Members of West Midlands Police have become the first in any UK force to achieve Chartered Manager status, in recognition of their management and leadership skills.
Chief Superintendent Malcolm Coall, Chief Inspector Mick Gillick, Inspector Scott McKenna, and fingerprint enhancement unit manager Sarah Merrick achieved the award from the Chartered Management Institute for success in delivering results and making a difference to the local community.
The four senior members of staff are amongst an initial group of 14 selected to work towards achieving Chartered Manager status, after a nation-wide launch in September 2003.
As well as completing an assignment focusing on management issues, each individual also had to show how their actions over the past 12 months have driven change and increased operational efficiency.
Inspector Yvonne Bruton, of the Leadership Centre at West Midlands Police, said that staff would need to maintain their chartered manager status if they committed to continuing professional development.
"That means no one can rest on the laurels of an award and our local community will benefit from police who are determined to be the best and make a difference," she added.