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Monday 13th November 2023 Sussex Alerts - Sussex Police
Officers, staff and volunteers recognised at Chief Constable's Annual Awards
Winners celebrating their awards on stage
A sergeant dubbed “Robo Cop” by colleagues has been named as Police Officer of the Year in the Chief Constable’s Annual Awards.
Sergeant Alec Barrett has arrested 21 suspects and contributed to 76 arrests made by the team he leads in the past year, despite being signed off from duty in May after being seriously assaulted.
He was among 16 officers, staff and volunteers awarded for their exceptional work over the past year at a ceremony at the East Sussex National on Thursday 9 November.
The awards, which were fully sponsored, were presented in front of family, friends, distinguished guests. Award category sponsors included Peter James, The Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, The Police Federation and Blast! Films.
Police Officer of the Year Sergeant Alec Barrett alongside Sussex Police Federation Chair Daren Egan and Chief Constable Jo Shiner
Nominating Alec for the award, Police Constable Kevin Creasey said:
“He is the hardest working sergeant that I have had the pleasure of working under. He must be the most dedicated officer Sussex Police has.”
Alec was given the nickname “Robo Cop” for his incredible arrest record. His dedication also shone through when a baby was missing in Brighton in March this year. Alec co-ordinated the search and led the extensive house to house enquiries, working throughout the night and again the next morning, despite having a young child at home.
Picking up the award, Alec said: "This is hugely overwhelming. I'm extremely humbled to not only be here, but to be nominated for something, and win it - it is just amazing."
A member of staff who has been recognised for going above and beyond is PCSO Ann-Marie Rushworth. Nominating her for the PCSO of the Year award, Sergeant Isobel Wimbleton said: “She is the gold star example of what a PCSO should be. When it comes to Ann-Marie, nothing is too much trouble. She is an inspiration every day and the best beat PCSO I’ve ever seen.”
Ann-Marie was one of the first people on scene providing lifesaving first aid when a teenager was stabbed in Worthing town centre this year. And thanks to her incredible local knowledge, she was quickly able to identify the suspects.
PCSO of the Year Ann-Marie Rushworth alongside Director of People Services Adrian Rutherford and Chief Constable Jo Shiner
Picking up the award, Ann-Marie said: "I'm a little bit shocked, but I am very, very honoured. To be recognised for the things that you do is very nice.
"I love my job. There's never a day I get out of bed and think 'I don't want to go to work'. The day that happens will be the day I need to retire."
Police Constable Daniella Gardner scooped the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Award for her passion for diverting children away from the criminal justice system. Out of a cohort of 20 children that were identified for committing violent acts and anti-social behaviour, 17 have come away from the criminal justice system thanks to Daniella’s interventions.
Nominating Daniella, Sergeant Amy McAlees said: “For me, to see her recognised will just show that she really is appreciated and her work has been fantastic.”
PC Daniella Gardner longside PCC Katy Bourne and Chief Constable Jo Shiner Picking up the award, Daniella said: "It is a real privilege to win this award. I don't do my job to get recognition, but it is really great when you do get recognition.
"It feels really rewarding to be able to steer children away from the criminal justice system. I'm a mother myself and my children are my world. To see other children going down the wrong path and to be part of changing their lives is really amazing and something I'll always remember."
The Inspirational Leader of the Year award went to Chief Inspector Karen Osborn for how she leads her team in Brighton, nurturing their development and ensuring their wellbeing is at the forefront of her approach.
Nominating Karen, Chief Superintendent Rachel Carr said: “To see Karen recognised for this would absolutely mean the world to me and she deserves it.”
Karen Osborn alongside the High Sheriff of West Sussex and Chief Constable Jo Shiner
Picking up the award, Karen said: "I'm truly humbled that I was even nominated, so to win, it's just an amazing achievement.
"My team in Brighton work so hard, so the little things I can do to make their life a little bit easier means I get to go out there and work harder and harder every day and they are truly amazing and inspirational themselves."
Police Constable Sebastian Coleman scooped the Student Officer of the Year award. He joined the Safeguarding Investigation Unit (SIU) just over a year ago initially as an attachment as part of his university degree but immediately made a huge impact on the team. As such, he has now become a permanent member of staff.
Nominating Sebastian, Detective Sergeant Elizabeth Pike said: “He is a true team player who motivates those around him and is well respected by the department as a whole.”
Picking up the award, Seb said: "It's a real surprise for me to be here, so to be nominated and then win is just amazing. Everyone here is completely worthy of an award, so this is a real privilege."
Other award winners included:
Police Staff of the Year – Jennifer (Jenn) Marshall, Criminal Justice Quality and Care Manager
Chief Constable Jo Shiner
Chief Constable Jo Shiner said: "These awards mean a huge amount to me as the Chief Constable, mainly because I'm able to say a big thank you and appreciation to those people who often either put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, but also those people behind the scenes who are often the unsung heroes of policing, keeping our communities safe.
"I was absolutely blown away this year by the level of the nominations we had. It was unbelievable to see the extra mile that many of our nominees had gone to make sure they give that outstanding service to victims, witnesses and members of the public, but also internally to some of those people who also benefited from it. So, I feel incredibly privileged to lead people who deliver so much every day."
PCC Katy Bourne
Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: "Tonight's event is just fantastic, you're celebrating the best of the best. "The one thing I've learned in 11 years doing my role is that there are amazing police officers and staff in Sussex Police.
And for me, what's really special about this event is the fact that all the winners have been recommended by their peers. And they exemplify everything that is superb about Sussex Police. They want to protect people, they want to do the best in their communities, and they certainly do that. We're very, very proud to have them."
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Student Officer of the Year Sebastian Coleman alongside Emma Linstead, Series Producer at Blast! Films and Chief Constable Jo Shiner
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