Surrey Police officers recognised for achievements

Officers who support colleagues during darkest moments, who lead pressured investigations and who passionately advocate for colleagues' mental health were among the winners of this year's Surrey Police Federation Recognition Awards.

The Federation organised a special ceremony on Thursday for all the winners from Surrey Police, who each have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Among the winners is sergeant Zoe Bradstreet, who for five years has proven a vital resource for colleagues in her work as a Federation workplace rep.

Sgt Bradstreet, who is particularly passionate about helping members going through misconduct proceedings, hopes she can bring calm "in the midst of chaos".

"It's incredibly rewarding to know you've made a positive impact on somebody," she said.

The officer, who is a few months off retirement, says this recognition is "the icing on the cake for my policing career".

Surrey Police Federation Chair Darren Pemble says Sgt Bradstreet has been "a shining example of a great Fed[eration] rep".

Det Sgt Jessie Davis, a supervisor who leads a group of detectives alongside managing investigations, has also been recognised.

The detective, who took time out of policing and joined a strand of the United Nations, urges her team to remember that there are "people's lives at the centre" of everything they do.

"The job can be really difficult, and it can be incredibly tiring. But it's also really rewarding," she said.

Mr Pemble said: "Jessie's ability to overcome challenges while showing huge empathy has had a profoundly positive impact on those around her, from her colleagues to victims of crime."

An officer who has set up a support group for those affected by trauma has received an award for his dedication to improving colleagues' mental health.

Acting Det Sgt Daniel Bell, who is a well-being and mental health support officer for the Northern region of Surrey Police, says this is a long-time passion of his.

He said: "Since 2021, I've been a 'defuser' at incidents. If an officer goes to something like a suicide, a murder or a horrible car crash, they can sit down afterwards with someone like me and explore how the incident affected them."

The acting sergeant says he was motivated to "try and make a positive impact and change the culture" after a number of suicides last year in this part of the force.

North Surrey's Mind Health Support Group, a weekly talking therapy group, was set up in May.

Mr Premble said: "Dan has achieved a huge amount in a short space of time in getting people to open up about their mental health struggles and seek help."

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