A POLICE officer from Braintree has been awarded for her work during the year.

Braintree Police community support officer Lorraine Keating received the PCSO of the year award at the Essex Police Awards.

She was recognised for her work tackling anti-social behaviour.

Lorraine helped to secure an indefinite criminal behaviour order against a woman who was targeting the elderly and vulnerable people for money.

However, what really stood out was her priorities for the victims, with Lorraine making sure they were cared for and kept up-to-date during the investigation.

Some of the victims’ families contacted Essex Police specially to express their gratitude to Lorraine for looking out for their elderly relatives.

Braintree and Uttlesford Community Policing Team Inspector Jenna Mirrington-French said: “Lorraine’s passion for community policing and her ability to really listen to the needs and concerns of the communities she works with ensures she provides the best possible service to the public.

“Lorraine works tirelessly to identify and support the most vulnerable members of our communities, working with multiple agencies to get them the support and help they need.

“Lorraine is a real asset to our community policing team and the local community, and we are all proud that she was awarded PCSO of the Year.”

Lorraine was not the only mid Essex officer recognised at the awards.

Special Constable Carole-Anne Porter was named Special Constable of the Year.

A Special for 12 years, mainly in Chelmsford, Carole-Anne volunteered to become one of the first Special trainee detectives in the Serious Crime Directorate’s Major Crime team at Great Dunmow.

Following the murder of 83-year-old Donald Ralph in Aldham last December, Carole-Anne cancelled her festive plans to help the team.

She was working long hours to support her colleagues during the investigation.

This year, there were 272 nominations made across the county, each demonstrating the commitment of the nominee to helping people across Essex, keeping them safe and catching criminals.

The awards were presented by Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington and dignitaries, including Essex Lord-Lieutenant Jennifer Tolhurst, Essex High Sheriff Simon Brice and Essex Chambers of Commerce chief executive Denise Rossiter.