POLICE officers have been praised for going above and beyond the call of duty an an awards event.

Six officers including Police Constable Susan Hillier and ‘BE’ her police dog, were presented with Crown Court Commendations by the High Sheriff of Dorset Jacqueline Swift.

PC Hillier was first on scene at an address where a disturbance had been reported and challenged a large man exiting a block of flats as she arrived. When more officers arrived to assist with a search of the area, another man was found lying on the floor with multiple stab wounds. The officers gave medical attention until paramedics arrived.

Long service and good conduct awards were also handed out at the ceremony, which took place at the Cobham Sports and Social Club in Wimborne.

This included Detective Sergeant Lynette Gibbs, who joined Dorset Police in October 1997. At 18 years of age she fulfilled her ambition to join the Force and quickly established herself as an able and competent officer. In June 2017 she joined the safeguarding referral team and continues to be a role model for others.

Police staff Karen Steer received her award for the Police Staff Long Service Medal. Karen joined Dorset Police in 1993, beginning her career as one of Dorset’s first tape summarisers.

In 2003, the same year as she graduated from Bournemouth University, Karen was promoted to the role of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) admin manager.

Karen has always taken on challenging roles in her career and has also helped to raise over £26,000 for various charities during her time working for Dorset Police.

This included Detective Sergeant Sarah Gedge, who was involved in a three year modern slavery investigation, received a Chief Constable Commendation.

Chief Constable, James Vaughan, said: “These awards are a wonderful opportunity to honour the outstanding work and selflessness of our officers.

“All individuals are to be commended for their contribution to keeping Dorset safe, more often than not, in highly demanding or traumatic situations.”