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City of London Police Commander Umer Khan OBE, London’s most senior British Asian police officer, is celebrating 30 years in policing. Reflecting on the milestone, he emphasised the importance of representation and called for greater diversity in the next generation of officers rising through the ranks.
Commander Khan, who moved to Manchester from Pakistan at the age of 11, said his career has been driven by a commitment to communities and cooperation. “I am a police officer first and foremost and I understand how important it is that we represent the communities we serve,” he said. “Seeing individuals who look like them in respected positions can inspire our diverse communities to consider a career in policing.”
He added: “I feel extremely privileged to have been a police officer for the last 30 years. It represents a deep personal commitment to public service, and I dedicate these achievements to my late parents, whose values and support made everything possible.”
Khan began his policing career in 1995 with Greater Manchester Police, serving in detective roles within CID and fraud units, including an international secondment with HM Customs and Excise. Following the 2001 Oldham riots, he played a key role in rebuilding community trust and, as Inspector in Rochdale, introduced an innovative consequence management approach during a period of community tension.
His leadership was also pivotal during the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, when he coordinated vital community operations in the aftermath. In recognition of his service, he was awarded an OBE in 2019 for contributions to policing and community cohesion.
In 2022, Khan became the first person from his background to be appointed Commander for Security and Operations at the City of London Police. Under his leadership, the force delivered high-profile operations including the Global Investment Summit and Lord Mayor’s Show, while achieving outstanding results in the 2025 HMIC inspection.
Commissioner Pete O’Doherty praised his colleague’s achievements, saying: “Umer is a values-driven leader and has worked extremely hard in improving how we deliver policing right in London, and his long-standing commitment and work ethic are an inspiration to us all.”
Alongside his policing career, Khan has dedicated time to youth and community initiatives, coaching cricket at grassroots level—with several protégés going on to represent England—and serving on the boards of the Royal College of GPs, the FA, and various charitable organisations.
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