A FORMER police officer who switched from chasing crooks to searching for clues was among those praised at an awards ceremony.

Tony Smith served 33 years as a police officer – including more than 20 years with Dorset Police, and led the Weymouth Safer Neighbourhood Team.

Away from the force, he volunteered his services as a community helper on expeditions with the Wey Valley School.

After retiring he retrained to become a crime scene investigator (CSI) for Dorset Police.

Over the last seven years he has developed one of the highest fingerprint and DNA recovery rates in the south west.

He was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at Dorset Police's annual awards ceremony where the force celebrated 'exceptional contribution to policing'.

Twenty awards were presented in all, to police officers, staff and volunteers.

Following nominations from colleagues as well as endorsements from partner agencies, the honours were presented by Chief Constable Debbie Simpson, High Sheriff John Young, Police & Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill, Chairman of the Lay Custody Visitors Kathleen Emery and former chief constables, Jane Stichbury and Dirk Aldous.

Other recipients included two police officers from Dorset’s Rural Crime Team, PC Claire Dinsdale and PCSO Tom Balchin.

A force spokesman said: “Claire and Tom work well together and have brought considerable positive attention to Dorset Police and the RCT via public engagement on social media outlets. The RCT was even discussed and praised by MPs in the House of Commons.

“The RCT have worked really hard to build relationships and increase trust and confidence in Dorset Police within the rural community and they are truly deserving of this award.”

Dorchester and Sherborne Neighbourhood Policing Team won the Diversity in Action award while there was also praise for Carrie Pycroft from the Dorset Live Link Team who won the Criminal Justice Award.

The Live Link team, made up of members from Dorset Police, Crown Prosecution Service, Her Majesty’s Courts Services, and the Citizens Advice Witness Service, works to improve facilities for all vulnerable witnesses.

Deputy Chief Constable James Vaughan, said: “Carrie worked as a Victim Liaison Officer for Dorset where she demonstrated a very positive attitude, delivering an excellent service and stepping up to the challenge of managing this demanding role.

“Carrie often went above and beyond in order to ensure that the work was completed and that victims received a high standard of service."

A Lifetime Achievement Award was also presented to Detective Superintendent Kevin Connolly, who has worked extensively within CID, major crime and public protection, dealing with various serious and complex investigations.

The Public Confidence Award was received by the Communications and Engagement Department for supporting every part of the force and making a direct impact on operational priorities.

PCC Martyn Underhill said: “It is always a privilege to attend these award ceremonies. Not only do they recognise exceptional individuals and teams, they also showcase the huge variety of work undertaken across policing by officers, staff, volunteers, partners and the public."

Full list of award winners

The Community Engagement Award: Purbeck Neighbourhood Policing Team

The Public Confidence Award: Communications & Engagement Team

The Kathleen Emery Shield for the Custody Officer of the Year: Detention Officer John Morton

The Dirk Aldous Detective of the Year: Detective Sergeant Paul Chessell

The Diversity in Action Award: Dorchester and Sherborne Neighbourhood Policing Team

The Environmental Award: PC Claire Dinsdale and PCSO Tom Balchin

The Hambleton Bobby Award: PC Julia Ratcliffe

The Leadership Award: Sergeant Stuart Dalladay

The High Sheriff’s Tankard to the PCSO of the year: PCSO Jess Allen

The Victims Champion Award: Police Staff Karen Bader

The Special Constable of the Year Award and Regional Runner-up: Special Inspector Ben Muspratt

The Jane Stichbury Police Staff of the Year: Police staff Phil Mitchell

The Michael Stannard Community Officer of the Year: PCSO Chris Wilson

The Neighbourhood Watch Group of the Year Award: Corfe Mullen Home Watch

The Volunteer of the Year Award: wishes to remain anonymous

The Volunteer Team of the Year Award: Victims Bureau, Boscombe

The Reducing Crime Award, and also collected the Long Service and Good conduct medal: Sgt Jamie Clark

The Jane Stichbury Student Officer of the Year: PC Alexandra Kimmins

Criminal Justice Award: The Victim Contact Scheme – National Probation Service, Carrie Pycroft

The Lifetime Achievement Awards:

• Detective Superintendent Kevin Connolly

• CSI Tony Smith

• PC Antony Megson