Police Woman Wins International Award

14 May 2013, 13:04

Bedfordshire Police Inspector Annita Clarke has won the 'International Police Woman of the Year' award beating officers from around the world in demonstrating her commitment to fighting crime and protecting the public.

Earlier in the year she scooped the UK Police Woman of the Year award which automatically put her forward to the international compeition. Winning for a second time has cemented her place in policing history and recognises her career achievements for overall service and accomplishments during her 24 year career.

The award is given to those who 'have distinguished themselves in areas of leadership, community service, mentoring and excellence in performance.'

On hearing the news, Inspector Clarke said: "This award represents the continued and dedicated commitment of Bedfordshire Police to encourage its officers and staff to achieve beyond their believed potential.  Personally, I am incredibly proud to be a police officer serving in Bedfordshire and am honoured to be nominated for this international award and absolutely delighted to win it on behalf of my force and my country."

"My success represents a great accomplishment, encouraging us to strive and achieve more both as individuals and as a police service in the development of our officers and staff to enable them to effectively serve the public they represent whilst fighting crime and protecting the public."

Congratulating her success, Chief Constable Alf Hitchcock added; "This is a fantastic achievement for Annita, and a reflection on the quality of the people in our Force."

Annita has held a variety of ranks and roles since joining the force including training, victim liaison, safer neighbourhood policing, 'critical incident' management and led frontline response teams in Luton. Annita also works as a mentor, developing officers and staff in various aspects of their career and leads on developing force policies and engaging with officers and staff.

Speaking about the number of shootings in Luton this year, Annita told Heart it is a difficult time for residents and the police are working hard to improve the quality of life for residents in Luton and she is urging anyone with information on gun crime to come forward.

Annita will receive her award in South Africa in June.

Annita lives in Luton and works at HQ as an Oscar 1 in the Force Control Room.  Before that she was Acting Chief Inspector of Local Policing in Luton.