“Unassuming” Essex Detective wins national award

DETECTIVE Inspector Steven Nelson, of Essex Police, has jointly won the national Services to Detectives Award at the Annual Detectives Awards.

DI Steven Nelson – pictured centre – was recognised for the outstanding contribution he has made during the last 9 years working with victims of child abuse, breaking down barriers and ensuring that our local policing response to children and families meet the needs of individual victims.

Essex Police Federation Chairman Steve Taylor said: “That’s the second year on the run that we’ve had a winner in that category at the national awards. Steve is one of the most unassuming people I’ve met.

“Even having been awarded with the award, struggling to grasp why he was getting the award. He thought that the hard work was done by his team and those around him, which I think is a measure of the man and underscores exactly why he’s getting the award.

“A dedicated leader, dedicated to the continual professional development of his team, making his team better at what they do and the force better at what it does, and ultimately protecting the people of Essex better because of Steve and the work that he led on and pushed, more often than not from the shadows.

“So I think a very worthy winner and it was great to see him and his wife up there receive the accolades that are very well earned and deserved.”

Detective Inspector Steve Nelson was awarded Joint Winner of the ‘Services to Detectives Award’ at the 2017 Police Federation National Detective Forum awards last night (Thursday, October 12).

Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh said: “I’m really proud of Steve and this award is no less than he deserves for the significant contribution he’s made.

“He’s very much been an ‘unsung hero’, focusing on the efforts and success of his team, rather than the part he’s played in leading, directing and supporting them.

“His professional and compassionate service to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities has helped to build confidence in the work we do.

“His work to improve our detectives has made us better as a force and means we can serve the people of Essex more effectively.”