Great work recognised at the Essex Police Awards

A NEWLY-qualified detective from Basildon has been named Essex’s Police Officer of the Year in the force’s awards this month.

PC Tiffany Jennings, of the Basildon Child Abuse Investigation Team, was honoured for her outstanding work helping victims. She took home one of 15 awards given to Essex Police officers and staff at a ceremony attended by more than 200 people in Chelmsford.

PC Mark Webster was named Public Hero of the Year for his his outstanding response to a family whose two daughters were, separately, victims of crime. One was subjected to coercive and controlling behaviour while the other was a victim of indecent exposure.

Both incidents demanded great sensitivity and Mark’s nominator praised his remarkable compassion, understanding and empathy in dealing with the investigation, the force said.

The Bennett Trophy went to PC Jenna French of the Braintree and Uttlesford Local Policing Team, after she achieved a 41.5% detection rate in the North Local Policing Area.

PC James Brewer, of Southend Local Policing Team, took home the Sir Jonathan Peel Trophy after he was the highest-placed Essex officer in the National Police Promotion Framework (NPPF) Sergeants’ Exam with 81.4 per cent.

The Anthony Peel Trophy was given to DCI Lee Morton in recognition for his great work in preventing fraud and cyber-crime.

DC Ben Pedro Anido was given the Supporting Vulnerable People Award for his work with the Colchester Volunteer Police Cadet (VPC) Unit.

DCI Danny Stoten was presented the Millard Trophy, for his work raising a huge amount of money to provide care and treatment for disabled children in Essex who don’t get support from the NHS.

Ds Richard Burgess took home the Wilson Trophy after he stepped in to prevent a man from being violently attacked while he was off duty on holiday in Jerusalem. And Colin Moy was named Special Constable of the Year.

Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh, said: “Every day I hear stories about acts of bravery, amazing dedication and occasions when someone has gone above and beyond to help a vulnerable person and keep them safe.

“I am privileged to lead such a great group of men and women who together work tirelessly to make this county safe. The ceremony is held to recognise a small number of them who have been nominated by their colleagues and say thank you for their service.”

Steve Taylor, Chairman of Essex Police Federation, said: “The Federation were proud to support that and sponsor an event that enables the force to really recognise the good work that goes on across all the different layers of policing across Essex.

“It was very well attended. It’s important that we hav opportunities to give the little pat on the back for a job well done, to recognise the good work that even in these lean and austere times is still going on up and down the county. And it’s important that the Federation plays its part in helping the job do that, which we’re proud to say we’ve done this year, and if necessary we’ll look to continue that support next year.”