Police officers gather to honour the life of Surrey Detective DC Alex Protts

12 August 2021

Police officers have gathered to honour the life of inspirational Detective DC Alex Protts, who died in January.

Friends, colleagues and loved ones attended a ceremony at Guildford Cathedral this week to remember the popular and award-winning officer.

Colleagues formed a Guard of Honour outside the Cathedral, which was joined by Trainee Police Dog Alex and TPD Stanley (“the Prottsie pups”). Chief Constable Gavin Stephens led prayers and a written tribute by Alex’s parents Val and Tony was read out by DC Clare Catcheside.

Alex’s hat was carried in by her colleague PC Manny Johal and a floral tribute showing Alex’s collar number was carried in by her colleagues PC Mark Hannibal and PC Dave Udal.

Alex died in January from bowel cancer aged 38. She had been with the force for 16 years after joining as an ICT administrator on a temporary contract.

In 2018, Alex was commended for her outstanding work in uncovering a complex human trafficking case and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

She received both a judge’s and Chief Constable’s commendation, as well as an award from the Police Federation National Detectives’ Forum for her incredible work - which she carried out while battling cancer. Operation Wingman saw “Prottsie”, as she was affectionately known, secure Surrey Police’s first ever conviction for human trafficking, a complicated investigation that saw witnesses return to Hungary ahead of the trial.

Mel Warnes, who attended the ceremony, said: “It was a fitting tribute to a wonderful colleague. I was pleased to be able to pay my respects and stand with colleagues to honour the life of a truly inspirational human being.

“Alex was a tenacious and award-winning detective who was well known in Surrey Police and beyond for the work she did to educate people about bowel cancer and remaining so positive throughout her own illness. But we will never forget that she was an outstanding and award winning detective who loved being a police officer.”

To see a video of the ceremony, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHBGldiDW_o