Double celebration for Special Inspector Hitesh Mehta

7 November 2023

It’s been a double celebration for Special Inspector Hitesh Mehta, who followed up marking his 20th anniversary volunteering for West Midlands Police by receiving a national policing award for his employer.

Hitesh, who is an international service manager, said he was “honoured” to collect the Employer Supported Policing Award at the Lord Ferrers Awards ceremony on behalf of HSBC UK.

The Lord Ferrers Awards recognise outstanding contributions made by special constables, police support volunteers, volunteer police cadets and others who give their time to support policing.

And in the case of Hitesh and HSBC UK, the Employer Supported Policing Award is for organisations that support their local police force through facilitating employees to volunteer in policing.

Hitesh said: “I was honoured to receive the award on behalf of HSBC UK.

“They’ve been so supportive of me and colleagues to go out and serve our communities through our police work.

“They’ve supported us during the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, Coventry City of Culture and other high-profile sporting, music and police-led operational events in and around the region, all contributing to our community policing, so it’s fantastic they get this recognition.”

This year, Hitesh celebrates 20 years of being a Special with West Midlands Police.

Hitesh, who grew up in Hillfields in Coventry, became a Special Constable in 2003 because he wanted to make a difference to his local community.

“I wanted to be a full-time officer but that didn’t work out because of other priorities but I still wanted to give back to the community and learn things,” he said.

“So when I saw the opportunity to be a Special, I took it without hesitation. 20 years on and I’m still learning, growing and enjoying it.

“I get the best of both worlds - to learn and grow with HSBC UK and with the police, and together cross transfer skills between the two, which I think is really important.”

Hitesh was a Special Constable for 17 years before being promoted to a Special Sergeant and then in December he took the opportunity to become a Special Inspector.

In that time Hitesh has been involved in many initiatives and opportunities to support his local community. He met the now King Charles on two occasions; during his visit to mark Coventry's City of Culture and the opening of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, he took part in a flash mob in Birmingham's New Street Station to raise awareness of forced marriage and is currently part of the Force's 'Beyond the 9 to 5' Specials recruitment campaign.

He was chosen as one of BBC Coventry and Warwickshire Radio's 'The 21', sharing his story as part of Coventry's City of Culture celebrations and was honoured with the High Sheriff medal and certificate for services to the community.

Hitesh was also awarded the Platinum Champions Award from the Royal Voluntary Service to mark the the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, and more recently the Special Constabulary long service bar, rosette and certificate from West Midlands Police.

Hitesh said “My life journey has been surrounded with so many opportunities, my advice to anyone is to chase positivity, people and experience – the rest will follow.”

Now he has a role in the Specials Learning and Development team, with a responsibility for new Specials joining, their training and welfare, and he’s determined to support new Specials in any way he can.

Hitesh meets King Charles.

“That’s the highlight of the role for me, helping people and supporting them to be their best,” he said. “If I can help someone to develop and make the most of opportunities then that’s great.”

Making a difference is a theme that runs through Hitesh’s life.

As well as a Special Constable, he’s also the president of Shree Krishna Temple, the largest Hindu temple in Coventry, and a member of the Lions Club of Coventry Godiva, a charity that raises funds to serve humanity, supports great causes and community projects.

He said: “One day I could be operational in policing or looking after new officers, the next day I could be organising a religious event or feeding the elderly at the temple, or next I could be litter-picking at the local park to help improve society and make the city better or supporting a fund raising event.”

Hitesh is also a full-time carer for his mum and dad, who both have health conditions, and said his connection with God and religion, has helped change his life for the better.

“My faith and the meditation I practice replaces any negative thoughts with a positive outlook,” he said. “Reading and learning from spiritual leaders and the holy scriptures helps nourish my soul and support me with everyday life.”

Hitesh said he was pleased to be supported by the West Midlands Federation branch as well.

A change in the law last year allowed Specials to join the Police Federation of England and Wales, and Hitesh said he took the opportunity without hesitation.

“I wanted to make sure I was protected,” he said. "But at the same time, I was able to be part of a community.

“We’re part of a family of officers who are being looked after by the Federation.

“Whenever we have a meet and greet to welcome new Specials, we have a rep who attends to speak about the Federation, its benefits and the support they provide officers.”

And Hitesh continues to encourage all officers to join the Federation.

“I think it’s really important, especially in the role we conduct,” he added.