Superintendents from across the country have been celebrated and recognised for their outstanding policing at this year’s Police Superintendents’ Association’s President’s Awards.
 
The winners have received their awards for work in policing excellence, championing diversity, leadership and for outstanding long service.
 
The awards, sponsored by Police Mutual, are presented at the association’s annual conference, which was held in Kenilworth this week.
 
Judged by the association’s national team, they recognise the achievements of superintendents and chief superintendents and the contribution they make to policing, to their colleagues and to the public.

This year’s winners are:

Lifetime Achievement – Chief Superintendent Jonathan Betts, Cheshire Police

Jonathan has completed 29 years of dedicated service. During this time, he has supported officers into the rank of superintendent and has successfully provided coaching and mentoring to support colleagues into the chief officer ranks.  

As a senior officer he is respected, always looking to identify and promote difference and talent, making time to work with officers to support them through the promotion processes. 

He is a wellbeing champion and a men’s health staff network lead, placing strong emphasis on welfare. Regardless of the pressures associated with the rank of superintendent, he will always promote the need to balance work and home life. 

His nominator described him as an ambassador for the rank of superintendent, leading by example, and serving as a role model, with integrity and longevity.  

Leadership – Detective Superintendent Paul Grounds, Merseyside Police

Paul demonstrated outstanding leadership and policing excellence, leading Merseyside Police’s investigation into a high-profile murder, which shocked a local community. 
  
Paul was the senior investigating officer assigned following the murder of Elle Edwards on Christmas Eve 2022.  

Paul built an investigation team from scratch, bringing in officers from across the organisation at a time when the force was stretched for resources following a number of high-profile murders. Despite this, he skilfully led his colleagues, providing exceptional leadership, which resulted in the identification and successful prosecution of those responsible. 

Paul’s leadership was outstanding at one of the most challenging times in the force’s history, having dealt with four murders of young women in just five months.  

Toby is the longest serving officer undertaking superintendent duty rotas at Devon & Cornwall Police, a force he has served for 30 years. The colleagues that nominated him describe him as having a genuine passion for policing that is displayed through a steadfast belief in doing what is right for communities, with compassion and fairness. They described him as a huge believer in taking his team with him in his own charismatic and enthusiastic style, which infects teams and creates a positive attitude, both inside and out of work.  
 
Toby takes pride in being a visible leader and is routinely called upon by his peers for his advice and guidance on complex community issues, to be addressed in partnership.   
 
He has made an incredibly positive impact on his teams but also across his local communities in Devon and Cornwall. 

Valuing Difference – Detective Superintendent Dan Morrissy, Essex Police

Dan demonstrates great leadership through his role as an investigations superintendent, whilst also being dedicated to enhancing diversity and inclusion at Essex Police.  
  
He is an incredible advocate for fairness and equality, serving as the superintendent lead for the LGBTQ+ Network. He is passionate and enthusiastic about driving change to improve inclusive culture and has been instrumental in ensuring the network is widely recognised at a national level.     

Dan supports LGBQT+ events and groups across the whole of Essex, and is the Fertility SPOC for Essex Police, supporting colleagues around IVF and becoming a parent. 

Dan challenges inappropriate behaviours and works to make the workplace a safe environment for all to be themselves. 

He has helped officers progress as a mentor and is described by his nominator as an inspiration and a role model to all.  

(Dan was unable to attend so was presented with his award in force).

Special Recognition – Former Chief Superintendent Ian Middleton, Cambridgeshire Police

Ian is recognised for his years of supporting the Police Superintendents’ Association. Whilst serving as a chief superintendent for Cambridgeshire Police, Ian has held active, influential roles for the PSA, serving as a district vice chair, chair, and member of the National Executive Committee for 5 years. 
  
He has acted as a critical friend to the national team on many occasions, bringing his experience and expertise in strategic and operational matters to inform and assist national work on behalf of the PSA membership. 
 
Ian has also served on the panel of friends providing support, guidance, advice, and representation to colleagues.

Superintendent Nick Smart, President of the Association, who presented the awards, said: “As ever, this was a real highlight of our conference. Having the chance to read the many nominations we receive each year, then to present our winners with their awards in front of their peers and colleagues is a real privilege.
 
“Our members are the most senior operational leaders delivering policing in their forces and on national projects. They lead with the highest levels of responsibility and should feel rightly proud of the impact they make for their communities and for their colleagues. Many go above and beyond every day for the benefit of others, or to support our association and we’re grateful for their efforts.
 
“Congratulations to every winner and thank you to Police Mutual for sponsoring these important awards.”

Managing Director of Police Mutual, Kerry McMahon-White said: “Police Mutual is proud to be sponsoring the President’s Awards once again.
  
“These awards highlight the dedication and professionalism shown by Superintendents across the country in going above and beyond their day job for the benefit of not only their Forces, but to the colleagues and the communities they serve.
  
“Police Mutual is honoured to be able to support this and to show our gratitude. Many congratulations to all of the winners and nominees”.