A DETECTIVE inspector whose work has helped bring dozens of sexual offenders before the courts has been recognised for transforming the way rape and serious sexual offence investigations are handled in South Devon.

Detective Inspector Jeanne Hellyer, of South Devon CID, received the South Devon Division Award at this year’s Devon and Cornwall Police Federation Recognition Awards.

The 19-year police veteran has been praised for her work tackling violence against women and girls and for introducing changes that have dramatically reduced the backlog of rape and serious sexual offence (RASSO) investigations.

Under her new approach, the number of outstanding RASSO cases in South Devon has fallen from almost 50 to fewer than five, while arrest rates have increased significantly.

Det Insp Hellyer said the changes were designed to ensure victims received a better service and had confidence in the police response.

‘We want our victims to have trust and confidence in us’, she said.

‘We want them to know that we believe them and we're taking their report seriously’.

Working with a detective sergeant and supported by the detective chief inspector, Det Insp Hellyer helped clear the existing backlog of suspects while introducing a new system to track every new investigation.

The tracker enables detectives to quickly identify what action needs to be taken, including arrests, searches and the securing of evidence.

‘That way, we could see exactly what offence needs to be arrested, and if there were searches or evidence to be secured’, she said.

‘So we went from having quite a large backlog down to single-digit numbers, improving victim service, but also the timeliness to investigations’.

Many of the investigations have subsequently reached court, with cases resulting in lengthy prison sentences for offences including rape and attempted murder.

Det Insp Hellyer said the results were ultimately down to the dedication of the detectives working on the cases.

‘We’ve had some really good results but, ultimately, it's all down to the detectives and the hard work that they put in and the long hours they've worked to secure charges’, she said.

Alongside improving investigations, Det Insp Hellyer has worked to create a more open and victim-focused culture within CID.

She has challenged misconceptions and prejudice surrounding RASSO victims, while also promoting a more inclusive and professional working environment for colleagues.

She said coaching and mentoring staff was one of the most rewarding aspects of her role.

‘I really enjoy helping get the best out of people and seeing them achieve’, she said.

‘I want to safeguard the vulnerable, I want to protect those people within our community, and we want to lock bad people up and bring them to justice’.

Her approach to leadership is based on supporting colleagues, rather than intimidation or blame.

‘I like to operate from a position of kindness’, she said. ‘I would like to think I'm approachable and I always look for opportunities for learning as opposed to blame’.

Devon and Cornwall Police Federation chair Katie Clements praised Det Insp Hellyer for the impact she has made over the past year.

‘Jeanne is an exceptional detective inspector who has driven incredible positive change over the past 12 months, improving investigation standards, helping dozens of victims and supporting her fellow officers’, she said.

The Devon & Cornwall Police Federation Recognition Awards are in association with Axon.