Work of outstanding commitment and dedication to policing across the East Midlands has been recognised at an annual awards ceremony.

The expertise and specialisms of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit were celebrated at the event, which saw almost 90 awards and commendations handed out.

Eight special categories were created last year, and winners presented again this year for Leadership, Outstanding Contribution, Special Recognition, Innovation, Excellence in Performance, as well as Team, Police Officer and Police Staff of the Year.

These categories recognised outstanding work, including developing training, building professional relationships, investigative and analytical skills, and those who had gone above and beyond their duties to make a difference.

Regional ACC Diane Coulson said: “Our officers and staff work tirelessly to keep the people of the East Midlands safe.

“We support the five East Midlands forces with our specialisms and technical expertise, and this was our chance to celebrate that work, and everything we put in to get the results we do.”

A host of ACC Commendations were also handed out, recognising hard work, pride, innovation, teamwork and leadership skills.

Investigations which have seen gangs jailed for hundreds of years were celebrated, and we also remembered the victims of some of the most tragic crimes that we investigated over the year.

ACC Coulson added: “The work we do can be tough, demanding and extremely pressured.

“I’m pleased we were able to host this evening and thank our staff for the efforts they make day in, day out, to keep people safe, and bring justice for those who need it.”

The night was attended by Chief Constables Kate Meynell (Notts), Rachel Swann (Derbys), and Paul Gibson (Lincs), as well as DCC Dave Sandall (Leics), and newly-promoted ACC Emma James (Northants), and Derbyshire PCC Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts.