Surrey Detective recognised in Queen’s New Year’s Honours

30 December 2017

A Surrey Police detective who has made a difference to the lives of many bereaved families has been recognised for her services to policing in the Queen’s New Year Honours.

Detective Constable Alice Barr, 49, who is based in Woking, began her career with Surrey Police in 1995. She became a family liaison officer in 2001, later joining the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team in 2010.

She was awarded the Queen’s Policing Medal (QPM) in recognition for her services to supporting families of victims of homicide.

Since her initial deployment on a high profile missing person enquiry and the subsequent murder investigation, she has supported many families during the most difficult times of their lives. Working alongside the investigation team while supporting families she has been part of many high-profile and complex cases.

Not only has she made a valuable contribution to Surrey Police, families requiring assistance through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) have also been grateful for her support when deployed in this capacity.

Newly appointed Family Liaison Officers often learn from her vast experience as she plays an active part in training and continuing professional development assisting with strategies and frequently advising senior investigating officers. Her dedication and commitment is recognised and appreciated by senior officers and her colleagues.

Detective Constable Alice Barr, said: “This has come as a complete shock and honour. It was totally unexpected but I would like to accept this on behalf of the whole family liaison team at Surrey as it is not an easy role to undertake and we all support each other.

“The role means people only tend to meet us when the worst possible things has happened in their life - a loved one dying. Whilst we can’t make the situation better I feel passionately that we are there to help families manage and cope with the investigation and the justice process through their grief."

Surrey Police Chief Constable Nick Ephgrave, said: “I am delighted that Alice has been formally recognised for the tremendous work she continues to do for families in the most distressing of situations. Alice is a credit to Surrey Police and a fantastic role model for all aspiring detectives.”

Minister for Policing and the Fire Service Nick Hurd said: “Detective Constable Alice Barr has shown real professionalism and compassion in her role as a Family Liaison Officer in numerous high-profile and distressing cases. I am delighted that her efforts have been recognised with the Queen’s Police Medal. It is also encouraging to see that more than half of the Queen’s Police Medals continue to be awarded to rank and file police officers, who work hard every day to cut crime and keep our communities safe.”