BRAVE and long-serving police officers in Wiltshire have been honoured at an awards ceremony.

Several staff involved in stopping an organised crime gang in Eldene and investigating Romanian human trafficking operation have received recognition from the force’s bosses at the Wiltshire Police Awards.

OPERATION GLADIATOR

Detective Constable Nick Bishop led the complex Operation Gladiator, which began in 2017 and involved the help of several inspectors and experts from different departments who compiled a strong case to show the scale of criminal behaviour and the large amount of money being made by a group which was exploiting and moving trafficking victims around the country.

The determination and tenacity shown by Detective Constable Bishop resulted in charges being brought against the two suspects, who were sentenced to two years five months and two years two months, respectively, with a £15,000 Proceeds Of Criminal Activity order.

His professionalism in this case was commended by the Senior Crown Advocate, and he has now received the Chief Constable’s Certificate of Excellence.

Detective Sergeant Adrian Bray, Detective Inspector Simon Childe, Caroline McKeaveney, and Graeme Deeley each received Outstanding Teamwork Awards for their roles in Operation Gladiator.

ELDENE GANG JAILED

Meanwhile, a different investigation used what Wiltshire Police called “an inspirational problem-solving approach” to disband an organised crime group which had become firmly established in Eldene.

Inspector Barry Reed led a team of officers who seized thousands of pounds worth of drugs and cash, and helped convict criminals who received a total of 39 years behind bars along with five years of suspended prison sentences.

He received the Chief Constable’s Certificate of Excellence for his efforts, as did Detective Sergeant James Rodrigues and Investigator James Purcell.

A police spokesman said: “The hard work and dedication of the officers and staff involved in this operation is impressive and is the embodiment of the force values.

“Your actions helped protect the communities we serve and removed dangerous weapons, drugs, and criminals from our streets.

“[Investigator Purcell] delivered exceptional investigations and [his] expertise and knowledge of the criminal justice system secured convictions on key individuals.”

ATTACKED WHILE OFF DUTY

The police awards did not solely focus on team efforts and long-running investigations.

Special Constable Christophe Mathers was awarded a Chief Constable’s Certificate of Excellence in recognition for the selfless bravery he showed while off duty on Sunday February 6.

While driving home near the Wiltshire and Hampshire border, he noticed two people inside a van in a ditch on the wrong side of the road, then approached the van to see if help was needed.

After realising the driver who had left the vehicle was drunk, Special Constable Mathers identified himself as a police officer and prevented the driver from returning to the van.

The motorist became aggressive and caught him off-guard, pulling him into a headlock, but the policeman managed to break the attacker’s grip and then restrain him for 20 minutes until back-up arrived. Officers arrested him for being drunk and disorderly and in possession of a bladed weapon.

YEARS OF SERVICE

A handful of long-serving members of the force received special recognition, including Police Sergeant Adrian Giles, Inspector Andy Moreton, Inspector Al Lumley, Detective Sergeant Alex Spargo, Detective Constable Cheryl Hurren, Special Constable Chris Watson, Inspector Dave Whitby, Police Sergeant Jon Fairbairn, Jane Thomas, Financial Investigations Manager Lou Martin, and Veronica Brown.

Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said: “Our Force Awards ceremonies are extremely special; they are a moment for us to stop and reflect on the service you have provided, often across decades, and a time to recognise exemplary work.

“We step forward to selflessly protect, serve, keep the peace and deliver the best service we can for victims. These represent the basics and will never change.

"We should avoid losing sight of this as we continue to modernise policing across the country.

“Police officers, police staff and volunteers take up this vocation, knowing the risks and dangers, yet freely commit themselves to protect others.

“With crime becoming more complex and the new pressures on society (such as the worrying impact caused through the rising cost of living), we as a force are more than ever in demand.

“Alongside this, we also know there is a great deal to do as the Force continues on its improvement journey following our recent HMIC PEEL Inspection - but we are already making solid progress.

"Tonight, is a great example of those taking pride in their roles. Most will say they were simply doing their job but tonight is about thanking you and them for dedicated service, and for going the extra mile to make a difference. "