A DETECTIVE constable who led a "first class" investigation into a series of armed robberies was among those praised by the top cop at a police awards ceremony.
Det Con James Axe was given a Chief Constable's Commendation at the prize-giving at police headquarters in Ripley last week.
He led a two-year investigation into a series of armed robberies committed by a seven-man gang across Chesterfield and int
o South Yorkshire.
Working with South Yorkshire Police, DC Axe captured and convicted the Sheffield-based crime group who had amassed five armed robberies and two burglaries in the Chesterfield area with a further 18 offences in South Yorkshire.
They each received prison terms between nine and sixteen years.
Chief Constable Mick Creedon said: "This was a first class piece of work by DC Axe. The sentences received by the offenders speak for themselves.
"Not only has he demonstrated exceptional investigative skills, he has also shown excellent empathy and support to the victims of these serious crimes, taking 24 of these victims through the court process."
Long-serving Chief Special Constable Ivan Bamford of Ripley also received a Chief Constable's Commendation.
He retired in March after volunteering as a Special for 35 years, becoming Chief Commandant 17 years ago.
In this role, he had responsibility for the coordination of all Special Constables across the county.
Many of the officers he trained and developed are now regular officers within Derbyshire.
Chief Constable Mick Creedon said: "I would like to thank Ivan for his years of dedicated service.
"He has made an outstanding contribution to the Special Constabulary and has been an inspiration to many."
The award follows an MBE for services to the Derbyshire Special Constabulary in 2000.
He has also received the Queen's Medal for Special Constabulary Long Service in 1984 plus two bars to the medal — each for a further period of ten years' service. Three officers have been recognised for their work to introduce the Restorative Justice scheme in Derbyshire.
Det Supt Terry Branson, Sgt Paul Carrington and Sgt Brian Clifton received Chief Constable's Commendations for the project which was launched in April 2009.
The scheme means that certain crimes — including criminal damage, minor assaults and minor theft — are dealt with in a way that achieves a positive outcome in accordance with the victims' wishes without the case going through the court process.
This involves some form of remorse, apology, reparation or compensation by the offender.
During its first year in operation, 4,378 crimes were dealt with through the scheme.
Det Supt Branson led a small team which trained 1,600 police officers and 200 Police Community Support Officers to use the system.
