This year's Outstanding Contribution to Women in Policing Award has been bestowed upon PC Lucy Walton of Lancashire Constabulary.

Lucy's dedication to the development of more than 1000 women in policing has earned her this accolade, presented at the PFEW Annual Conference 2023.

As a public order and method of entry trainer, Lucy took on the responsibility of training and developing officers in Lancashire, making her the sole full-time female instructor in this role.

Her impact has been significant, as she has empowered countless female officers to gain confidence and achieve their goals, particularly in public order and method of entry disciplines.

Lucy's commitment extends beyond training; she has become a protestor removal instructor and actively encourages female officers to join this field of policing. She not only identifies officers in need of support but also dedicates her own time to ensure they receive the assistance they require.

One remarkable achievement of Lucy's is the creation of a specialised female-only method of entry course, addressing the high failure rates among female officers.

She has also developed a support programme for those who do not succeed, offering strength and conditioning programmes and personalised coaching to improve their chances of success.

Lucy's dedication to her work has been nationally recognised, and she actively seeks academic advice to enhance the training methods further. Her innovative approach has not only transformed the training of female officers but has influenced the entire force's approach to method of entry.

Despite facing challenges and dissenting voices, Lucy has remained steadfast in her mission to support female officers, showcasing perseverance and resilience.

Her work has not only benefited female officers but has also made method of entry training more accessible to all officers within the Constabulary. Lucy is a trailblazer and an inspiration, breaking down stereotypes and paving the way for others to follow. Her contributions are innovative, ground-breaking, and inclusive, making her a pivotal figure within the force.

Lancashire Police Federation Chair Rachel Hanley said: “We are incredibly proud of Lucy, she represents the very best of women in policing and is an absolute inspiration to us all. We have some extraordinary officers within our organisation, Lucy has got the recognition she rightly deserves, she has demonstrated commitment and courage in making real positive change.”

Congratulations Lucy from all at PFEW.

This award was sponsored by Metfriendly.