Nadeem Qureshi: TVP’s First South Asian Pakistani Officer

Nadeem, known to family, friends, and colleagues as Ned, was born and spent his early years in Pakistan before moving to the UK while still at school. After finishing his education, Ned joined Thames Valley Police in September 1975 as a young constable, becoming the first South Asian Pakistani officer in the force.

Ned was first posted to Cowley, Oxford, and went on to work in a wide range of uniformed roles across the police force, laying the foundation for what would become an extraordinary career. Whilst at Cowley, Ned became a tutor constable, where he supported other new officers who joined his team. His colleagues welcomed his sound advice, common sense and willingness to share his already vast knowledge and experience – qualities that remained with him throughout his service.

In 1979, Ned became a Detective in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), taking on the challenge of investigating more serious and complex crimes. Whilst on his training course, Her Majesty the Queen visited the Academy, and Ned’s involvement in the organisation no doubt helped to make it a great success.

With his policing career taking him all across Oxfordshire, including Abingdon, Cowley, Oxford and Thame, Ned built up a wealth of professional achievements and personal memories which he valued greatly. He received many letters of thanks from the communities he worked hard to protect, and was commended by senior managers on a number of occasions.

In 1992, Ned’s commitment and expertise were recognised when he was promoted to Sergeant and took on a posting to Aylesbury police station. He went on to perform a number of roles as a Sergeant, including Emergency Response, Custody and Neighbourhood Policing, a role he particularly loved.

By 2005, continuing with his successful career, Ned had risen to the role of Inspector and returned to serve in Oxford and Cowley, where his deep knowledge of the area and unwavering dedication made him an invaluable asset to the community and his colleagues.

As a neighbourhood policing Inspector, Ned and his team won the prestigious High Sheriff’s Shrievalty Award in 2011 for their work tackling anti-social behaviour in the Barton area of Oxford. Ned was also the proud recipient of an array of service medals across his distinguished career, including his Long Service and Good Conduct medal, acknowledging his ‘Exemplary Police Service’.

After almost 38 years of service, Ned retired as an Inspector in 2013. He was rehired the same day as a police staff Identification Officer, going on to lead the force’s ID team responsible for conducting identification parades. Ned became an expert in this specialist field and played an active role in the ID community nationally, earning wide respect and admiration. This was a testament to his enduring commitment to the force and desire to bring to justice those responsible for committing crimes.

Outside of his work at Thames Valley Police, Ned had a keen interest in aeroplanes and flying. He qualified for a Private Pilot Licence in the early 2000s, and this broadened his horizons considerably. There was a competitive side to his flying – over several years, Ned entered the TopNav competition, organised by The Royal Institute of Navigation. Having some success with these competitions, Ned was presented with certificates and trophies by the Patron of the Institute, the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Being a member of flying clubs at Benson and Halton, Ned was always ready to carry out any chores when he wasn’t flying, a testament to his willingness to assist wherever he could. It was in his nature, and carried through to his police work.

Sadly, while still working in the Identification Unit, Ned lost his fight against cancer in the summer of 2025, just three months short of reaching 50 years of continuous service with Thames Valley Police. As news of his death became known, tributes from officers in other Forces were shared.

Ned was known for his great sense of humour, dedication, kindness and approachability – qualities that made him not just a good policeman but a wonderful, wise man. After nearly five decades of service, he leaves a legacy that will live on in the hearts of those who knew him and continue to inspire colleagues across Thames Valley Police for many years to come.