Successes celebrated at Excellence in Policing Awards

Northamptonshire Police held their annual award ceremony on Monday evening (December 16), celebrating the achievements of police officers, staff members and volunteers during the last year.

The Excellence in Policing Awards were held at Rockingham Castle, the home of the Lord Lieutenant for Northamptonshire, James Saunders Watson.

Hosted by Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet, who was joined by Amy Crawfurd, the High Sheriff of Northamptonshire and Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone, the awards were an opportunity for thanks to be shared to those who have helped members of the public in 2024.

Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet, said: "I always look forward to our annual awards ceremony, it gives us a chance to stop and reflect on what our officers, staff and volunteers achieve throughout the year.

"Rockingham Castle is a fitting venue for these prestigious awards, all of our winners should be very proud. They have been recognised for outstanding work and through that work, they have made a huge difference to the lives of many.

"To them I say thank you for being the role models, the standard bearers and the ones who lead the way, through your professionalism, courage, and determination to make Northamptonshire safer and Northamptonshire Police the best it can be."

The High Sheriff Award was presented to a team of officers who work on Op Revive

Their citation stated: “The team were involved in a complex drug supply investigation that incorporated a number of sophisticated investigative techniques combined with a lot of hard work and perseverance.

“A drugs line was connected to a number of well-known individuals and featured the exploitation of children, as well as supplying vulnerable people. Officers were able to identify multiple young people who were safeguarded as a result of their actions.

“Extensive investigations took place and two people were charged with offences and submitted guilty pleas at court. They are currently awaiting sentencing.”

The Leadership Award was presented to Northampton Inspector Nicola Davis-Lyons

Her citation stated Inspector Davis-Lyons is “an outstanding leader whose knowledge, passion, dedication and commitment have positively impacted her team and the communities she serves.

“Inspector Davis-Lyons is resilient, flexible and can be relied upon to deliver, whether that is resolving a problem, managing risk, or putting an operation together to tackle a community issue. She can work under pressure and juggle competing demands.

“As a result of Insp Davis-Lyon’s commitment and leadership, she has decreased ASB, drug activity and serious violence in Northampton town centre. This has resulted in multiple arrests, remands, community protection notices and criminal behaviour orders being issued against repeat offenders that impact on the wellbeing of communities. She has driven an initiative with local businesses to tackle issues that affect their ability to trade and attract custom.

“Positive feedback has been received from partner agencies and local businesses.

“In every capacity Nicola embodies the qualities of a true leader and is very deserving of this award.”

The Response Officer of the Year award was presented to PC Daisy Lambert

PC Lambert’s citation stated: “Daisy has always worked to the highest standard, having achieved the ‘exceeds’ rating in her end of year and student reviews. She completes her work to a high standard often completing the actions as soon as they are set.

“Daisy has received a large number of good work emails from various departments including Protecting Vulnerable People, CID and Justice Department where they have all praised the work that she has completed. Daisy is also not afraid to challenge a decision if she believes that it is letting the victim down. Daisy is highly victim-focused within her investigations.

“Daisy is also a tutor who has shown her students the level of work they need to complete. She has mentored and helped upskill a number of officers due to her knowledge and crime work. She has done this with pride.

“I cannot describe how valuable Daisy is not only to the team, the department, Local Policing Area or Northamptonshire Police other than if you or your family were a victim of crime you would want Daisy to be the officer in charge of your case.”