South Yorkshire police officer wins top award for keeping motorists safe

Inspector Craig Clifton’s ‘outstanding contribution to roads policing’ was recognised at a national conference.

The annual Roads Policing Conference, organised by the Police Federation, recognises roads policing officers and staff, for going above and beyond in their role to keep roads and motorists safe.

To receive the award, the winner had to demonstrate an exceptional contribution to roads policing, in the capacity of strategic thinking, professional development and operational duties.

Chief Inspector Glen Suttenwood, Head of Roads Policing for South Yorkshire, said: “Craig has made a significant, impressive and effective contribution at all levels of roads policing, including crime intervention, enforcement, road safety policy, serious collision investigation, technology - the list is endless.

“He has played a pivotal role in revising national roads policing operational policy and procedure and has been instrumental in developing training solutions to operational problems.

“His overall contribution to road safety through targeted enforcement and better investigative techniques has been a challenge with fewer resources, but he remains committed to honing the skills available to his staff and officers, who place a high level of regard and respect for his leadership and individual qualities, an example of which he was commended for last year when he placed his own life at risk to rescue two people from a vehicle which had over turned and was in danger of setting fire.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Craig is an asset to local, regional and national roads policing and he is thoroughly deserving of this prestigious award and I am extremely proud to have him as part of the team.”

Insp Clifton, who manages a team of 80 road policing officers and is the national point of contact for police forces for pursuit management and development, said: “It was a bit of a shock, I didn’t expect it to be honest.

“It is really nice to have the work recognised and to be awarded for it, as even to be nominated for the award is recognition enough.”

“It is a hard job, and the work which led to the nomination is all on top of normal day duties, running a team and extra demands.”