About John Casson MBE

John Casson MBE is a British police officer-turned-entrepreneur, philanthropist and notable charity organiser, recognised with an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to charity and the community.

Who he is:

  • Former police officer: John Casson began his career in law enforcement, serving with the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary. During his police career he received commendations for his outstanding work in policing and community service.

  • Entrepreneur: After leaving the police, he founded Securewest International, a maritime and travel risk security company employing ex-police and armed forces personnel. The company grew into a prominent specialist security firm with global operations.

  • Philanthropist and fundraiser: John has organised and hosted numerous high-profile charity events, awareness and fundraising dinners and lunches that have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for various causes. These events have included support from well-known public figures and have benefited charities in the UK and abroad.

  • Charitable foundation: He established the John Casson Foundation in 2012 to support children’s charities and other worthwhile causes, particularly in Devon, Cornwall, India and Zambia.

  • Museum patron and organiser: John is the former chair and now patron of the Museum of Policing in Devon & Cornwall, contributing to preserving and promoting the history of policing, and organises high profile policing awards events in the region.

Honours:

John Casson was awarded the MBE in 2019 by Queen Elizabeth II (presented by Prince William) for his services to charity, the community and worthwhile causes, in recognition of his extensive fundraising and civic engagement activities.

Other roles and interests:

Beyond his business and charity work, John is also an author (including his autobiography A Bored Casson is a Dangerous Person) and has been involved with commemorations and memorial projects relating to historical events such as the Exercise Tiger disaster and the Arctic convoys from World War II.