DC Gemma Taylor wins the Eastern Officer Award
3 December 2024
A child protection officer who has been praised for her exemplary victim care has won the Eastern Officer Award at the Surrey Police Federation Recognition Awards.
DC Gemma Taylor joined Surrey Police in 2009 as a PCSO and became a police officer in 2012. She works in child protection and child sexual exploitation, where a senior colleague says she is “a thorough investigator who provides amazing victim care and attention to detail”.
After a recent case, the parent of a victim wrote to the force to thank DC Taylor for her hard work and support.
They wrote: “DC Taylor has delivered in every regard without exception” and praised her “professional, practical and supportive” communication. They added that the victim had been treated with care, dignity and respect, and that “the follow-up updates, course of action and obvious consideration are nothing short of perfect”.
DC Taylor said: “I absolutely love my role. I want to make a positive difference to people and their families and my job gives me the opportunity to do that. I’m passionate about providing a high level of service to the public; even though the police cannot promise convictions, how we treat victims along the way is paramount and can help them with closure in the future.
“I enjoy that I get to work on some very complex investigations while making a difference to the Surrey community. My current role is so rewarding – no two days are the same when you work for the police, and that keeps me on my toes.”
She added: “I felt really proud when I heard I’d been nominated for this Award. I’m happy that police officers are able to make a positive difference in people’s lives after traumatic things have happened to them. I heard a scientist speak recently and he said: ‘Every contact leaves a trace’ – that is so important in policing.”
Surrey Police Federation Chair Darren Pemble said: “DC Taylor is an exemplary DC and team player who has achieved incredible results. I commend her for achieving these results while also taking such a considerate approach to victims and their families.
“She treats everyone with care and respect and is a deserving winner of a Recognition Award.”
As the winner of a Surrey Police Federation Recognition Award, DC Taylor will attend the Surrey Police Federation Recognition Awards on Thursday 12 December.
The lead sponsor for the Awards is Axon.
Also sponsoring are Uniform Mortgages, Serve & Protect Credit Union, Flint House, Police Mortgages, No1 Copperpot Credit Union, Niche, No5 Chambers, Accord, Douglas Rowe Financial, Police Mutual, National Police Healthcare Scheme, The Surrey PCC and Metfriendly.
