A STUDENT has won an award from the police for her outstanding work with the Special Constabulary.

Beth Copeland, from Kidlington, was given the special recognition after securing a first-class honours degree in Police Studies with Criminal Investigation.

The 21-year-old was presented the Thames Valley Police Shield after her graduation for impressing bosses during her two years working with as a volunteers with the part-time Special Constabulary.

Thames Valley Police inspector Chloe Robinson said: “I worked closely with Beth while she was a Special Constable and part of a team which I used to supervise.

"Special constables are volunteer police officers who play an incredibly important role in policing the Thames Valley.

"Beth has been a credit to the Special Constabulary and an absolute pleasure to work with."

Ms Copeland graduated this summer from her studies at Buckinghamshire New University and is now a 999 Operator at Thames Valley Police headquarters in Kidlington.

She said: "I’m very honoured that I was put forward for the award and even more so that I won it.

"My highlight was working with as a Special Constable, I enjoyed it so much I have continued working in the role alongside my position in Kidlington.

"This work gave me a valuable insight into the world of policing, of the experiences that officers face daily."