Police Team of the Year 2026, E-Section Response Team, Newquay, with the Chief Constable and sponsors Dartline Coaches.
The exceptional work being carried out Devon & Cornwall Police officers, staff and volunteers has been celebrated during the third Recognition of Excellence in Policing Awards.
The event, on Friday, June 12, began with Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez highlighting the award winners for their tireless dedication. She also thanked all those within the force who go above and beyond the call of duty on a daily basis.
The annual awards – organised by the Museum of Policing in Devon & Cornwall – acknowledges the exceptional contributions being made to policing which go unnoticed and unsung. Nominations were submitted from across the force, alongside endorsements from partner agencies.
19 awards presented by Chief Constable James Vaughan, included Police Staff Member of the Year, Student Officer of the Year, Patrol Officer, PCSO, Excellence in Volunteering and Unsung Hero.
The emergency response team in Newquay (pictured) were named Police Team of the Year for showing “exceptional dedication and initiative” in tackling the growing issue of drug dealing in Newquay, and including numerous high-risk and traumatic incidents.
Four officers who bravely staged a rescue for a woman drowning in freezing cold water last winter were highlighted for their immense bravery and determination. The award nomination stated: “While no award can fully reflect the scale of their contribution, recognition as Team of the Year appropriately acknowledges the significant value they bring to both the organisation and the communities they serve.”
Chief Constable James Vaughan added: “The policing awards are a powerful reminder of the dedication, skill and compassion demonstrated by our officers, staff and volunteers every day.
“I am incredibly proud of all the recipients and the commitment they show in protecting and serving the communities of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Their work often goes above and beyond what is expected, making a real and lasting difference to the lives of the public we are here to support.
“These awards are a chance to recognise not only outstanding achievements, but also the values of integrity, teamwork and service that underpin everything we do.”
Other winners of the Excellence in Policing Awards 2026 included:
Trainer of the Year
Sergeant Hilton McDonald
Sgt McDonald was recognised for his exceptional and sustained contribution to learning and development over 18 years as the force’s longest serving and most experienced Public Order, Method of Entry and Command Trainer. He designed, coordinated and led the only Regional Public Order exercise delivered in the last 18 years, demonstrating leadership and commitment to high quality and realistic training.
His expertise is recognised overseas, with the Home Office delivering specialist training in the Cayman Islands, Sierra Leone and Bermuda.
His International Command Course for overseas officers is ranked 1st out of 86 national courses.
His nomination added: “Hilton is respected in our region, across the UK and beyond; his impact will be his legacy as he retires later this year.”
Police Staff Member of the Year
Tom Horwood-Luscombe
Tom was recognised for identifying a critical, system-wide failure to consider access, inclusion and bias issues in court presentations across the criminal justice system. Despite approximately one in 12 people being affected by colour vision deficiency, this important issue had not previously been addressed.
Working largely in his own time, Tom researched, designed and implemented practical countermeasures to improve accessibility for those with colour vision deficiency and other needs, whilst also reducing bias in visual evidence. Tom’s initiative has now been adopted by multiple UK police forces and departments, as well as overseas by the FBI and Swedish Police, and is now referenced in the updated National Framework as a minimum standard.
Resource and Incident Manager Officer (RIMO) of the Year
Beshley Heal
In her nomination, Beshley was described as being empathetic towards the officers she deploys, and approaching her role with a “positive attitude and bringing a smile to work each day”.
Besh’s real strength is her passion for helping develop work around violence against women and girls. She has also worked collaboratively with partner organisations to produce content from a victim-focused perspective.
Contact Officer of the Year
Georgia Mewett
Georgia was nominated in recognition of her outstanding dedication, proactive approach, and significant contribution to improving the identification and support of stalking victims within her role as a Contact Officer.
Her nomination said: “Georgia’s dedication to this area of work has been self-driven and she has never sought recognition for her efforts. Her contribution has been instrumental in improving the identification and recording of stalking offences at first point of contact, enhancing safeguarding and service delivery.
“Georgia also works as a tutor, underscoring her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to supporting colleagues and members of the public.”
PCSO of the Year
Di Glanfield
PCSO Di Glanfield was recognised for her long-standing dedication and outstanding service as a Police Community Support Officer covering the north of Plymouth with 15 years’ experience. She has managed a demanding workload and been particularly effective in organising and delivering community engagement events.
Her nomination added: “PCSO Glanfield demonstrates professionalism, dedication and a strong commitment to the communities she serves, going above and beyond.”
Police Staff Investigator of the Year
PSI Ian Clenahan
PSI Clenahan was recognised for delivering exemplary work across several serious and complex investigations. He was praised for demonstrating the highest standards of investigation, sound ethical decision making, and a strong commitment to supporting victims. Ian’s work has included an attempted murder investigation, securing charges and remand for a serious assault in Paignton.
The ‘Oscars of Policing’, the “Recognition of Excellence in Policing Awards” pinpoint and celebrate great police work going on in the southwest, often unrecognised amidst the day-to-day hustle and bustle of society and our fast moving news cycle.
