A TEIGNBRIDGE Police Enquiry Officer came away with a top award at the second Annual Recognition of Excellence in Policing Awards last week.

Vanessa Preston , who works at Newton Abbot Police Station, was awarded the Police Enquiry Officer of the Year at the ceremony which took place at the Sandy Park Conference Centre on Friday, June 13.

The annual awards acknowledge the excellent contributions being made to policing day in day out. Nominations were submitted from across the force, alongside endorsements from partner agencies.

Vanessa was praised for going above and beyond to help members of the public so that they leave the station feeling they have been heard, looked after and given the best service available.

One example was reuniting a young man with his ID who had witnessed a traumatic incident and was one of the first on scene. He gave his coat to the victim and then the coat had to be forensically examined.

Unfortunately, his ID was in his coat which he needed to fly hours later to Scotland for a family wedding.

Vanessa didn't stop knocking on doors and making calls until authorisation was given for his ID to be returned, just in time.

Another example was when £1,000 was found in a London park and handed to the relevant police station there. It belonged to a Devon student. Once again Vanesssa didn't stop making enquiries until she found the station where the money was and arranged for its return to the extremely grateful student.

In her award nomination, Vanessa was described as being tireless, conscientious and dependable. Her kindness, sympathy and friendly, non-judgmental manner was acknowledged by a regular bail signee who visited the station weekly and then sent her a thank you card saying how her friendly and positive face had enabled him to cope with a stressful and difficult chapter in his life.

Police Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, who attended the ceremony, gave her heartfelt thanks to the recipients across the 19 varied categories.

Commissioner Hernandez said: “It is a privilege to have supported these awards again which recognise the exceptional efforts and achievements within Devon & Cornwall Police. I have heard incredible stories of how police officers, staff and volunteers have gone above and beyond to keep communities safe, bring perpetrators to justice and protect victims.

“They do not always get the credit they deserve for going that extra mile, especially in highly complex and challenging policing specialisms. I would personally like to thank everyone within the force who is helping to provide a police service that people can trust and have confidence in.”

Chief Constable James Vaughan added: “It was an honour to present these awards to officers, staff and volunteers who embody the best in policing across the Force.

“ I was humbled to hear their stories, and it is only right that they are recognised for how they serve our communities with competence, compassion and a common-sense approach. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated.”