A SUFFOLK police officer has scooped an award from a national competition.

A SUFFOLK police officer has scooped an award from a national competition.

Detective chief inspector Louisa Pepper won the Leadership award at a ceremony held by the British Association for Women in Policing and was also commended in the Mentoring category.

Ch Insp Pepper is the first Suffolk officer to win one of the prestigious awards which recognise the work of both male and female officers and staff.

After winning the award at a Warwickshire ceremony last night Ch Insp Pepper, who worked in the Metropolitan Police before moving to Suffolk in 1991, said: “I am surprised and humbled. It is an honour to be recognised for who you are and how you interact with people.”

Ch Insp Pepper was crime manager in Ipswich during Operation Sumac, the red light murders, and also worked with the CID and drugs team. She was nominated for the award by police colleagues, Suffolk County Council, Ipswich Borough Council and Ipswich Town Football Club.

She added: “With the challenges faced by the Suffolk Constabulary over the last 18 months or so, it is nice for your work to be personally recognised.

“I am delighted with the award, not only for me, but for the constabulary too.”