Celebrating our Incredible Colleagues... coming in 2025… the first ever Devon and Cornwall Police Federation Recognition Awards!

A new Autumn Awards Ceremony is being launched to recognise and celebrate Police Officers who have gone above and beyond in their difficult roles.

The inaugural Devon and Cornwall Police Federation Recognition Awards will take place in November, with award presentations recognising incredible colleagues, following a gala dinner.

Acts of Bravery, Compassion and Incredible work from across all of the two county’s four policing divisions – by individuals and a team - will be highlighted on the night.

Devon and Cornwall Police Federation Vice Chair Katie Clements said: “These new Awards are a brilliant opportunity to celebrate the best of the best - and tell everyone what an outstanding job our officers are doing in increasingly challenging circumstances.

“Our colleagues are out there every day carrying out an incredibly difficult job and deserve this recognition. They run towards danger and are increasingly under attack, often going above and beyond to prevent and detect crime, keep people safe and protect our communities.

“Police officers across Devon and Cornwall often do this without fuss or ceremony… so we are delighted to be able both that fuss and a ceremony to celebrate them.”

Katie added: "There is so much good work being carried out across Devon and Cornwall that it’s only right that we as the representative body of our officers shout about that. It will also provide a chance to thank the other halves and families of police officers who provide them so much support.

“We are really proud to be launching this prestigious event celebrating the work that our officers carry out. We look forward to this new night becoming a firm fixture in the policing calendar.”

More information about the Devon and Cornwall Police Federation Recognition Awards - and a growing list of sponsors - will be revealed in coming weeks and months in the run up to the evening.

More information on the categories in which you can nominate our outstanding colleagues are below. To nominate, please contact the Federation office on fedoffice@devon.polfed.org so that the nomination form can be sent directly to you. Nominations for the Awards need to be in by 6 June.  

Devon and Cornwall Police Federation Recognition Awards Categories and Criteria 
Divisional Awards (one each for Plymouth, South Devon, North East West Devon and Cornwall & Isles of Scilly)
Recognising an officer in each force area who has done something outstanding within their daily role, which need not necessarily be bravery related. It could be for one off work or consistently going over and above over the last year. It could be for a response or neighbourhood officer. Or an outstanding detective. Examples of excellence include but are not limited to administering vital first aid to victims, assisting a vulnerable person who is attempting suicide, innovation in the workplace, bringing offenders to justice, saving a life. Tutoring and mentoring the next generation of officers. Being an incredible role model.

Bravery Award
This award is to recognise an officer or group of officers who have run towards dangerous situations without a thought for their own safety. This can be either on or off duty. Examples of bravery include but are not limited to: officers running into burning buildings, disarming or arresting violent offenders, catching and stopping armed criminals, stepping in front of violent offenders.  

Federation Representative Of The Year
This award is to recognise a colleague who has gone over and above in supporting their fellow police officers. Who spends hours of their own time looking after those who look after the public. Who fellow Fed Reps turn to for advice and who cares for their colleagues in some of their darkest times.

Compassionate Cop/Inspiration Award
This award is to recognise the work of an officer or group of officers who have been inspirational either on or off duty. This could be overcoming serious injury or illness and coming back to work, taking part in walks, runs, sporting events etc to fundraise lots of money for good causes, giving up time to help with local charities/football teams/youth centres.  

Team of the Year
Recognising a Team in the force area who have displayed outstanding police work over the past year. It could be a Team who have worked together to bring an offender to justice. A team that have worked collaboratively to drive down crime and catch offenders and support victims. Or perhaps a team who have worked together to look after police officer welfare.

Lifetime Achievement Award
This award is to recognise one officer who has been dedicated to Devon and Cornwall Police throughout their service. This is usually an officer long in service or who is due to retire soon, or who has retired within the past year. One who has mentored, been inspirational. Many examples and anecdotes needed as part of nomination.