A Northumbria Police Federation-supported event to recognise the achievements of detectives completing in-Force training programmes has been hailed a huge success.
The inaugural Investigative Celebratory Event brought together 37 officers from across Northumbria Police.
They ranged from those new in service to senior investigating officers, all coming together to celebrate the completion of training courses and portfolio work.
Held at Middle Engine Lane, it was organised by Detective Sergeant Hayley Turner-Douglass from the Force training department after she observed certificates and qualifications were quietly distributed via internal mail.
Branch chair Nick Munnelly addresses the Investigative Celebratory Event
Hayley wanted to create a more meaningful way to acknowledge officers’ achievements.
She said: “It’s a lot of work for officers, and I felt their achievements deserved something more than an envelope in the internal mail.
“A celebration like this helps morale and shines a light on the hard work and dedication in our investigative teams.”
Hayley approached the Federation branch with a proposal in order to turn her idea into reality.
Framed certificates
The Federation immediately backed the initiative, providing funding for the first event, enabling framed certificates and a welcoming space for networking over a coffee and a sandwich.
Feedback at the end of the event was overwhelmingly positive:
· 100% of attendees felt their achievements were appropriately recognised.
· 100% were highly satisfied with the organisation and venue.
· 80% reported increased motivation to pursue future training or detective pathways.
· Overall ratings showed 70% ‘excellent’ and 30% ‘good’, with no negative responses recorded.
A chief inspector, who recently completed the SIO programme, emailed Hayley to praise the day as ‘a fantastic reminder of what we can achieve together’, adding that every certificate represented ‘hard work, dedication and excellence’.
Rewarding
Other officers highlighted the value of personal certificate presentations, describing them as confidence-building and helping to foster a strong sense of pride and belonging.
The event was also rewarding for Hayley and the training team.
“It was lovely to see students we trained months ago who have now completed their course and grown in confidence and in their ability to be a detective,” she said.
“It has promoted our training department.
“And recognising achievement with an event like this can strengthen morale and encourage continued professional development.”
Plans are now underway for the next event. Anticipated for April, it is hoped the Force’s Reward and Recognition Team will help towards the funding.
“My initial plans are for two of these a year,” Hayley said. “The feedback is that it was a really good event, and that it’s nice to celebrate each other’s achievements.”
READ MORE: Fed member honoured with BEM for services to the community.