Oldham relief response team are award-winning life-savers!

The Oldham D Relief Response Team are shining stars of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) as they have been successful in the force's annual STARS Awards.

The Oldham team were the winners of the Teamwork Award for their exemplary teamwork in going the extra mile with when called to deal with vulnerable persons and difficult situations, which require an increased level of professionalism and empathy. 

On one occasion, PC Gillespie and PC Corlett attended reports of a female on a bridge over the M60 motorway.

On arrival, they found the female stood on the wrong side of the bridge.

The officers immediately engaged with her with a view to talking her down from the bridge. 

Through excellent communication, reassurance and empathy, PC Gillespie and PC Corlett - who was only in the third week of her tutor phase - were able to talk the female down off the bridge and in essence, saved her life. 

The STARS Awards acknowledge the exceptional work that takes place on a daily basis across GMP, by honouring brave officers, volunteers, investigative teams and police staff, who have gone above and beyond the call of duty during the past year.

The awards are given for five different categories:

• Service

• Teamwork

• Action

• Respect

• Safety

Each winner has been nominated by colleagues and peers, who recognised their hard work, dedication and excellent achievements.

The 2020 STARS Awards ceremony had been scheduled to take place this autumn, but unfortunately had to be cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Instead, Chief Constable Ian Hopkins met each of the winners on an individual basis to thank them for their continued hard work, and to present each of them with their prestigious awards. 

Chief Constable Hopkins said: "The STARS Awards is a fantastic opportunity for us to recognise the exceptional work and achievements that have taken place across the force throughout the year. 

"The actions of each winner provide a small snapshot of the amazing work that goes on across the force on a daily basis.

"I would like to congratulate all the officers, staff and volunteers that were nominated and received awards, it is something to be incredibly proud of given that this has been a challenging year for us all. 

"The professionalism and dedication that you have shown is commendable, and you have done the force proud.

"A huge thank you from myself and the rest of GMP, for all that you have done for the force and the communities of Greater Manchester.

"I would also like to add a special thank you to Service Support (Manchester) Ltd, who are the sponsors of this year's STARS Awards."

The winners:

Service Awards

Student Officer - Police Constable Andrew Hunt (Stretford)

Officer - Sergeant Khalid Bhatti (Organised Learning)

Staff - Creative Imaging Manager Chris Oldham (Corporate Communications Branch)

Specials - Special Constable Kieron Jones (Wigan)

Teamwork Award

District - Oldham D Relief Response Team

Action Awards 

Investigative Excellence - The Operation Island Investigative Team

Innovation Award - Polygraph Team

Respect Award

The Karin Mulligan Award for Diversity in Action 2020 - Detective Sergeant Anna Rickards

Safety Award

Bravery - PC James Briggs (Tameside)

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