POLICE staff have been recognised for going above and beyond in their jobs in the annual Cheshire Police ACE awards.

DS Mark Naylor, of Warrington CID, joined the constabulary in 2002.

The 40-year-old operational supervisor for serious and complex crime at the Warrington Local Policing Unit drives the performance of his staff to deliver exceptional service to the public.

On top of his day-to-day duties, he has organised sign language courses for officers in Warrington to help them communicate with members of the public who have hearing problems, offers peer support to colleagues affected by traumatic incidents and delivers a training programme to help officers understand the psychological effects of sexual abuse.

Warrington Guardian:

DS Mark Naylor

DS Naylor was shocked to win the Inspirational Leadership gong last Friday.

He said: "It was an honour to be nominated for the award, never mind to have won it.

"I love being a bobby and helping the public on the front line, but I also really love leading teams and forging people into a group that works effectively.

"I really enjoy leading teams and bringing out the best in people and trying to get the job done in the best way that we can."

Detective sergeant Alison Howarth said: "I am privileged to have Mark as a colleague. He is an inspirational leader within the force and the unique and widely acclaimed training he delivers on sexual abuse has helped the constabulary evolve as an organisation with a greater understanding of victims to deliver an enhanced level of care."

Meanwhile a detective constable and a consultant forensic psychologist won a joint award for their work in helping victims of stalking and bringing the offenders to justice.

Having seen first-hand the impact stalking has on victims, DC Dave Thomason and CFP Dan Price-Jones, of the North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in Winwick, joined forces to understand, assess and tackle stalking behaviour.

They opened an anti-stalking clinic in Warrington in November 2015 and it has since provided support for countless stalking victims as well as expert guidance for colleagues in the police, the crown prosecution service and the courts dealing with stalking cases.

They are now working full time at the new Integrated Anti-Stalking Unit in Warrington.

DC Thomason and CFP Price-Jones have also delivered stalking training to hundreds of police officers and staff.

DCI Cherrington, from Cheshire Police’s public protection directorate, said: “In my 22 years of police experience I have never seen such a truly integrated approach to supporting victims and tackling offending behaviour as is demonstrated through the partnership of DC Dave Thomason and Dan Price-Jones.

“Their passion to make a difference for victims, to deliver an innovative approach to tackle the root cause of offending and their infectious enthusiasm to share their knowledge with as wide an audience as possible is why they deserve recognition for being truly ‘ace’ at working in partnership.”

Acting chief constable Janette McCormick said: "It always gives me immense pride to see the continued commitment and dedication our officers and staff have to protecting the public of Cheshire.

"We see fantastic work across the county every day, and the ACE Awards are a chance to celebrate some of this work and hear the inspirational stories which have led to officers and staff being nominated for an award.

"I would like to personally congratulate those who have won an award this year, as well as all those who were nominated by their colleagues.