A recently retired Cheshire Constabulary Superintendent who set up the first Major Investigation Team in the force has been given a prestigious award by his colleagues.
Former Detective Superintendent John Armstrong received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the Police Superintendents’ Association of England and Wales (PSAEW) Annual Conference earlier this week.
John joined Cheshire Constabulary in 1985 and became one of the most experienced detectives within the force. In 2005 he set up and led the Major Investigation Team, responsible for investigating all murder, suspicious death and serious crime incidents. In its first year the team investigated 18 murders, two attempted murders, 22 suspicious deaths, a manslaughter and a high risk British citizen missing overseas.
He mentored colleagues in other ranks in managing major crime cases and was the fore lead for hostage and crisis negotiation. As Head of Professional Standards in force, he led complex internal investigations and was considered an expert on police integrity, being seconded to the College of Policing to advise on the development of a national integrity programme.
He also investigated high profile cases and reviewed major crime inquiries in other force areas, led IPCC managed investigations, and was the staff officer to the national lead on professional standards.
John was Chair of Cheshire Constabulary’s PSAEW Branch and an active and supportive colleague to Association members dealing with professional standards issues in their own roles.
Superintendent Martin Cleworth, who succeeded John as Chair of the Cheshire Branch of the PSAEW said: “John is one of those rare individuals who has genuinely changed national policing for the better, as well as making a huge positive difference to the lives of people in Cheshire and to his colleagues.
“Writing the award entry was a challenge in itself because he has done and achieved so much. He thoroughly deserves the award and I know we will miss his experience, and him personally, very much.”
John said: “It is humbling to receive such a prestigious award when all I have done is my job to the best of my ability. Policing has given me experiences I never imagined when I joined, and I hope what I have been able to do in Cheshire in 30 years has contributed to making the county safer.”
PSAEW President Chief Superintendent Irene Curtis said: “Presenting John with the Lifetime Achievement Award was a real honour for me. He is an outstanding example of an officer who has dedicated himself to policing, to the people of Cheshire and to his colleagues.”
The President’s Awards, sponsored by Police Mutual, are given annually and are judged by the President and Vice President of the Association. They recognise the achievements of Superintendents and Chief Superintendents and the contribution they make to policing.
Pictured From left, President of PSAEW Chief Supt Irene Curtis, John Armstrong, and Police Mutual chief executive Stephen Mann.
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He ignored complaints.