The inspector in charge of Cumbria police’s Roads Policing Unit has won a prestigious national award.
Inspector Jack Stabler won the Innovation and Excellence award at yesterday’s UK Road Offender Education Awards in Manchester.
Insp Stabler was nominated for the award by Inspector Kim Brown who cited a number of innovations introduced and adopted by the inspector.
These included Insp Stabler’s instrumental role in establishing Cumbria’s Roads Policing Unit, his adoption and commitment to the use of analytics in improving safety on the county’s roads and his work with partner agencies as part of the county’s Road Safety Partnership.
Assistant Chief Constable Jonathan Blackwell said: “Insp Stabler’s outstanding personal commitment, dedication and drive to improve road safety has been rightly recognised nationally through this award.
“The recognition is a testament to his determination and leadership of our Roads Policing Unit.
“The award not only reflects well on the officer, but the RPU and the constabulary as a whole. It is well deserved.”
Insp Stabler was also recognised for going above and beyond during Appleby Horse Fair to improve road safety, which included the use of AI cameras on road harm hotspots which were able to detect distracted driving and seatbelt offences.
Insp Stabler’s team were responsible for 40 arrests, 24 vehicle seizures and 203 traffic offence reports, with the overall result being zero fatal or serious injury collisions during the 2024 fair.
Insp Brown said: “The award is thoroughly deserved. Inspector Stabler is single-minded in his determination to significantly reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.
“Since the introduction of the Roads Policing Unit, which he leads, fatal collisions have reduced by more than 25 per cent and very serious collisions by almost 30 per cent.
“The leadership, innovation and passion for the work which Insp Stabler demonstrates every day has undoubtedly played an enormous part in these positive results and I congratulate him on behalf of the constabulary for this recognition.”
