James (Jimmy) Carr, Chief Inspector of the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP), and Nicola (Nikki) Dutton, Head of Safety, Health, and Environmental Protection (SHEP), both received the National Operation Talla Award for Governance and Coordination on June 30.
This honour was given in honour of their extraordinary contributions, made while serving on the MDP Covid Management Team, to the UK policing response throughout the epidemic.
Jimmy and Nikki responded rapidly to the effects of COVID-19 on the MDP workforce, lowering infection levels with prompt and effective control measures, ensuring continuing operational delivery, and maximizing employee safety.
Additionally, they offered partner agencies guidance, coaching, and mentoring while sharing methodologies and procedures that benefited the larger defence department.
Territorial Operations, Crime, and Support Assistant Chief Constable Jason Gwillim of the MDP said:
Many congratulations to Jimmy and Nikki, and I appreciate your efforts in keeping everyone as safe as possible while keeping the organization afloat during these trying times.
Although I’ve only recently started working for the MDP, I am happy that Jimmy and Nikki’s dedication has been recognized on a national level. I understand the challenges and hazards the epidemic has created for the force.
Jimmy and Nikki thanked everyone who contributed to the MDP reaction to COVID-19 after the awards.
John said:
Although we are incredibly honoured to receive this honour, we realize that what we have accomplished was not done in a vacuum.
As a result, we dedicate this honour to the great efforts and contributions of our wonderful MDP coworkers, stakeholders, and partners.
Nicola stated:
Everyone had a role to play in ensuring operational delivery was maintained, from the Force Welfare Officer to the Defence Police Federation and Trade Unions, to the MDP Test, Trace and Isolate Team and the Force Control Room, to finance, procurement, stores, and corporate communications, to station senior police officers and all the officers on the ground, whether they were wearing uniforms or not.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council and National Police Coordination Center jointly oversaw Operation Talla, which was the national policing response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Alfie Moore, a writer and broadcaster, hosted the National Operation Talla Awards presentation in the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. The Home Secretary and Policing Minister joined the guests and expressed their appreciation.
The awards offered a chance to examine the epidemic from a national perspective, honouring and remembering those who organized, oversaw, and carried out the national response while assisting in preparing those who were on the front lines.
Along with coworkers from law enforcement agencies and criminal justice partners, at least half of the UK’s territorial forces were represented at the awards.