Two Metropolitan Police officers have been honoured for their exceptional work in tackling violence against women and girls by winning two National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) awards. Detective Inspector Karen Butler and Acting Detective Inspector Stephen Kelly, both members of the Met’s Stalking Threat Assessment Centre, were recognised for their efforts in reducing reoffending rates among stalking perpetrators and improving outcomes for victims.
The Stalking Threat Assessment Centre, of which the Met is a partner agency, focuses on reducing recidivism in high-risk stalkers while providing crucial advice and support to officers handling stalking cases. Their efforts have resulted in a 78% reduction in reoffending among more than 300 high-risk offenders.
The awards were presented at a ceremony hosted by the NPCC in central London on Tuesday, 17 September, attended by Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe and Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Millichap, who oversee frontline policing operations in the Met.
Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe praised the award-winning detectives, stating, “I am extremely proud of Karen and Stephen, who have been rightly rewarded for their incredible efforts in supporting the London response to stalking. This win is helping to show Londoners we are going above and beyond to crack down on violence against women and girls.
Detective Inspectors Karen Butler and Stephen Kelly expressed their gratitude: “We feel incredibly honoured to have won this award and are delighted that the very important work the Met’s Stalking Threat Assessment Centre does has been recognised nationally.”
The Met is continuously bolstering resources for its frontline officers, with the New Met for London plan aiming to equip teams with the latest technology, advice, and guidelines. The unit is also collaborating with the health sector to promote positive behavioural changes in offenders through mental health programs and probation management.
Stalking and harassment are serious offences. If someone repeatedly behaves in a way that causes fear, distress, or threat, it may constitute a crime, and victims are encouraged to report it to the police.
