Members urged to help celebrate Women in Policing

21 March 2022

Nominations for the 2022 Women in Policing Award close next Monday (28 March) and members of Hertfordshire Police Federation are being encouraged to put forward a colleague whose actions have stood out.

The annual award, organised by the Police Federation of England and Wales, highlights and celebrates the work of an officer whose achievements deserve special recognition.

It was first held in 2015 to recognise a serving or recently retired officer who has gone above and beyond their job while on duty. 

Hertfordshire Police Federation secretary Al Wollaston said: “Our members don’t join the police to receive awards but I think it is appropriate to highlight the outstanding work of an officer whose actions go beyond the call of duty.

“The Women in Policing Awards have become an important annual event for that reason and is why I always encourage our members to send in their nominations.

“After a challenging 12 months, I think it is important that we can reflect on the incredible work our members do.”

The first ever Women in Policing Award was presented to the families of Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes, the two Greater Manchester Police officers killed in a gun and grenade attack in 2012.

The winner of the 2021 award was Chief Inspector Sharon Baker of Avon and Somerset (pictured below receiving her award from the then Federation branch chair Iain Prideaux), who spoke out about her experience of domestic abuse and being in a controlling relationship.

Nominations for the 2022 awards can be made by police officers or police staff and the closing date is 28 March.

Members can contact Hertfordshire Police Federation to make their nominations and all nominees will receive a certificate and a Women in Policing badge.

The winner will be announced at the Police Federation’s annual national conference in Manchester in May.