Rhymney inspector recognised at Gwent Police awards ceremony

A neighbourhood policing inspector in Rhymney has been recognised for her exemplary leadership, commitment to tackling serious organised crime and the initiatives that have brought "communities closer together."

Inspector Lysha Thompson received the "Police officer of the year" award at Gwent Police's annual awards and commendation ceremony on Tuesday 11 November.

Insp Thompson, whose neighbourhood team patrols across Ystrad Mynach, Bargoed and Rhymney, has spearheaded strategic initiatives to tackle organised crime in the north of Caerphilly.

Under her leadership, as part of this Respect Rhymney operation, eight offenders received a combined 30 years in custodial sentences, while the ensuing element of the project highlighted another of her strengths - creating meaningful, lasting bonds between the police and Gwent communities.

Others to be recognised on the night included:

• PCSO Lisa Gibbs, who won ‘Police & Crime Commissioner’s partnership award’. Lisa has showed remarkable initiative and dedication over the last year, creating a discreet and valuable support network for victims of domestic abuse. Her compassionate work has ensured many people, some of whom may not have otherwise sought help, received vital support and guidance.
• Clare Gibson, who was awarded ‘Police staff member of the year’. Positive Action Lead and co-chair of the Enable Network, Clare has been instrumental in shaping an inclusive, caring, and connected culture at Gwent Police.
• PC Connor Jones. He received a commendation from the police constable for his work during Operation Shetland, a major county lines operation in Blaenau Gwent which saw us successfully disrupt the supply of class A and B drugs in the borough. Connor also secured vital charges and one of Gwent’s first slavery and trafficking prevention orders.*

Officers in attendance watched on as Assistant Chief Constable Nick McLain introduced Lysha and spoke of her recent community projects, including a free summer tennis initiative for children, a series of educational talks around the consequences of knife crime, a community mural celebrating diversity and more.

While these recent projects have had a real positive impact for residents, it's her day-to-day leadership and commitment to making a difference which made Lysha stand out, according to Chief Constable Mark Hobrough.

"Each year, we come together to recognise officers who go beyond their duties to make Gwent a safer place in which to live and work," said CC Hobrough.

"Our awards are based on our organisational values - courage, compassion, positivity, pride and a desire to keep learning in order to give the public the level of service they deserve. Lysha Thompson personifies each and every one of these.

"Neighbourhood policing is a cornerstone of how we work to improve trust and confidence in our work; Lysha's problem-solving ability, proactive policing approach to bring justice and genuine engagement with residents sets a shining example for others within the force.

"PCSO Aidan Gillette, who won ‘Neighbourhood policing officer of the year, is another example of the importance of building strong local relationships and ensuring communities are heard, while we also heard many inspiring accounts of response officers and detectives acting with courage and integrity to help vulnerable people in their hour of need.

“Tonight is also an opportunity to reflect on how, together, we’re working to ensure Gwent Police is a police service the public has trust and confidence in, and for that to happen you need to have inspiring leaders leading the way.

“It was an honour to award Deputy Chief Constable Nicky Brain with our ‘Lifetime achievement’ award, as Nicky has, throughout her distinguished career, displayed exceptional investigative skills, tenacity and a level of leadership, like Lysha, that we’ve all admired and been inspired by.”

*The full list of award winners can be found on the force’s Instagram highlights.

DCC Nicky Brain received the Lifetime achievement award.