First annual recognition awards ceremony recognises excellence in policing

Devon and Cornwall Police has recognised police officers, staff and volunteers for their exceptional contribution to policing at the first annual recognition of excellence in policing awards.

Organised by the Museum of Policing in Devon and Cornwall, the ceremony, which took place at the Sandy Park Conference Centre on Friday 14 June saw a total of 22 awards presented to the recipients in the company of colleagues, family and friends.

Following nominations from within the Force, as well as endorsements from partner agencies, the honours were presented by Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell, Police & Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez and Chair of the Museum of Policing, Steve Pearce QPM DL.

Jeanette Ritson, Head of Learning and Development was given the Lifetime Achievement Award for being a leader of great compassion and kindness – with a huge passion for learning and sharing her knowledge through coaching and mentoring. Jeanette headed up the national changes to Police Entry Routes and implemented one of the most significant changes to policing in a generation. She did this at the same time police officer recruitment increased significantly as part of the police uplift programme.

Detective of the year was awarded to Sophie House, a consistently high-performing detective, she has led high-profile and sensitive operations within the Paedophile Online Investigation Team, most recently in a case of a paedophile paying for livestream sexual abuse from overseas. She was praised by the National Regional

Organised Crime Unit lead and the Crown Prosecution Service for her consistent empathetic approach, securing a 10-year prison sentence.

Winner of student officer of the year was Zak-Ray Moss who joined the Force in 2023. He has consistently shown his desire to develop his skills growing hugely in confidence and ability taking on any task that is asked of him with enthusiasm, professionalism and integrity. Zak has consistently worked to a high standard, impressing his trainers and peers.

Patrol officer of the year was awarded to PC Anthony Howard, known as ‘Biscuit.’ A Royal Marine, he joined the force at the age of forty and at the age of sixty-one, continues to work on the frontline of policing. He provides a high level of service to the public acting as a role model to the many new officers joining the organisation. He is hugely respected by his peers and a credit to the Force and the public he so proudly serves.

A number of other award winners were recognised on the day including police volunteer, police staff member, police staff newcomer and operations officer of the year.

Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell said: “It is incredibly humbling to present these awards to our officers, staff, volunteers and partners. Everyone across the Force works incredibly hard to serve our communities and protect the most vulnerable in our communities and it is only right that we recognise them for their efforts in supporting victims, protecting the public and preventing and detecting crime.”

Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: "I am delighted to have supported these awards, which recognise those who work tirelessly, in a hugely varied number of roles, to protect victims and bring to justice those who would harm others for their own gain. At a time when policing is under an incredible level of scrutiny it is right that we come together to celebrate the very best that Devon & Cornwall Police has to offer."

John Casson MBE, Patron of the Museum of Policing in Devon and Cornwall said: “We are delighted to have organised this important event to reflect recognition of excellence in policing.”