The work of two Cumbria police officers has been recognised nationally for their efforts to tackle violence against women and girls.
Detective Inspector Matt Belshaw and Detective Constable Susanne Hayward received an award for improving culture and conduct internally within policing.
The practices they put in place at Cumbria police will now be used by other forces to improve their own approaches.
Last year DI Belshaw was appointed to a specialist operational post covering the subject of violence against women and girls.
He represented the constabulary at the event in London, held for the first time by the National Police Chief’s Council and College of Policing.
DI Belshaw received the North West regional award from Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth, the NPCC’s violence against women and girls’ co-ordinator.
DI Belshaw said: “Receiving this award means a lot to me personally, because it affirms that the work I am doing within Cumbria police is improving the culture of our police service and the conduct of our officers.
“This award specifically relates to work with our frontline officers, partner agencies and all supervisors regarding their understanding of the true meaning of violence against women and girls and what motivates these horrendous offences.
“A key issue in tackling this type of crime in general is recognising inappropriate behaviours and attitudes before they are allowed to escalate to criminal offences and in this I acknowledge that there may be times where officers must report on other officers.
“Building stronger links and lines of communication between frontline policing, our partners and our professional standards department is essential to address these issues.
“This award serves as testament that no stone is being left unturned and that the highest standards of conduct are set.
“Changing culture is not something that can happen overnight; but this award shows that the foundations already set ensure the highest standards in the North West region – and that the work is an example to all police forces across the country.”
DC Hayward works in the force’s professional standards department.
She said: “ I am proud of the work that DI Belshaw and I have collaborated on.
“During the 12 months that we have worked together we have noticed that student officers, experienced officers, police staff and partner agencies are actively engaged to the presentations that we have provided in relation to maintaining the professional standards of behaviour.
“We highlight that any member of the policing family must conduct themselves with integrity, on and off duty.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the North West panel for honouring our work with this prestigious award.”
The term violence against women and girls refers to acts of violence or abuse that are known to disproportionately affect women and girls.
The recognition event was developed and judged jointly by police forces and representatives from charities including SafeLives, Suzy Lamplugh Trust and Karma Nirvana, alongside the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, Nicole Jacobs, and police staff associations.
All winning entries had to demonstrate how they built trust and confidence, that their approach was victim-centred – and they had to show impact, including how they were pursuing perpetrators.
