‘Exceptional’ MPS and GMP officers named joint winners of National Detectives Awards

Judges said the achievements of MPS Detective Constable Jayne Jones and a GMP detective constable “were so exceptional” that they could not choose between them.

Both were recognised for their “exceptional professionalism, dedication and commitment to victims”. The PFEW said their work reflects the “highest standards of investigative practice, safeguarding and public service”.

Ben Hudson, Police Federation National Detectives’ Forum chair, said: “This year, our judging panel faced an incredibly difficult decision. In fact, the achievements of our top nominees were so exceptional that we simply could not choose between them. Both detectives embodied the spirit and standards of this award so completely that we are proud to have them as our joint winners for 2025.”

The PFEW said the achievements of Det Con Jones and the GMP detective constable “reflect the expertise, compassion and perseverance required in detective roles that deal with some of the most complex and distressing areas of policing”.

It added: “Their work demonstrates the importance of trauma-informed practice, determined investigative leadership and long-term commitment to both justice and victim care.

“Both officers are recognised not only for their investigative ability, but for their values, integrity and humanity. Their contribution represents the very best of modern detective work, and their award is thoroughly deserved.”

Det Con Jayne Jones – Metropolitan Police Service

Det Con Jayne Jones has served in the MPS Child Abuse Investigation Team for five years, building a strong reputation for “meticulous casework, empathy and unwavering victim support”. She has also successfully completed a Level 5 Coaching Apprenticeship in partnership with ACCIPIO, which enables her to guide and mentor colleagues at the early stages of their detective careers.

Over the past year, she has taken on the responsibilities of an acting detective sergeant, supervising investigations involving some of the most serious child abuse offences. Her leadership contributed to a recent conviction in which a defendant pleaded guilty to multiple child rapes (R v Homero Oloritiga Vasquez), ensuring justice for vulnerable victims and safeguarding others from harm.

Her nomination came from Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley, who praised her “exceptional contributions and long-term impact”. He noted that many of her enquiries have resulted in dangerous offenders being imprisoned, while vulnerable victims were protected and supported throughout the judicial process. He described her as an exemplary detective whose resilience, compassion and commitment make London a safer place, and as a dedicated ambassador for public protection and for the MPS’s wider efforts to address violence against women and girls.

Detective Constable – Greater Manchester Police

The GMP detective constable of GMP was recognised for her outstanding work on a complex, historical child abuse case spanning multiple police jurisdictions. The investigation began during the Covid-19 lockdown while she was serving with Trafford CID. After transferring to the highly demanding Online Child Abuse Investigation Team, she continued to lead the case, ensuring continuity, trust and support for the survivor.

The investigation required close coordination between GMP and Police Scotland, including extensive evidence gathering, welfare planning and cross-jurisdictional communication. The case was prolonged by repeated adjournments and delays caused by defence applications, and the trial did not take place until May 2025. Throughout this period, she consistently supported the survivor, who was also a serving police officer, managing their expectations and wellbeing with sensitivity and professionalism.

A particularly challenging part of the process arose when the court required the survivor’s 38-page written statement to be converted into an Achieving Best Evidence video interview. Although this caused significant anxiety for the survivor, she managed the situation with exceptional care, working closely with both the victim and interview team to ensure the material could be used effectively for Section 28 cross-examination.

Her preparation and case file were praised in court, and no cross-examination of her evidence was deemed necessary. The case concluded with a unanimous guilty verdict and an 18-year sentence, bringing closure for the survivor and ensuring that a dangerous individual could no longer pose a threat. Her manager, Detective Inspector Dan Appleby, commended her dedication, describing her as a “resilient, committed investigator who sets an example for others and who delivered remarkable outcomes alongside the demands of her current role”.