An outstanding student police officer from the Braintree and Uttlesford Local Policing Team has picked up an Essex wide policing award.

Pc Jenna French was presented with The Bennett Trophy by Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh during a ceremony at Chelmsford City Racecourse.

The Bennet Trophy is a long-standing award given to an outstanding student officer in Essex.

Nine months after joining the Braintree and Uttlesford Local Policing Team, Pc French has achieved a 41.5 per cent solved rate for the crimes she has investigated.

In addition to her work as a student officer, she has built a name for herself going the extra mile identifying and following up leads across the community.

One example of this saw her liaising with partner agencies to gather evidence and then plan an operation which resulted not only in a number of arrests and the seizure of drugs but in the obtaining of a closure order.

This safeguarded local residents from anti-social behaviour. Pc French is hoping to become a tutor constable in the future.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Chief Constable Kavanagh said of the 15 award winners: ““I’m really proud to be able to formally recognise the efforts of officers, staff and volunteers who have been nominated for these awards because of some of the outstanding things they have done while serving the public of Essex.

“Every day I hear stories about acts of bravery, amazing dedication and occasions when someone has gone above and beyond to help a vulnerable person and keep them safe.

“I am privileged to lead such a great group of men and women who together work tirelessly to make this county safe. The ceremony is held to recognise a small number of them who have been nominated by their colleagues and say thank you for their service.”