Umer Khan, the capital’s most senior British Asian police officer says he is “truly humbled” to have been awarded the Freedom of the City of London. First week of June 2026, City of London Police Commander Umer Khan was given the honour in recognition of more than three decades of “exemplary service” to policing and work in cohesion, the City of London Corporation said. Originally from Pakistan, Khan served with Greater Manchester Police for 27 years before joining City of London Police, where he was the first officer of his background to be appointed at commander level. After receiving the honour on Tuesday, Khan told the BBC he would continue to “dedicate himself to the service of the City and communities and the UK”. “I accept the Freedom of the City of London with great humility and gratitude,” Khan said. Having moved to Manchester from Pakistan at the age of 11, Khan began his policing career as a constable aged 21.
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