An officer hailed as a one-man "supercomputer" has made an astonishing more than 1,500 arrests during his 18-year career with West Midlands Police. PC Mark Owen, a neighbourhood officer based in Birmingham city centre, arrested 237 individuals in 2025 alone, earning immense respect from his colleagues and the community.
The 'Walking Police National Computer'
Colleagues have given PC Owen the nickname 'the walking police national computer' due to his exceptional record and knowledge. He joined the force in 2008 after a 12-year career in retail management, initially barred by now-scrapped height restrictions. Standing at 5ft 7ins, Owen finally achieved his ambition to help people, serving first in Cape Hill before moving to the city centre.
He attributes his success not to high-tech gadgets, but to fundamental police work: building community intelligence and 'getting out and about'. "The key to the work is being out on patrol and targeting the areas of the city centre that are suffering anti-social behaviour and challenging the individuals causing it," Owen explained.
Building Trust and Turning Lives Around
PC Owen's approach is deeply relational. He emphasises the importance of being approachable and listening to residents to understand the issues detrimentally affecting their area. His strategy extends beyond enforcement to building strong partnerships with agencies like Birmingham City Council and local Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).
"I know that all these agencies trust me to try and help support them. These relationships with partners help tackle crime and anti-social behaviour," he said. This community-focused work has had a profound impact, sometimes in unexpected ways. "I’ve lost count of how many people have come up to me and thanked me for locking them up!" Owen revealed, noting that some offenders have managed to turn their lives around following his interventions.
Resilience and Inspiration for the Next Generation
The job has not been without its dangers. PC Owen has faced significant abuse and been assaulted multiple times, including being kicked in the groin while challenging an escaped prisoner during the pandemic. Despite the challenges, he says he wouldn't change a thing and hopes to inspire new officers.
His advice to upcoming colleagues is simple: "Enjoy it! Some days will be tough, the majority won’t. Don’t underestimate what impact you can make on offenders' lives and their perception of the police. People won’t always take up the offer of help... but they will remember you tried."
City centre Chief Inspector Vicki Stott praised Owen as a "truly inspiring officer" valued for his skills, proactivity, and calm demeanour. "We’re committed to being a visible and friendly presence in the city centre, and Mark truly represents that," she stated. West Midlands Police is currently recruiting for new officers who share this dedication to community safety.
