Outstanding policing recognised in PSA President’s Awards

The winners have received their awards for work in policing excellence, championing diversity, leadership and for outstanding long service.

The awards, sponsored by Police Mutual, are presented at the association’s annual conference, which was held in Stratford Upon Avon from the September 15-17 .

Judged by the association’s national team, they recognise the achievements of superintendents and chief superintendents and the contribution they make to policing, to their colleagues and to the public.

This year’s winners are:

Leadership Award – Detective Chief Superintendent Samantha Price, Kent Police

Det Supt Price is a transformative leader whose career exemplifies courage, innovation, and unwavering commitment to public service. Her leadership has not only shaped the operational effectiveness of Kent Police, but has also influenced national policing, policy and culture.

Her leadership was instrumental in the design and national rollout of Rapid Video Response, a pioneering initiative that transformed the way Kent Police responds to domestic abuse.

She also led the successful implementation of Athena V6, modernising digital case management, and she has streamlined criminal justice processes.

As chair of the Kent PSA, Samantha has provided national leadership, advocating for members. She is a passionate advocate for wellbeing and inclusion and has mentored officers through promotion and leadership transitions. Samantha’s impact is felt locally, regionally, and nationally.

Leadership Award – Chief Superintendent Emma Burroughs, Thames Valley Police

Chief Supt Burroughs’ strategic vision, unwavering commitment, and exemplary leadership were instrumental in navigating a complex force transformation, maintaining operational continuity and delivering day-to-day policing services.

She has also served as chair of the Thames Valley Police Superintendents’ Association, working as a tireless advocate for her colleagues. She has gone above and beyond in this role: from leading shift pattern reviews and influencing policy changes, to introducing health checks and securing expert pension advice for members. She has consistently ensured that the welfare and development of her peers remain a priority.

Her leadership has not only strengthened the voice of the association but also fostered a culture of care, transparency, and continuous improvement. Chief Supt Burroughs’ ability to balance strategic influence with personal support has made a lasting impact on the wellbeing and professional lives of her colleagues.

Excellence in Policing Award – Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Chadwick, Greater Manchester Police

Over a distinguished career in the superintending ranks, Det Chief Supt Chadwick has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill, innovation, and performance in this most complex and high-impact area of modern policing.

He has played a pivotal role in advancing the field of Disaster Victim Identification within Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and across the UK. His leadership in this area following the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017 was remarkable.

His innovative approach has transformed how GMP and partner agencies respond to mass fatalities. His leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic further demonstrated his operational excellence.

In parallel, as one of GMP’s most experienced senior investigating officers, he has led some of the most complex and high-profile homicide investigations in GMP.

Chief Supt Chadwick’s influence extends beyond operational delivery. He is a trusted adviser, a mentor to colleagues, and a respected voice in national policing forums.

Valuing Difference Award – Superintendent Tim Tubbs, Essex Police

Supt Tubbs contribution to policing extends far beyond traditional crime-fighting. At the heart of his work lies a deep-seated passion for culture, equality, and inclusion.

He drove forward the national review and standardisation of recruitment processes for police officers, detectives, and PCSOs as part of the Police Uplift Programme – ensuring a fairer, more transparent pathway into policing, and created a national race and inclusion forum, uniting representatives from every force across the UK.

He is a mentor and coach to colleagues from under-represented backgrounds, and outside of work, mentors young people from all communities.

Supt Tubbs exemplifies the principles of inclusive leadership, unwavering dedication to community engagement, and a relentless pursuit of fairness in policing. Through every facet of his career, Tim has consistently demonstrated his commitment to valuing difference, fostering belonging, and empowering individuals across all backgrounds.

Lifetime Achievement Award – Chief Superintendent Jonathan Davies, Merseyside Police

Chief Supt Davies has had an outstanding policing career, during which he has played significant roles as a POPS and CBRN commander, and has led high-profile public order and public safety events. This included the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, during which the leadership he displayed in coordinating policing, alongside a range of statutory and non-statutory partners and government departments was outstanding.

He also demonstrated exceptional leadership of the investigation into the horrific murder of three young children in Southport, and the complex CBRN issues that came from this. Supt Tubbs expertly managed not only the impact on communities but also the impact on staff who had been affected, whilst under the spotlight of worldwide media interest.

In addition, he has been head of Matrix, providing specialist capabilities for his force and taking the lead in tackling serious and organised crime, during a tenure which has involved multiple high-profile murders. He should be immensely proud of the contribution he has made to policing throughout his career, but especially as a chief superintendent, when he has taken on so many incredibly risky, complex and challenging roles.

Special Recognition Award – Sue Willcox, staff member at West Mercia Police

For the past 17 years, Ms Willcox has been the constant for the delivery of the PSA’s Crime Business Area, while also taking on additional responsibility for the Operations Business Area.

Over the years, she has diligently and professionally managed these business areas to support the PSA – benefitting the association through growing its network, supporting national responses to key issues and ensuring that meetings were run smoothly to deliver on its objectives.

She took responsibility for all aspects of the meetings, managing the hotels, administration, guests and dinners. During the pandemic years, she showed great adaptability in maintaining the rhythm of work through organising online meetings and helped the association to respond to critical national issues in a timely manner.

All at the PSA said they are “grateful for her enduring support”.

Superintendent Nick Smart, president of the Association, who presented the awards, said: “Our awards are without doubt, the highlight of our annual conference. To be able to shine a light on the incredible work and achievements of our members is a real honour. Their work is often unnoticed, and as the most senior operational leaders in their forces, their dedication and sacrifice is often taken for granted due to the senior roles they undertake.

“This is our chance to say thank you and to celebrate their impact, influence and dedication to their forces, their colleagues and their communities.

“We received a great many nominations from our members this year and it was a pleasure to read each and every one. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated, and of course to our extremely worthy winners. They should feel rightly proud.”

Kerry McMahon-White. managing director, Police Mutual said: “We are delighted to sponsor the PSA’s President’s Awards, recognising outstanding achievements in policing. All at Police Mutual are honoured to be able to support those who have gone above and beyond and offer our congratulations to all the winners.”