Jock McToal’s King’s Police Medal shines a light on community policing in Ballymena

Ballymena LNPT Inspector Jock McToal

For more than two decades, Inspector Jock McToal has been a familiar and trusted figure across Ballymena and the wider district. Now, his dedication to community policing has been recognised at the highest level after being awarded the King’s Police Medal (KPM) in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2026.

The honour places the Ballymena Local Neighbourhood Policing Team (LNPT) inspector among a select group of police officers and staff recognised nationally for distinguished service, commitment to public safety and exceptional contribution to policing.

For many across Ballymena, however, the award will come as little surprise.

Inspector McToal has spent years working at the heart of local communities, building relationships, supporting families through tragedy, and helping to strengthen trust between residents and police.

A respected figure across Ballymena and beyond

Inspector McToal leads the Ballymena LNPT, which serves communities across a wide area including Park, Fair Green, Castle Demesne, Braidwater, Ballykeel, Ardeevin, Academy, Portglenone, Maine, Grange, Galgorm, Cullybackey, Ahoghill, Slemish, Kirkinriola, Kells, Glenwherry, Glenravel, Broughshane, Ballee and Harryville.

The King’s Police Medal citation highlights his 21 years of service and recognises the key role he played both on the front line and within local communities during the widespread disorder experienced in Ballymena during 2025.

The citation states that his “tireless work has built trust in local communities across the district”.

That reputation has also been reflected in public tributes from those who have worked alongside him and those he has supported during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Praised by the Chloe Mitchell family

Earlier this year, Inspector McToal was publicly thanked by the family of Chloe Mitchell, the young Ballymena woman whose murder shocked Northern Ireland.

Speaking in the Northern Ireland Assembly, North Antrim MLA Sian Mulholland said the Mitchell family wanted to formally acknowledge the support they received from the Ballymena officer.

She told the Assembly the family wished “to put on record their thanks to Inspector Jock McToal for going above and beyond in what he did to support the family.”

Ms Mulholland added:

“I thank Jock for the support that he has shown to me in his role as well.”

The comments reflected the often unseen role neighbourhood policing officers play in supporting victims, families and communities long after major incidents have left the headlines.

‘An absolute genius’ at community engagement

Inspector McToal’s approach to policing has also attracted praise from leading academics and researchers examining policing and community relations in Northern Ireland.

Giving evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee in the House of Commons at the end of 2025, Professor Marie Breen-Smyth highlighted his work as an example of community policing at its best.

She told MPs:

“Jock McToal in Ballymena strikes me as an absolute genius at working with working-class communities.”

Professor Breen-Smyth went on to argue that policing organisations should place greater value on officers who develop deep expertise within communities, saying that expertise “needs to be honoured and celebrated”.

Her remarks drew attention to the importance of neighbourhood policing at a time when police services across the UK continue to face growing demands and resource pressures.

Political tribute for Ballymena inspector

Ulster Unionist Party Leader and North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows, pictured with Inspector McToal

Among those welcoming the announcement was Ulster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows, who paid tribute to Inspector McToal’s longstanding commitment to policing and community safety in Ballymena and beyond.

Mr Burrows said:

“I am absolutely delighted for Inspector Jock McToal and he fully deserves the award for the KPM.

“Inspector McToal exemplifies public service and he has made an outstanding contribution to community safety. I cannot think of anyone in policing who deserves this prestigious honour more.”

Four PSNI honours announced

Inspector McToal was one of four members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List.

The awards included:

• Gordon Scott – British Empire Medal (BEM)

• Inspector Jock McToal – King’s Police Medal (KPM)

• Sergeant Elaine McCabe – King’s Police Medal (KPM)

• Sergeant Dwayne Stewart – King’s Police Medal (KPM)

Police staff member Gordon Scott was recognised for more than 53 years of public service and for what was described as an innovative and meticulous contribution throughout his career.

Sergeant Elaine McCabe, who has served as a police officer for 24 years, was recognised for her long-standing work as a Family Liaison Officer, supporting families during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.

Sergeant Dwayne Stewart, who has more than 26 years of service and is currently part of the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Derry City and Strabane, was honoured for helping strengthen community confidence and cohesion.

Chief Constable pays tribute

Paying tribute to all four recipients, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said he was proud to see their commitment recognised nationally.

He said:

“I am incredibly proud to see the dedication and passion of our officers and staff member recognised in the King’s Birthday Awards 2026.

“Their steadfast commitment to serving and protecting all of our communities exemplifies the very best of policing.

“On behalf of the entire organisation I offer my heartfelt congratulations to all of the recipients and their families.”

Justice Minister pays tribute to honours recipients

Justice Minister Naomi Long also congratulated Police Service of Northern Ireland and Prison Service staff recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List, describing the awards as recognition of the vital work carried out across the justice system.

The Minister said the honours reflected the dedication of those who work to protect the public, support victims and help reduce reoffending.

Ms Long said:

“The incredible service staff provide to protect the public, support victims and tackle reoffending are recognised in each of these honours.

“The challenges faced by staff throughout the justice system and the courage and professionalism with which they approach their roles has been highlighted in recent days and weeks. Without their dedication, Northern Ireland would be a much poorer place to live.

“I wish to pay tribute and congratulate those who have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list.”

For Ballymena, Inspector McToal’s award is not only recognition of an individual career but also of the value of neighbourhood policing and the relationships built between officers and the communities they serve.

In a role often carried out away from public attention, the King’s Police Medal acknowledges more than two decades of service that has left a lasting impact across the district.