Auckland detective awarded meritorious medal

Police Commissioner Mike Bush presents Detective Sergeant Mike Beal with his Meritorious Service Medal at a ceremony in Auckland. Photo: Constable Suzy McNab.

Auckland Detective Sergeant Mike Beal was one of four New Zealand Police staff to receive the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) for exceptional service, commitment and achievement to Police and communities throughout New Zealand.

Detective Sergeant Mike Beal, was last month presented by Police Commissioner Mike Bush with a Meritorious Service Medal at a ceremony in Auckland attended by family and friends.

The MSM was given In recognition of his contribution and commitment to organised crime investigations over many years.

The MSM is the highest award that can be made by the Commissioner.

The medals were promulgated by Royal Warrant in October 2013 and the first six medals were awarded in March last year.

Commissioner Bush said he was delighted to award the MSMs to the latest four people who have made an exceptional contribution to New Zealand Police.

"They've consistently performed at a top level in their diverse fields - from managing complex national and international drug investigations, through to training and mentoring recruits, newly graduated constables, investigators and dog sections or ensuring we're polished and performing with pride on ceremonial occasions."

The Minister of Police, Hon Michael Woodhouse, also spoke at today's ceremony and congratulated the recipients for their outstanding contribution to NZ Police and the communities in which they serve.

Detective Sergeant Beal qualified as a Detective in 1992 and as a Sergeant in 1996.

He has worked within the drugs and organised crime area since 1998 and has led, mentored and provided outstanding leadership to his staff.

A respected expert in his field, Detective Sergeant Beal has headed numerous complex organised crime investigations in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

He was one of the first police officers to be involved with clan lab investigations going on to lead and develop clan lab teams, and has received two Bronze Merit Awards for his work including investigations leading to large scale meth seizures.