French government honours British police officer

French government honours a British police officer

The French government has awarded Derek Gallagher the distinction of Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite in recognition of his active cooperation with the different French cross-border security services. M. Denis Prieur, Préfet of Pas-de-Calais, presented Mr Gallagher with his medal at a ceremony in Calais.

After working with the French Interior Ministry and British Home Office on the establishment of a Channel Tunnel security policy, Mr Gallagher set up a European Liaison Unit for cross-Channel liaison and cooperation in the field of international criminal investigations. In 1998, his skills still needed after his retirement from the force, he was appointed Kent Police’s European Strategy Advisor. He still holds the post and continues actively to enhance police cooperation not only with France, but also with Belgium and the Netherlands.