A POLICE Constable who previously worked across Bude, Launceston and Camelford has been commended after supporting local communities for more than 20 years.

Devon and Cornwall Police recently, marked the dedication and commitment of its officers, staff and Special Constables at a Long Service and Good Conduct Awards ceremony held at the China Fleet Club in Plymouth.

The celebration took place on Wednesday, April 29, and recognised the exceptional service of those who have given many years of commitment to policing communities across the force area.

During the afternoon ceremony, police officers and police staff received awards acknowledging their long service and exemplary conduct throughout their careers. The event highlighted their professionalism, integrity and the significant contribution they make to keeping communities safe.

Among those being celebrated was Police Constable, Laura Barnden, who joined Devon and Cornwall Constabulary on November 21, 2005. Following her initial training in Cwmbran, Laura was posted to East Cornwall, working at Bude, Launceston and Camelford.

In 2011, Laura joined legendary ‘D section’ in Bodmin, made up of a group of officers that would remain unchanged for the next 10 years.

A spokesperson from Devon and Cornwall Police said: “This situation produced a team that was highly experienced and cohesive, a team that Laura was an integral part of.

“During this time Laura received numerous commendations, for safeguarding, supporting a suicidal female on a bridge and for bravery, tackling an offender armed with a crossbow.”

Following on from this, in 2021, Constable Barnden secured a Neighbourhood Beat Manager role on the Bodmin Neighbourhood Team, attached to Wadebridge Police Station. Laura quickly adjusted to the neighbourhood style of policing, embracing the community’s needs and providing meaningful solutions to longstanding problems.

A force spokesperson continued: “Laura is a very valued member of the Bodmin Neighbourhood Team and has held several specialist skills during her police service, including Search and PSU. These specialist skills have seen her deployed in and out of force, servicing mutual aid for two deployments to Northern Ireland, Westminster for the Syrian Conference and the Kings Coronation.”

Commenting on the awards, Chief Constable James Vaughan, said that this occasions provides not only an opportunity to celebrate the dedication of the region’s police force, but also the hard work and high standards which are demonstrated by those within the force.

He said: “These awards recognise not only length of service, but the consistency, dedication and high standards demonstrated by our officers and staff every day. We are extremely proud of everything they have achieved and the difference they continue to make to the communities we serve.

“Our Special Constables give up their own time to serve their communities and support the force. Their commitment is exceptional, and evenings like this give us the opportunity to publicly thank them for their dedication and professionalism.”

The awards ceremonies provided a chance for Devon and Cornwall Police to formally recognise the long-standing service of its workforce and celebrate their continued commitment to policing across the region.