A DETECTIVE Inspector devoted to safeguarding vulnerable victims has received the Queen’s Policing Medal for distinguished service.

Over nearly 30-years, Karen Warner of North Yorkshire Police has devoted her career to safeguarding children and adults who have been victims of child abuse, neglect, serious sexual crimes and domestic abuse.

She is also a trained negotiator, and has worked as a family liaison officer and coordinator – a role which saw her work with families affected by many of the region’s highest profile criminal cases and disaster incidents.

DI Warner thanked her family and colleagues for their support over the years and said: “People sometimes ask me what it is like to have worked in safeguarding for so long, because it is a demanding and emotional area to work in.

"But early on in my career I was fortunate to find my niche in working with, and on behalf of, victims and their families.

"As an officer, I often meet people at the worst possible time, and the fact that they have allowed me into their lives to work with them in such difficult circumstances has always been a privilege.

"I’m really humbled by this award, which is as much for my family and colleagues as it is for me.

"I’ve had the opportunity to work with dedicated colleagues within the police and other agencies, and I’m so lucky to have the support of my children and my family.

"Without their support I would have been unable to do what I do."