Police officers get top honours from Durham Police Chief Constable Mike Barton

The trio - Detective Sergeant Ian Haddick, Detective Constable Olwyn Edgar and PC Anna Mitchell – all members of the force’s safeguarding team, have each been awarded a commendation by Durham’s Chief Constable Mike Barton.

They were among a host of police officers and staff to be praised at a recent ceremony.

DS Haddick, based at Peterlee, was commended for his leadership, decision making and investigative skills while supervising a complex child sexual abuse investigation. It resulted in the conviction of a Andrew Morton, 33, of three charges of rape, a charge of sexual activity and two charges of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

DC Edgar, of Peterlee, and PC Mitchell, of Durham, received praise for their commitment and determination during the investigation - and for their focus on the teenage victim.

Alison Bostock, based in Peterlee, PCs Dave Beverley (retired), Deborah Goad, Darlington, and Gary Smith, Durham, were also given chief's commendations for their work within the youth offending service (YOS).

An investigation leading to the conviction of a cross-border organised crime team earned Detective Inspector Lyn Peart a chief’s commendation.

Her dedicated team of detectives, Durham sergeants Lindsay Banks-Brown and Claire Hepburn and Northumbria constables Joanne Glendenning and Victoria Cubby were also commended.

Shildon-based Peter Akiens who prevented a suicidal man harming himself has been praised for his professionalism and excellent communication skills.

Tackling thefts and criminal damage in Durham City won an honour for PC Darrell Brown.

PCSO Christopher Dunn, a Durham neighbourhood beat officer, was raised for his courage and leadership in reporting a former colleague’s unlawful behaviour on duty.

His actions led to the man, also a PCSO at the time, being found guilty of common assault.

Peterlee-based PC Robert Ramshaw won the Probationer of the Year 2013 title.