A FEMALE detective chief inspector has been recognised for her outstanding work for domestic abuse victims in Essex.
DCI Denise Morrissey, of Essex Police, was rewarded at the National Police Bravery Awards for her outstanding contribution to supporting victims and witnesses.
While serving as temporary chief inspector in 2009, she worked on projects linked to serious sexual crime and domestic abuse, and played a major role in launching sexual assault referral centres (SARC).
"I have been thrown into the forefront when actually I like to be in the background, as I am a shy one," said Ms Morrisey, 38, of Chelmsford.
"I have been receiving texts from everyone saying how proud they are of me, I really do feel privileged to have received this award.
"It is a male-dominated profession, so I am proud of myself to get this far.
"I joined the job 15 years ago, having been to university.
"My dad used to be an officer, he was a chief inspector of the Met Police, so it has always been in the back of my mind."
DCI Morrissey was nominated for the award by Victim Support Essex and Hertfordshire Division, who believed she "would be a most worthy recipient" of the award.
She started off her career in Harlow in 1997, where she learnt her trade, and then moved all over Essex, before finally settling in Chelmsford with her partner and child.
"I have been in uniform for eight years and I wanted to get involved with more serious crime investigations," she said.
"I am most proud of my work in setting up the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub.
"I joined the job to help people and that is exactly what I do.
"I think the test is, what would you want if it was one of your loved ones, what service would you expect?
"We make sure that these victims, who are the most vulnerable, get a quality service from us.
"Currently there is a paper-based system which is a 27-page document and takes a lot of time to fill out.
"The Central Referral Unit aims to make this more efficient, so it will all be done electronically from the site, to safeguard as many people as we can."
Paul McKeever, chairman of the Police Federation, said: "We are grateful to Victim Support for sponsoring this award category. DCI Morrissey is a commendable winner and a credit to the police service."
