In June this year the Museum of Policing in Devon & Cornwall celebrated its part in marking the achievements of outstanding police officers working across the two counties, and the Isles of Scilly.
Devon & Cornwall Police first annual ‘Excellence in Policing Awards’ event took place in June at Sandy Park conference centre, Exeter, where a total of 22 honours and certificates were presented by the Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell, Police & Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, and the Chair of the Museum’s board of trustees, Steve Pearce QPM DL.
Mr Pearce said: “At a time when the police throughout the United Kingdom have been subject to adverse publicity, we, as an independent charity with a close interest in the heritage and history of policing across the communities of the southwest, wanted to show the public that plenty of hard work, excellence, bravery and other selfless acts occur daily throughout the force area, but go unreported.
“The event was a joyful and well-deserved celebration of the everyday heroines and heroes affecting real change in our communities.”
John Casson MBE, Museum of Policing in Devon and Cornwall Patron, said: “We are delighted to have organised this important event to reflect recognition of excellence in policing.”
Among the award winners from Devon was PC George House, based in Exeter city centre, who was Highly Commended in the Neighbourhood Beat Manager of the Year category.
The citation for PC George House said: “George is the Neighbourhood Beat Manager for Exeter City Centre, where he is an exemplary officer, displaying exceptional motivation and dedication to serving the public and his team.
“He consistently goes above and beyond in his relentless pursuit of justice: volunteering for complex or arduous tasks to drive a positive outcome. George’s local knowledge is very impressive; he works to develop and disseminate intelligence to keep the city centre safe.
“In addition to his role as a Neighbourhood Beat Manager, George often mentors student officers – sharing his policing knowledge with those who are developing theirs – and supports other departments and others in his own team.
“Those around him provide consistent feedback that George is inspiring, knowledgeable, and supportive.”
Police Community Support Officer Debbie Hollinson was named PCSO of the Year in recognition of her positive attitude and natural ability to make people feel heard and safe.
Inspector James Drake, who heads up the neighbourhood police team in the South of Plymouth, said: “Debbie is an outstanding PCSO. She has formed fantastic working relationships with local communities, engaging with them about local issues; and we are lucky to have her as part of our police team here in Plymouth.
PCSO Hollinson said: “I am really grateful to have received the PCSO of the year award. It was completely unexpected, but it does mean a lot.
“This isn’t just a job for me, helping and keeping people safe is something I am passionate about. I’m proud to be able to serve our communities and make a positive difference in people’s lives.”
The event was a joyful and well-deserved celebration of the everyday heroines and heroes affecting real change in our communities.
Chair of the Museum’s board of trustees, Steve Pearce QPM DL.
He was recognised for his work over the last 12 months, where he had dedicated more than 1,200 hours of his free time to the force, making 21 arrests amid front-line policing.
And SC Christophers, who was recently promoted to Sergeant, attended 200 jobs, which the majority were emergency 999 calls from the public.
The citation stated: “His contribution across the policing mission is truly outstanding.”
Special Supt Scott Kneebone said SC Christophers had made a ‘huge impact’ to the community since joining the team two years ago.
He said: “Dave’s interaction with the community has not only kept our roads safer by reprimanding speeding drivers but has also increased local people’s confidence in our local officers thanks to the positive results his work has achieved.”
Jim Colwell, Devon and Cornwall Police Acting Chief Constable, said: “It was a great pleasure to be able to hold the event and share the great – and vital – work that so many of our brilliant officers, staff and volunteers are doing across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to serve our communities.”
“Excellence in Policing Awards 2025” will take place at Sandy Park Conference Centre, Exeter, on Friday 13th June 2025. Details of how to support will be published shortly.
