Met Police Stars Snag Top National Awards for Tackling Violence Against Women
Two Metropolitan Police officers have bagged prestigious National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) awards for smashing it in the fight against violence towards women and girls. Detective Inspector Karen Butler and Acting Detective Inspector Stephen Kelly, from the Met’s Stalking Threat Assessment Centre, were honoured for cutting reoffending rates and backing victims.
78% Drop in Stalker Reoffending Thanks to Met Unit
The Stalking Threat Assessment Centre, where Karen and Stephen work, targets high-risk stalkers to slash repeat offences. Their hard graft has led to a staggering 78% reduction in reoffending among over 300 dangerous individuals, while providing vital support and advice to officers on the frontlines.
Top Brass Praise Award-Winning Detectives
The awards ceremony took place in central London on Tuesday, 17 September—attended by Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe and Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Millichap, who supervise the Met’s frontline policing. Rolfe heaped praise on the pair:
“I am extremely proud of Karen and Stephen, who have been rightly rewarded for their incredible efforts in supporting the London response to stalking. This win is helping to show Londoners we are going above and beyond to crack down on violence against women and girls.”
Both detectives expressed their thanks, saying:
“We feel incredibly honoured to have won this award and are delighted that the very important work the Met’s Stalking Threat Assessment Centre does has been recognised nationally.”
Met’s Big Plans to Back Frontline Officers With Tech and Mental Health Support
The Met is ramping up support for frontline teams with the New Met for London plan. This includes state-of-the-art tech and new advice to help officers tackle crimes like stalking and harassment.
The unit is also teaming up with health services to drive positive behavioural change in offenders through mental health programmes and probation management.
Stalking and Harassment: Don’t Suffer in Silence
Stalking and harassment are serious crimes. If someone’s behaviour makes you feel scared, distressed, or threatened repeatedly, it’s a crime. Victims are urged to speak up and report offenders to the police.
