Former Police Authority Chair Ian Laidlaw-Dickson Awarded OBE

The Authority would like to express its congratulations to Ian Laidlaw-Dickson, presented with an OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) award, for his services to the police.

Ian held the role as Chair of the Police Authority from 2003 to 2008.

Current Chair, Stuart Nagler JP DL said: “I am delighted that the enormous contributions made by Ian to policing in Hertfordshire have formally been recognised and, on behalf of the Authority, would like to congratulate him on this well-earned award. He was the Authority's longest serving member and his commitment and contributions to the Authority spanned 14 years, during which time he earned the respect of all who knew him."   

Chief Constable of Hertfordshire Constabulary, Frank Whiteley, said: “I am delighted that Ian’s hard work and dedication to improving policing in Hertfordshire has been recognised and congratulate him on this well deserved award. During his time as Chair of Hertfordshire’s Police Authority, crime rates in Hertfordshire consistently fell year on year and police performance improved.”

Ian joined the Police Authority when it was set up in 1995 and served for 14 years. He became Vice-Chair in 1997 and held that position for six years before being elected as Chair in 2003. He was Chair until May 2008 and stood down from the Authority in June 2009, following the County Council elections. 

A retired manager for BT, where he worked for over 30 years, he was a Labour County Councillor for Hemel Hempstead and Leader of the Labour Group until he lost his seat in June last year.  He lives in Hemel Hempstead with his partner, Julia, and daughter and has lived in the county for over 40 years.