade. He saluted the King rode back to the stable dismounted and hung up his spurs. It is a day Simon will never forget.

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