Derbyshire officer shortlisted for national award

An Ilkeston officer who has responded to emergency calls for twenty years has become a finalist for the National Police Chief’s Council’s Response Officer of the Year award.

PC Mark Wilkinson, also known as Wilko, was nominated for the award by his colleagues and supervisor for his ‘fortitude, drive, and ability to keep adapting to change, whilst remaining determined to do a quality job.’

PC Wilkinson has also taken the essential role of being a tutor to new officers, as well as being an extensive source of local knowledge, with one colleague saying “If Wilko doesn't know something about the people or places of Erewash, then it's not worth knowing. I am proud to work alongside him.”

Erewash Inspector Ed Browne added: “PC Wilkinson’s team love working with him; no matter how challenging things get; Wilko is a reassuring presence and someone who makes those around him more confident.

“In 2023, perhaps more than ever, policing needs cops like Wilko – a role model Response Officer.”

Speaking about his nomination, PC Wilkinson said: “I am both honoured and surprised to have been nominated for this award by my colleagues and Inspector alike. 

“Being a response officer is a challenging role for many reasons however I feel it is key we try our best to serve the community we represent.

“Policing is ever-changing; however I am proud to be part of Derbyshire Police.”

Adding to the nomination, Assistant Chief Constable Michelle Shooter said: “To see an officer of this length of service and experience still operating in the response policing environment is something to be admired, a real role model for all our younger officers.

“In Derbyshire we are very proud of him and the service and choice he has made to really make this his specialism, and the passion he shows for serving the public and dealing with all he makes contact with is admirable.”

The award aims to recognise a police constable who goes above and beyond in their daily role in response policing, and the winner will be announced as part of the #ResponsePolicingWeek.

Officers around the county were nominated by their sergeants and inspectors, with a panel making the final decision as to who to put forward to represent Derbyshire.

The overall winner will be announced by the NPCC during Response Week.