Established by former Minister of State, Earl Ferrers, the awards recognise the work that Special Constables and Police Support Volunteers perform across England and Wales and rewards their skill, energy and talent. In the course of her duties in August 2007, Special Sergeant Starkey came across a man who had been attacked and severely beaten by a group of youths. She showed no hesitation in performing CPR, continuing until medical assistance arrived, although unfortunately the victim later passed away. Special Sergeant Starkey performed a valuable role within the initial investigation and subsequently offered support to the victim's family. Special Sergeant Starkey's work also includes measures designed to combat anti-social behaviour amongst young people in her neighbourhood. The Team Award went to the Cannabis Factories Team from Bedfordshire Police who were described as having made a significant impact in tackling the number of cannabis factories in the area. The work of the team is estimated to have cost cannabis producers in excess of £1.6 million a year causing serious disruption to the illegal production of cannabis and the subsequent crime it generates. The awards were presented by Tony McNulty, Minister of State for Security, Counter Terrorism, Crime and Policing, and DCC Jim Barker-McCardle, Deputy Chief Executive of the NPIA. Tony McNulty stated that: "Special Constables and Police Support Volunteers are a vital part of our modern police service. They are the citizens who feel so deeply about their communities that that are prepared to put on a uniform and work alongside regular police officers and community support officers to help reduce crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour. The outstanding work undertaken by those recognised today by the Ferrers Awards demonstrates the key contribution they make to delivering a responsive, community focussed policing service." Mick Pepper, Head of Workforce Strategy said: "Once again these awards graphically illustrate the high levels of dedication and professionalism of Special Constables and Police Support Volunteers. Their contribution is immense." 
A number of individuals were honoured today at The Special Constable and Police Support Volunteers Awards ceremony which took place at the Church House Conference Centre in London.
The judging panel chaired by Rick Hudson and including DCC Martin Stuart (Association of Chief Police Officers), Phillip Hickson (Association of Police Authorities) and Clare Simon (Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary), chose Special Sergeant Jaqueline Starkey from Cheshire Constabulary as the winner of this year's Ferrers Trophy.
Special Sergeant Jacqueline Starkey said of her award: "I'm amazed to have won this award. It feels like such a great honour when you consider the number of Specials working within the Police service. I was very surprised to have been nominated."
