A Merseyside Police detective has achieved worldwide recognition after receiving the 2009 Officer of the Year award from the International Association for Women Police (IAWP).
Detective Constable Tracy O'Hara was presented with the prestigious award at the IAWP's annual conference in Seattle, USA. It follows the announcement earlier this year that Tracy had been voted the British Association for Women in Policing (BAWP) 'Officer of the Year'.
Jane Townsley, President of the IAWP and a chief inspector for British Transport Police, said: "Tracy is an inspiration and a credit to her force. She shows high levels of commitment, enthusiasm, personal courage and sensitivity. The IAWP is proud to honour her and recognise her thorough commitment to policing by naming her as our 'Officer of the Year'."
Tracy joined Merseyside Police in 1996 and currently works in north Liverpool in one of the Force's specialist Sigma units, which are dedicated to investigating all forms of hate crime. She has been the chair of the Merseyside Police Gay and Lesbian Support Network for the last six years.
As part of this role she is consulted on and regularly reviews policies and procedures, providing advice and guidance. Much of her work for GLSN, such as supporting staff and working with community groups and partner agencies, is done in her own time. She often works extended hours, deals with matters while off-duty and attends evening and weekend commitments.
She said the award was recognition of her work, energy and passion for policing. She said: “Words cannot describe how proud, emotional and humbled I was the day I was presented with my trophy and my prizes. It was amazing to hear the response and appreciation of my colleagues from around the globe and the experience will remain with me for the rest of my life.
"I am so honoured and privileged to have this title and I thank my colleagues in Merseyside Police, my supervisor for nominating me and my family for always being behind me, bringing a smile during the dark times and never losing faith.”
Tracy has also worked with the Police with Pride working group for the last four years, which lead to 200 officers and staff attending the Manchester Pride event this year and has been responsible for highlighting the work of Merseyside Police on diversity issues and hate crime, as well as promoting initiatives nationwide.
While working in the domestic violence unit she launched police surgeries in the community, where domestic violence victims could attend and speak informally to a police officer in a safe environment. This scheme has now been extended to victims of hate crime and is very well attended.
Det Con O’Hara said: “I am proud of who I am and will continue towards true equality for all within the police family and beyond regardless of sexual orientation, race, gender, disability, transgender, faith or age, and will always be proud to protect my communities and serve society.”
The IAWP holds annual award ceremonies to recognise high-levels of commitment and dedication shown by policewomen throughout the world. The Association represents the interests of women police officers internationally, aiming to strengthen, unite and raise the profile of women law enforcers. At its heart is the recognition that women police officers bring unique and invaluable skills to criminal justice agencies.
The IAWP is committed to further enhancing its members’ skills through professional development, training, recognition, mentoring, networking and peer support.
For further information about the IAWP visit the website www.iawp.org
EddieO'Hara, Blackpool around 11 months, 1 week ago