A CALDERDALE detective has scooped a top award for helping victims of crime.
Elland-based Det Con Linda Johnson from the Child And Public Protection Unit was presented with the Adams McGill Award for her exceptional contribution working with vulnerable victims.
She received the award in Wakefield from West Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn for her outstanding commitment to supporting vulnerable victims and bringing offenders to justice during Operation Flamenco.
This was an investigation into prolonged serious sexual abuse involving three generations of the same Calderdale family spanning 50 years.
A detailed and intensive investigation involved interviewing more than 60 friends and relatives of the victims and resulted in the prosecution of a number of offenders. One was given a life sentence and others were jailed for a total of 30 years.
A police spokeswoman said: "This case pushed even the most experienced officers to their limits. Had it not been for the commitment and tenacity of the officer in this case, multiple victims would have continued to suffer for generations.
"The work involved in Operation Flamenco is setting the standard for future complex investigations."
Huddersfield-born Det Con Johnson, 34, has worked for West Yorkshire Police for more than 12 years and over the last five has dealt with child protection.
The award recognises the enormous contribution made by the late Det Insp Cath Adams and retired Det Sgt Jane McGill towards vulnerable victims.
These officers took on domestic violence and rape issues within the force in the 1980s at a time when attitudes towards victims were less understanding.
Cath died of cancer, but even in her last days she continued to help the vulnerable. Jane has now retired, but still contributes through her involvement with voluntary and statutory organisations which help victims of child abuse and sex assaults.
The Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Roger Whittaker, presented long service and good conduct awards to Pc Gerald Radcliffe from Huddersfield, Pc Robert Airey from Calder- dale and Insp Howard Atkin from Dewsbury.
