Police Now officer disrupts major organised shoplifting gang with innovative new tactics
Wednesday 1st July 2025
Police Constable Katie Clegg worked with relentless determination, resulting in an individual being charged with 19 offences – including assault of an emergency worker, racially aggravated public order, possession of offensive weapons, making threats with a bladed article, and possession of Class C drugs.
She was presented with the Student Officer of the Year award in Salford, in recognition of her outstanding work and dedication to her own learning and development.
Katie worked tirelessly to identify key witnesses, gather statements, review hours of video footage, and safeguard those involved. It required navigating complex legislation and close partnership working with mental health teams across multiple hospitals in Manchester.
Katie is a neighbourhood officer on Police Now’s National Graduate Programme – which recruits, trains and supports outstanding graduates to develop as frontline leaders and drive long-term change in communities affected by crime. She joined Greater Manchester Police via the programme in 2023 and will soon complete the two-year training.
Her work has received international recognition, presented by healthcare workers at international conferences as an example of brilliant partnership working. Katie also presented at a recent Police Now programme event, where Police Now officers across England and Wales came together to share knowledge and learning.
Sergeant Philip Metcalfe, who nominated Katie for the award, said: “This award is a testament to Katie’s dedication, proving that true commitment to public safety requires not just skill, but a willingness to go above and beyond. It is a pleasure to work with Katie and other Police Now officers who join the force, who work with unwavering effort and determination to protect communities from harm.”
Police Constable Katie Clegg said: “I am grateful to have received Student Officer of the Year 2025 for Salford, and I am incredibly thankful for the support from my brilliant colleagues in Greater Manchester Police and at Police Now. The last year has been challenging after sustaining a painful injury, but it gave me the opportunity to work on different cases and refine my paperwork and investigative skills.
“I continue to learn and develop every day and continually reflect on my motivations and reasons for joining policing and Police Now’s programme – to help people and make a difference. I had never considered joining the police until I saw Police Now, but I felt the organisation’s passion and aims really aligned with my own, particularly around embracing diversity and equity, being a values-driven leader, and making long-term impact. I knew it was the right path for me, and I am looking forward to continuing my policing journey.”
