Twenty Detective Constables on Police Now’s National Detective Programme in Surrey Police have received their Independent Patrol Status (IPS) certificates from Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp. A number of special awards were also presented to officers at the ceremony.

Independent Patrol Status is given to officers who have successfully demonstrated that they have the knowledge, experience and skills to operate as an independent police officer. 

The detectives are halfway through their two-year Police Now programme and have already been making a positive difference across their force area.

The ceremony was held on 29th June at Loseley House, Guildford, and attended by Assistant Chief Constable Fiona Macpherson, representatives from Surrey Police HQ training management, colleagues and tutors from across the force and officers’ family and friends.

Several special awards were presented to Police Now officers at the ceremony:

The Surrey Police Standards Award was presented to Detective Constable Anthony Ford, for exemplifying the qualities and behaviours required of all Surrey Police staff and taking a mature and accomplished attitude to the role of constable. DC Ford joined the force after a varied career which has seen him living abroad, being a diplomat, being a film director and being a respected pastor in the church. He uses his life experience to deliver exceptional service to the public and is well respected in the force’s Criminal Investigation Department. He has recently shown great tenacity in a complex fraud investigation when he sought justice for a victim of crime and managed to prevent the fraudulent sale of another victim’s house and protected assets – preventing a devastating loss.

The Surrey Police Endeavour Award was presented to Detective Constable Chloe Houghton. This award is presented to the officer who, through their drive and determination, has demonstrated their tenacity to develop the skills and abilities required of today’s police officer. DC Houghton has worked through personal and professional circumstances to build her resilience and confidence, engaging with suspects in hostile environments and supporting victims of crime with empathy and intelligence.  

The Chief Constable’s Cup was presented to Detective Constable Charlotte Money. This award is given to the officer who has demonstrated an ability to exceed expectations for a Probationer Police Constable, being recognised as the all-round outstanding officer of the course. The Cup was presented to DC Money for the exceptional knowledge and enthusiasm she has shown in her role within the Criminal Investigation Department, and for regularly going the extra mile to support victims of crime and ensure a positive outcome in her cases.

Detective Constable Charlotte Money said: “I joined Surrey Police via Police Now because I wanted to use my analysis and investigation skills in a rewarding and exciting career. So far, my time in the force has been enjoyable – challenging at times, but a great learning experience. I am really pleased to have received the Chief Constable’s Cup at our IPS ceremony, and to be making a difference in my community by safeguarding victims and solving crimes alongside my colleagues.”

Police Now’s National Detective Programme is a two-year programme which equips participants with the core policing and leadership skills required in modern investigative work. Participants also work towards their Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice in partnership with the University of Huddersfield. The programme launched in 2019 as a pioneering scheme to assist police services across the country with the recruitment, training and development of detectives in the face of a well-publicised national shortage of investigators.

Seven Detective Constables on the Degree Holder Entry Programme with Surrey Police also received their IPS certificates at the ceremony alongside their Police Now colleagues.