Devon & Cornwall Police News site

A host of officers and staff from Devon & Cornwall Police have been honoured at a special event. The dedicated group were recognised for their bravery and efforts to help others and keep communities safe.

South Devon Commander Chief Superintendent Roy Linden praised those who make their colleagues, friends and families proud on a daily basis. Ch Supt Linden handed out some of the certificates at the Torquay ceremony and others were handed out by Detective Chief Supt Sheon Sturland and Supt Ben Asprey. The citations were read by South Devon Chief Insp John Shuttleworth. 

Ch Supt Roy Linden commented: “It was an absolute privilege to be able to formally recognise some of our staff who have excelled in delivering policing over the last 12 months.  From saving lives to delivering complex and highly sensitive investigations for the most vulnerable in our community, we heard some incredibly uplifting examples which represent the very best of policing”.

Here are some recipients honoured with Chief Supt Commendations

Detective Sergeant Michael Locke has worked in the Public Protection Unit for five years developing his skills and knowledge in response to how police deal with child deaths. He has worked closely with Torbay Hospital, improving the partnership liaison and showing care and compassion to the investigation when a child dies. DS Locke has built a trusted relationship with the hospital and attended additional training events in order to support both police colleagues and partners. DS Locke is regarded as truly inspirational in this area of policing.

Detective Chief Inspector Becky Davies has been innovative in her approach to support those in custody who are neurodivergent and consequently struggle while detained in a cell. DCI Davies introduced the use of distraction items for detainees and supported staff by offering learning events to ensure there was widespread understanding of neurodivergent needs in custody. She collaborated with G4S global security healthcare professionals and mental health practitioners who work in the custody centres. The good practice has been rolled out across Devon & Cornwall Police area and is also shared nationally.

Detective Constable Sophie House led Operation Magnolia, a complex investigation working in collaboration with the Northeast Regional Organised Crime Unit. The suspect was an international threat, trying to pay for online abuse of children in the Philippines. DC House coordinated an effective operation, using new covert and sensitive tactics to secure best evidence for the arrest. As a Digital Media Investigator, DC House interrogated devices quickly and identified a child in the UK who had been abused by the suspect. DC House supported the victim and family throughout and secured a conviction and prison sentence of ten years. The Crown Prosecution Service praised the extra effort DC House showed in supporting a vulnerable victim, which ultimately secured crucial evidence.

Detective Constable Rachael Delaney investigated a high-risk domestic abuse case against three victims, one being a child. DC Delaney carried out a comprehensive and complex investigation, working exceptionally hard and with great determination, which led to the offender being charged with controlling and coercive behaviour, rapes and stalking offences. DC Delaney maintained an excellent rapport with the victims, which was essential to the court process, and in June 2024 the offender was found guilty after a trial. He was sentenced to eleven years in custody with a further four years on extended licence. He must sign the sex offenders register for life and is subject of Sexual Harm Prevention and Restraining Orders to protect the victims.

Detective Constable Nick Burnett and Detective Constable Barnaby Geary

In April 2024 a major incident occurred in North Devon when a batch of contaminated heroin entered the illicit market resulting in several fatalities and overdoses. Detective Constable Nick Burnett, from the drug expert team, had identified the emerging threat of Synthetic Opioids within the illicit drug market and prepared the Force response. He worked with Detective Constable Barnaby Geary, from the drug focus desk, and the pair managed to establish a pattern which allowed for others at risk to be warned. For their close liaison with local and regional treatment agencies and their actions during the incident the officers are commended. 

******************************************************

The following people were awarded Superintendent Certificates

PC Wesley Abercrombie and PC Paul Smart had finished a long shift in Torquay and on their way home they witnessed a car speed across a petrol forecourt, hitting a man. They immediately ran to administer first aid to the injured man and provided first aid, as well as supporting the victim’s wife who had witnessed the incident and was clearly shocked. It is without doubt that the officer actions controlled the busy scene but, more importantly, provided time for the family to be with the injured man before he sadly passed away.

PC Jack Hewitt, PC Emma Cato and PC Michael Bunde helped in an incident involving a motorbike and gave the rider and an injured pedestrian assistance. The injured pair made a successful recovery due to the officers’ quick intervention and fantastic first aid.

PCs Donna Mault, Lee Wood and Diana Graszek along with Investigation Support Officer Joanne Thomas are part of South Devon Domestic Abuse Unit. The officers work exceptionally hard, clocking up extra hours and covering additional shifts to ensure high risk victims of domestic abuse in Devon are supported by police and partner services. The team have responded to an increased number of Domestic Violence reports coming into Devon & Cornwall Police. The officers are praised for their high levels of professionalism, dedication and resilience – they are a small team who manage a high workload to keep the community safe.

PC Jack Credland was off duty when he came across a road traffic collision involving a car. The elderly driver was trapped and the car was in a hazardous location in a field. PC Credland stopped at the scene and climbed through the hedgerow into the field. Despite a strong smell of fuel and no other emergency services being on scene, the brave officer climbed into the car to assess the woman’s injuries, administer first aid, and support her until other blue light colleagues were able to attend. PC Credland then assisted colleagues with evidence gathering.

Police Enquiry Officers Abi Evans and Taylor Johnstone were presented with a Head of Dept Commendation by the Force’s Head of Contact Dan Thorogood. The pair were working at Torquay police station public front desk in August last year when they leapt into action to save a man’s life. The man had collapsed in the waiting area and the quick-thinking duo managed to help him into the recovery position and arrange further help.

Police Community Support Officer Gary Cairns has been the captain of Devon & Cornwall Police rowing team for the last seventeen years. He has dedicated a significant amount of his own time and effort into organising training sessions and events, locally and abroad so the team can compete nationally. Without his input these events would not go ahead. Police teams across the UK compete to win a prestigious trophy and - led by PCSO Cairns with his passion, commitment and dedication to the team - Devon & Cornwall Police has won the trophy every year for the last seven years. His effort and commitment are highly commendable.

Congratulations to all the worthy winners.