Officer wins national technology award
One of Lancashires top detectives has scooped a national award for Innovation in Technology. Detective Superintendent Mick Gradwell was presented with the award at a special ceremony held in Surrey.
One of Lancashires top detectives has scooped a national award for Innovation in Technology. Detective Superintendent Mick Gradwell was presented with the award at a special ceremony held in Surrey.
Hosted by The Association of Police and Public Security Suppliers Equipment (APPSS), the ceremony rewarded members of the private and public sector for the innovative use of equipment and technology.
Det Supt Gradwell was nominated for the award after devising a computerised database for use in serious and complex investigations. The system, Evidention, is used to present complicated evidence in an easy to understand format in court and was bourne out of the long and complicated investigation into the deaths of 23 Chinese cockle pickers in Morecambe Bay.
Due to the complexity of the enquiry, Det Supt Gradwell recognised a need for a computerised database in order to present the huge amount of evidence required for the case.
Det Supt Gradwell said: I am delighted that the force has been recognised for developing this computer system and I am hopeful it will be used more widely across our serious investigations in the future. Its very pleasing to know that the tremendous hard work by people from the Constabulary and colleagues at the CPS and Neat 3D has been recognised at a national level.
Det Supt Gradwell was presented with a certificate, an engraved decanter and a cheque for £300, which he has decided to donate to the Morecambe Bay RNLI. Director of APPSS Peter May said: The standard of entries was very high and they all reflected quality in innovation, partnership with industry and contribution to criminal justice.
Det Supt Gradwell has been with Lancashire Constabulary for 27 years, working on some of the Constabularys most high profile investigations including the Morecambe Bay cockling tragedy, the Accrington fire which killed six members of the same family and many murder investigations.
Assistant Chief Constable Mike Cunningham added: I am extremely proud that the Constabulary has been recognised nationally for the development of this innovative computer system. I am very pleased for Mick Gradwell and his team.
This award demonstrates our continuous commitment to improving the service we provide, working alongside other organisations and using the latest available technology in a cost effective way.
