MBE for Bradley Stoke legal services expert

A Bradley Stoke woman has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to the local police force.

Sue Dauncey, Director of Legal Services for Avon and Somerset Police, has been appointed Member of the British Empire (MBE).

Chief Constable Colin Port said:

“I’m delighted that Sue’s hard work and commitment has been recognised in this way. She has worked tirelessly over the years not only for the people of Avon and Somerset but on a national basis, advising other lawyers in the public sector.”

“I think this is a recognition of the work that people do day in day out within policing and I know that many of our colleagues will join with me in congratulating Sue on this wonderful achievement.”

Within police forces, the in-house legal service is an area that is relatively unknown. The legal service in Avon and Somerset covers over fifty different areas of work spanning all areas of legal work apart from criminal prosecutions and property law.

Ms Dauncey said:

“I’m very pleased and proud that I should be honoured with an MBE. It’s a privilege to work in a job that I love and that makes a real difference to people’s lives. This award is a recognition of the valuable part that all police staff play in keeping communities safe.”

“The work of police staff is often not as visible but it is just as important. Without our support, in our communications centre, in crime scene investigation, in criminal justice and in many other areas behind the scenes that keep things running smoothly, the organisation would grind to a halt.”

“Legal services is a Cinderella service, often overlooked, but in fact we have an absolutely crucial and pivotal role in many facets of policing. Our advice and advocacy, for example on public protection and community safety orders such as ASBOs and crack house closures, are important tools in tackling crime and building safer communities. But that’s just a fraction of what we do.”