A former Merseyside Police Chief Constable and a Detective Chief Inspector have been recognized in the King's Birthday Honours for their contributions during the Southport tragedy. Dame Serena Kennedy, who previously led Merseyside Police, has been awarded a damehood for services to policing, while Detective Chief Inspector Jason Pye has received the King's Police Medal.
Dame Serena served in policing for 32 years, starting her career as a constable with Greater Manchester Police in 1993. She later moved to Cheshire Constabulary before joining Merseyside Police as an Assistant Chief Constable in 2017. In April 2021, she made history as the force's first female Chief Constable. Her honour follows her receipt of the King's Police Medal in the 2023 King's Birthday Honours.
DCI Jason Pye joined Merseyside Police in January 2003 and rose through the ranks to become a Detective Chief Inspector. In July 2024, he was appointed Senior Investigating Officer in the inquiry into the murders of Alice, Bebe, and Elsie in Southport.
Following the announcement, Merseyside Police Chief Constable Rob Carden paid tribute to both recipients, describing the honours as "richly deserved." He said Dame Serena's tenure was defined by her commitment to public service and her leadership through a series of major and tragic incidents, including the Liverpool Women's Hospital bombing, the Covid-19 pandemic, fatal gun crime incidents in 2022, and the Southport tragedy and subsequent disorder. "Her leadership, compassion for victims and families, and her engagement with communities during and after these incidents was outstanding," he said.
Of DCI Pye, Mr. Carden said he led the Southport murder investigation with "incredible professionalism and humanity," adding that he brought both technical expertise and "profound compassion" to his work. He said Pye remained committed to securing justice for victims and their families, ensuring their experiences were central to the investigation, and working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and national partners to build a strong evidential case. "I am in no doubt that his leadership contributed directly to the voluntary guilty plea entered on the first day of trial," he added.
Dame Serena Kennedy said she was "absolutely delighted" to receive the honour, describing it as a privilege she accepted with "immense pride." She added: "Although this recognition is awarded to me, I see it as a tribute to the outstanding work carried out every single day by the officers and staff of Merseyside Police, together with our partners across the Liverpool City Region and the communities we serve. During my time as Chief Constable, I had the privilege of witnessing the very best of our region. Together, we faced some of the most challenging moments in recent years, when our communities demonstrated remarkable resilience, compassion, and strength. I also saw our region shine on the world stage as we hosted major events such as the Eurovision Song Contest, showcasing Liverpool’s warmth, creativity, and generosity to millions around the globe. I am immensely proud to have served as Chief Constable of Merseyside Police and of the work we undertook locally to strengthen trust and confidence in policing. I was also honoured to lead national programmes of work, including the integrity screening project, alongside dedicated colleagues from across the service. None of this would have been possible without the exceptional commitment, professionalism, and courage of officers and staff across Merseyside, who consistently go above and beyond to protect the public, support the most vulnerable, and deliver the highest standards of service, often in the most demanding circumstances."
DCI Jason Pye said he was "deeply humbled" to receive the King's Police Medal, describing it as the "pinnacle" of his career. He said he remained mindful of the tragedy at the centre of the investigation and the lasting impact on the families and all those affected. He also credited his colleagues and family for their support, saying their strength and professionalism had helped him through the most difficult moments of the inquiry.
Merseyside's Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell congratulated both officers, describing Dame Serena's honour as a "fitting tribute" to a career defined by integrity and public service. She highlighted her leadership through major incidents including the Liverpool Women's Hospital explosion, high-profile murders across Merseyside, the pandemic, and the Southport tragedy, as well as the force's role in delivering a safe Eurovision. She also praised DCI Pye's "leadership, professionalism, and humanity" during the Southport investigation, calling his work an example of "the best of British policing."
