WATCH: Child abuse investigator awarded for "tireless" work

Friday 25 January 2019

A Police officer who "tirelessly" investigates child abuse has been recognised with a special award for her efforts to keep children safe for over a decade.

DC Alexandra Le Chevalier received the accolade alongside social workers, charity workers, counsellors and other States staff who work to keep vulnerable children and adults safe at the Safeguarding Partnership Awards.

The Police Officer was presented the certificate by Chief Minister John Le Fondré, while Independent Chair of the Safeguarding Partnership Board Glenys Johnston OBE detailed why DC Le Chevalier was nominated for the award.

Video: The Safeguarding Awards celebrated the safeguarding achievements of many States workers.

Ms Johnston said: “Alex consistently demonstrates great professionalism and commitment to complete the work required. She’s committed and passionate about protecting children and her drive and determination to bring justice is one central factor in the success of many cases.”

After the ceremony, DC Le Chevalier told Express that winning the award meant “a huge amount to her” and goes to show that the work she puts in is being recognised and appreciated.

DC Le Chevalier said: “It means a huge amount for me to get the award. It shows it’s been taken on board, the work that goes in over the years and the efforts that are made. So it means a huge amount to me.”

Pictured: DC Alexandra Le Chevalier was recognised with a Safeguarding Partnership Award.

When asked what motivates her to undertake such a challenging role, the Detective Constable said: “I’m motivated... by the children that I’m working with and getting the results for them so that they can move forward. That’s not necessarily, in every case, prosecution – it’s just making sure that actually what’s happened has had a resolve at the end of it for them.”

The ceremony was also attended by the Minister for Housing and Children, Senator Sam Mézec. 

Sue Smith, the Pastoral Lead at Janvrin School, was hailed as “a role model” when called up to collect her award. In addition to working as a behaviour support assistant at the primary school, Mrs Smith works with children and families at The Bridge.

Pictured: The group of award winners.

The Educational Welfare Officer Ali Moffat, who is often seen dressed up as NSPCC mascot ‘Pantosaurus’, was also recognised at the ceremony for her “inspirational and passionate drive to get safeguarding messages out to children and their parents".

Also awarded joint certificates for their safeguarding efforts were: Terri O’Connor and Donna Ireland from charity Les Amis, Kate Proffitt, Paul Rendell, Monika Patel and Patrick Westwood from Adult Social Work and, from the States of Jersey Police, Craig Jackson, Lynda McKenna, Lisa Buckley, Alaisdair Castle.