A newly-qualified detective has been named Essex Police’s officer of the year for her work with vulnerable victims.

Det Con Tiffany Jennings was presented the award by Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh at the ceremony at Chelmsford City Racecourse which celebrated dozens of officers and police staff.

The detective works in the Basildon Child Abusive Investigation team and was praised as an outstanding example of how to treat every individual professionally and hailed for putting victims at the heart of everything she does.

Speaking after she collected her award, she said: “It is absolutely amazing and I am so happy to have won.

“The reason I got into policing was because of my mum.

“I never wanted to become an officer but she always did and she pushed me towards it a little bit.

“But ever since I got into it I have loved every minute and have been so fortunate to have worked in the departments I have done and the people I have worked with.

“To be able to go to the family of victims of abuse and tell them the perpetrator has been convicted is a very good feeling.

“It is good to be praised for putting victims first but if you are working with victims of child abuse that is absolutely how it should be.

“There is no other way because you cannot change what has happened to them – I deal with the most horrific of crimes.

“To get recognition for what I do is remarkable.”

Mr Kavanagh said: “I’m really proud to be able to formally recognise the efforts of officers, staff and volunteers who have been nominated for these awards because of some of the outstanding things they have done while serving the public of Essex.

“Every day I hear stories about acts of bravery, amazing dedication and occasions when someone has gone above and beyond to help a vulnerable person and keep them safe.

“I am privileged to lead such a great group of men and women who together work tirelessly to make this county safe.

“The ceremony is held to recognise a small number of them who have been nominated by their colleagues and say thank you for their service.”

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “It was a great honour to attend the Essex Police Awards Ceremony. Every day Essex Police officers, staff and volunteers do amazing things to protect their communities.”