An officer who has collected evidence from over dozens of children to help put a paedophile behind bars has been named Investigator of the Year at the 2026 Dorset Police Federation Recognition Awards.

The Awards take place next week and PC Chloe Chapman will join colleagues across the force being recognised.

We will be releasing details of a winner a day until the Awards next Thursday February 26.

In May 2024, Dorset Police received information that two children had been subject to online sexual harassment by a male suspect.

PC Chapman, from the Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT), took on the case and began to investigate previous incidents linked to the suspect.

PC Chapman single-handedly managed the operation, contacting victims and liaising extensively with other forces and social care partners. To date, PC Chapman has been in contact with dozens of potential victims and their families.  

The suspect pleaded guilty to 16 charges, including engaging in sexual communication with a child and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

He was given a custodial sentence.

PC Chapman said: “It's such a difficult role and not everyone can do it, but I manage to separate that part in my brain a little bit. For me, it's always been about protecting kids. I've always wanted to do this kind of role, it's always been my aim to come to this unit. And I really do love the work that I do – there are frustrations with it, as there are with anything, but it's one of the few jobs where you can go to court and hopefully come away feeling like you've achieved something.”

One of PC Chapman’s colleagues said: “PC Chapman’s focus on victims cannot be overstated. She is without doubt the best officer I have seen working with victims of sexual abuse, and extends her compassion to the families too, who are victims in their own right. Each victim and family received an impeccable service and reassurance from PC Chapman, which enabled many to be brave enough to come forward and disclose serious offences.”

When PC Chapman heard she had won a Federation Award, she said: “I'm absolutely honoured. It makes you feel like you're doing the right thing, and I feel a lot more positive for the future and continuing to do this kind of role.

“I also just wanted to say thank you to Alex Hill from FIB and all the work she did around the research to identify each child through phone numbers and social media usernames.”

Dorset Police Federation Chair Chris Wood said: “The work Chloe has carried out is incredible, but she never gives up and always provides the very best service to victims. Well done, Chloe – you are a credit to the force.”

PC Chapman will attend the 2026 Dorset Police Federation Recognition Awards on 26 February.

Dorset Police Federation Recognition Awards are in association with Bluline Health.  

Also sponsoring the awards are Accord, Axon, Niche, Uniform Mortgages, Police Mortgages, Warren & Co, Police Friendly, Serve and Protect Credit Union, Philip Williams and No1 Copperpot Credit Union.