A West Midlands detective has scooped a national award for his work supporting victims of sex crimes and bringing their attackers to justice.
Detective Constable Clive Leftwich, from West Midlands Police’s Public Protection Unit, was recognised by the body which represents the country’s most senior police officers, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).
DC Leftwich, 45, joined West Midlands Police in 1993, initially working in the Hillfields area of Coventry before becoming a detective and specialising in public protection in 2010.
Since then he has been based at Coventry Central police station where he investigates sexual offences committed against some of the most vulnerable people in the city.
“I always wanted to be a police officer. It gives you a real chance to make to make a positive difference to people’s lives especially when they are at their most vulnerable,” said the Coventry born and bred cop.
DC Leftwich collected the award from Emmerdale star, Paul Fox, and Nicole Barber-Lane from Hollyoaks at a gathering of the country’s sexual offences investigators at Sedgeley Place in Manchester last month (Wednesday 12 March).
Presenting his award, the TV stars cited the considerable contribution DC Leftwich has made toward supporting victims of serious sexual offences and putting offenders behind bars.
Paul Fox said: “Over the past 12 months DC Leftwich has taken responsibility for a significant number of high profile and complex cases and has produced some outstanding results in terms of outcome for victims.
“DC Leftwich has a number of cases ongoing and he continues to show outstanding commitment and sensitivity to all of his victims, ensuring the best possible support and outcomes for them.”
Talking about scooping the top accolade, the detective said: “It was such an honour to be recognised by my colleagues across the country and to receive this award.
“The award is testimony to the courage of the thousands of victims of sexual offences West Midlands Police have helped over the years. If it were not for their bravery, our job of locking up dangerous sexual predators would be much more difficult. This award is as much for them as it is for me.”
West Midlands Police has an international reputation for bringing sex offenders to justice.
Specialist officers work closely with other organisations to support victims through every step of the criminal justice process.
There are a range of measures designed to protect victims which include giving evidence in court via video link or from behind a screen.