March 13, 2019 4.59 pm This story is over 68 months old

Call taker who listened to brutal murder wins national award

She was nominated by her supervisors for her fast paced actions
Award winner Gemma Honey. Photo: Lincolnshire Police

A call taker for Lincolnshire Police who listened to a brutal murder over the phone won a national award for her “amazing calmness and resilience”.

Gemma Honey works in the Lincolnshire Police call control room, subcontracted to G4S. She won the Control Room Call Taker of the Year at the APD Control Room Awards this month.

The 41-year-old was recognised against shortlisted call takers from across the country.

The judges said: “Gemma showed amazing calmness and resilience in her handling of the most harrowing of calls as she listened to a brutal murder taking place.

“She also demonstrated resourcefulness and presence of mind in establishing the location of the crime and requesting a playback of the call, which proved vital in securing prosecution of the killer.

“Despite the distressing experience, Gemma remained professional and alert in taking the next call, obtaining crucial information to protect a young child who witnessed the attack and enable the arrest of the suspect.”

Gemma, who joined the force at aged 30, was nominated by her supervisors for her fast paced actions when dealing with calls.

She has also dealt with other situations across Lincolnshire including missing people and crashes.

Force Control Room manager Naomi Rennie-Brewer said: “We are very proud of Gemma and indeed all of the Force Control Room staff for their professionalism, dedication and tireless commitment to providing the very best quality service to the people of Lincolnshire.

“It is fabulous that one of them has been recognised in this way. Gemma was nominated for her quick thinking skills, perseverance and professionalism. We are so happy that she has been recognised and now been named as the Call Taker of the Year.”

The APD Control Room Awards are the only accolades that recognise and celebrate the life-saving and life-changing work of staff in control rooms.

In February 2018 Lincolnshire Reporter went behind the scenes in the Lincolnshire Police force control room: