GREATER Manchester Police (GMP) officers, staff and volunteers have been recognised at the Chief Constable’s Annual Awards Ceremony.

Force workers have picked up prizes for acts of courage, commitment, professional and compassion while serving the region.

GMP’s Chief Constable Stephen Watson awarded 15 individuals and teams who throughout the year have gone above and beyond to prevent and reduce crime in Greater Manchester, as well as those who had put victims first and gone the extra mile to support communities.

Nominations included a special officer (volunteer officer) who had volunteered more than 10 times more hours than is expected of a special constable, an exhibits officer whose passion and professional has helped in the successful prosecution and conviction of some of the most dangerous criminals in Greater Manchester as well as a team of police officers who apprehended a man in a possession of firearm.

Alongside GMP’s Chief Constable, Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Eamonn O’Neal, presented awards for a total of 16 categories, including an overall winner at the ceremony, which after a cancellation last year due to coronavirus restrictions, was once again held at the Gorton Monastery.

CC Watson said: “I was honoured to have been able to present awards to such well-deserving individuals who make such a valuable contribution to our communities, often sacrificing their safety, to protect and keep the people of Greater Manchester safe.

“Our communities deserve the best policing service we can provide, and all those nominated for awards, as well as the winners, and thousands of other officers and staff across the force, represent just that.

“It is true that GMP is not currently reaching its full potential however, I hope the passion, commitment and bravery we see in the stories shared at last night’s ceremony serve as a motivator for the force, as well as reassurance and as a source of pride for the people of Greater Manchester, that GMP is committed to keeping them safe and committed to making the improvements needed.”

This year’s overall winner at the Chief Constable’s Annual Awards, was the Asset and Detention Recovery Unit, who also won the Teamwork Award.

In 2020–2021, the team recovered a record breaking £9m from criminals using the Proceeds of Crime Act.

This is money that it taken out of the hands of criminals and is used to invest into GMP to further tackle organised crime or to fund community projects to improve areas.

A team spokesman added: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won.

"It really highlights how the teams makes a difference to the people of Greater Manchester.”