A SENIOR member of the Criminal Investigation Department in Reading has been given a prestigious awards from Thames Valley Police.
Detective Chief Inspector Laura Corscadden manages the CID team in Reading, and on Wednesday, October 11, was awarded National Investigator of the Year.
The award denotes recognition by the Police Federation of England and Wales of exceptional policing in the face of demanding challenges.
In an article posted to the Police Federation’s website following the awards, they commended DCI Corscadden for “her exceptional detective skills and extensive experience spanning CID, protecting vulnerable people, and counterterrorism.”
It continued, explaining: “As a dedicated detective inspector at Thames Valley Police, Laura adeptly manages the Reading CID team, achieving remarkable results despite the challenges posed by Reading’s diverse and demanding local policing area.”
It cited her professionalism, leadership, and composure as “the cornerstones” of her team’s performance.
It also commended her on her work addressing violence against women and girls through Operation Vigilant in Reading, and her development and implementation of the Thames Valley Police Crime Academy.
She was described as an “exemplary role model for officers pursuing the path of detective work.”
DCI Corscadden said: “Throughout my career, being a detective has been a huge privilege and I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t acknowledge my phenomenal team with incredible individuals.
“I am really proud of the recognition personally but mostly for my team and the force, so thank you so much for the nomination and for the award, I am truly honoured.”
Also commended at the same ceremony was Inspector Simon Hills, who was named as National Roads Policing Officer of the Year.
It follows his establishment of Operation Tutelage in 2017, which was later expanded to police forces nationwide.
The initiative uses automatic number plate recognition technology to collect data about uninsured motorists which is then used to contact registered keepers.
This resulted in an 80% compliance rate, and facilitates further investigation into uninsured drivers who are often linked to other criminal activity.
The Police Federation said: “Operation Tutelage significantly alleviates the burden on frontline policing by resolving the majority of issues outside the criminal justice system.
“Moreover, it furnishes valuable intelligence that aids in disrupting illegal drivers and criminals.”
