Celebrating #ChineseNewYear @AndyRyanMerpol @MerseyPolice

We have some great news to share with you all! 🎉 Two former Merseyside Police officers and a police staff volunteer have been recognised in the King's #NewYearsHonours today 👏 Former Merseyside Police Chief Constable, Andy Cooke, who is now His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, has received a knighthood in the King’s New Year Honours. Andy began his career with Merseyside Police in 1985 and has made an exceptional contribution to policing and to public service over the last four decades. During his time in the police, he served as a detective at every rank. This included becoming the first commander of the nationally recognised Matrix team, which is responsible for tackling gun crime and gun-enabled crime. In April 2021, Andy was appointed HM Inspector of Constabulary and HM Inspector of Fire & Rescue Services at His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS). And on 1 April 2022, Andy was appointed as HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary and HM Chief Inspector of Fire & Rescue Services. Since his appointment, Andy’s work has led to significant improvements being made in policing and fire at a national level and in individual forces and services. He has repeatedly highlighted the changes that need making to improve culture and leadership and to increase focus on the issues that matter most to communities. You can read more here ▶️ Retired Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Baker, who was the senior investigating officer on the investigation into the murder of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel, has been awarded the King’s Police Medal (KPM). Mark, joined the force in 1994, and his first posting was in #Bromborough on the Wirral. Mark, who couldn’t believe it when he received the news that he was to be given the honour, said: “Policing is about people, and serving the community of Merseyside has afforded me a wonderful opportunity to work and meet some of the most inspirational people in the UK. “To have been considered for the Kings Police Medal is the greatest honour of my career. “I am extremely proud and humbled by the award. I think it reflects the excellent investigative work that takes place across Merseyside day in- day out. I want to thank my wife and family for their support. I also want to thank those responsible for nominating me I am extremely honoured. “Policing is about people and serving the community of Merseyside has afforded me a wonderful opportunity to work and meet some of the most inspirational people in the UK.” To read all about Mark’s Honours, click here ▶️ Finally, Lynne Fairclough, from #Maghull, who has dedicated her life to reducing crime and building stronger communities across #Merseyside has also received a British Empire Medal (BEM) award in the King’s New Year Honours. For nearly 40 years Lynne has been an active member of Neighbourhood Watch and today she is pivotal contact and co-ordinator for 1206 Homewatch Schemes across the #Merseyside region! Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: “Lynne has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in New Year Honours and it is fantastic to see a member of the public who has selflessly dedicated her life to helping others stay safe. “Lynne plays a crucial role in bringing together and working in partnership with Our Watch, Merseyside Police, residents, businesses, and scheme leaders." Read more about Lynne’s Honours here ▶️

Back in September @merpolchiefcon and @MerseysidePCC pledged their 100% commitment to ending Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) as we launched a campaign highlighting the fears of women and girls across Merseyside. The #TakingAction campaign focuses on putting the voices of women and girls at the centre of the work to tackle VAWG. The first phase focused on some of the measures we have introduced to change these statistics and make women and girls feel safer. They include: - New measures to target perpetrators - Improved ways to report - Dedicated teams to investigate crimes and support victims - Extra officers to provide reassurance Read more here:

🌟Thrilled to have received @MerseysidePCC's award at the fantastic @merseypolice Community First Awards last night. Delighted to get this recognition for the work of our team, our partners and a whole host of community organisations, all united in their determination to prevent serious violence. It was an honour to share the stage with so many other amazing nominees and winners, who were being recognised for their work serving communities across Merseyside.💙