BRENT'S most senior policeman has received the Queen's Police Medal as he retires after more than 30 years on the force.

Chief Superintendent Mark Toland was named in the Queen's Birthday Honours list for his service to policing, as he steps down from his role as Borough Commander for Brent.

He said: “I was very thrilled when I heard, and it is a nice way to finish my career.

“I always thought this would be a fantastic honour to get, but I wouldn't be receiving it without the superb team of people I have had around me.”

Mr Toland moved to Brent in 2006 after three years as Borough Commander for Hillingdon where he led reductions in crime in burglary, robbery and violent crimes.

Mr Toland is highly regarded within the Met for the work he has done in Brent, including leading a year-long operation in Kilburn to tackle drugs and gun crime which led to 25 criminal convictions and a marked improvement in the area.

The borough's crime figures have reduced under Mr Toland, and last year Brent was considered to be taken off the Met's Trident Borough List, a sign of the major steps forward taken by the police and residents.

He told the Harrow Times: “Out on the streets, I can't get over how quiet it is compared with what it used to be.

“Crime last year was the lowest it has ever been, and I hope this is the legacy I have left.”

Mr Toland is hoping to pick up his medal from the palace in full police uniform before August 31, the official date of his retirement when he plans to move back to Ireland.

He has, however, already handed over the reigns in Brent to his deputy, Superintendent Matthew Gardner.

Mr Toland added: “I think Matt has got a good team around him to look at what has been done during the last four years and take it to the next level.”