A STRING of Teignbridge-based police officers have been honoured for their bravery, professionalism and dedication at a special awards ceremony.

Among those receiving recognition from senior officers at Torquay’s Livermead Cliff Hotel were PCSOs Sharon Pratt, Lisa Clubb and Vanessa Pike who each earned a Superintendent’s Certificate. Sharon Pratt was not able to attend the event.

Superintendent’s Certificates were also handed out to PC Wesley Watkins, civilian staff member Jackie Jones and Det Sgts Andy Turner and Mark Smeaton.

Chief Superintendent’s Commendations were awarded to PCs Alex Head, Al Wenman, Natalie Booth, Neil Summerfeld and Victoria Parkin.

Det Con James Brice and Det Sgt Mark Smeaton received Chief Superintendent’s Commendations for their work on Operation Grail, a police probe into a Plymouth-based organised crime group. Four core members received jail sentences of 18 years between them.

Supt Jacqui Hawley, who leads South Devon’s police teams, said at last Thursday’s presentation: ‘These awards are important because they recognise the outstanding work that goes on, both on the frontline and behind the scenes, to keep the people of South Devon safe.’

She added: ‘I am extremely proud to lead such a professional and dedicated team.’

PC Watkins earned his accolade for high levels of victim care and professionalism. With DS Simon Lee he investigated an offender who stalked Nancy Galloway who afterwards praised PC Watkins for the hard work he had carried out on her case. The offender was jailed for 14 months, his third custodial sentence.

PCs Alex Head, Al Wenman, Natalie Booth, Neil Summerfeld and Victoria Parkin helped create Operation Dalitron which targeted members of organised crime groups. Their main focus was to safeguard vulnerable people and take positive action against those presenting a risk to the community. A recent study of their work was accepted by the Home Office as ‘best practice’.

DS Smeaton’s second award was for outstanding leadership, investigation and professionalism.

Over the last six years he had consistently ‘demonstrated outstanding levels of leadership’ through his CID work which included leading a number of highly complex and significant investigations.

He was praised for fostering outstanding working relationships with partner agencies and helping Ministry of Justice staff deal with a serious misconduct charge against a member of staff. He was also heavily involved in formulating police responses to cyber-crime.

PCSO Vanessa Pike was credited for serving her Teignbridge community with ‘exceptional professionalism and enthusiasm’ despite significant operational demands placed on her.

Her citation said: ‘She is well known and highly respected within the community she serves and has established strong and mutually beneficial relationships across the area.’

She was also singled out for her leadership of local police cadets, ensuring they were well supported, trained and involved in local initiatives.

‘Her dedication is widely recognised and appreciated,’ said senior officers.

PCSOs Sharon Pratt and Lisa Clubb were honoured for outstanding professionalism and victim care, particularly in the case of a badly injured child attacked by a dog in Stover Park where PCSO Clubb took the casualty to hospital while her colleague searched and found the offending dog and its owner.

DS Andy Turner received his Certificate for outstanding leadership, investigation and professionalism.

Over the last two years he had consistently demonstrated outstanding levels of leadership through his work as a senior investigating officer on a number of highly complex and significant inquiries.

He had never sought praise nor reward for his excellent contributions but always took satisfaction in protecting those unable to protect themselves.

His long stint of volunteer work with the Dartmoor Rescue was also noted.

Police staff member Jackie Jones’ professionalism and dedication was marked with an award which took account of her tireless support of the Teignbridge policing team.

She and her colleagues Julie Keogh and Mandy Rodwell were recognised for their sense of pride and passion which was illustrated by the standards and attention to detail they displayed in their work.