MERSEYSIDE Police detective constable Tracy O'Hara who was recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours has been awarded with the Queen's Police Medal (QPM).

DC O'Hara was awarded with the honour for distinguished services to policing on Thursday, December 7.

She has been a police officer in Merseyside since 1996, working within both uniformed policing and a number of specialist investigative roles.

Alongside this, DC O'Hara is the chair of the Merseyside Police Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Staff Support Network and co-chair of the National Police LGBT Network.

Chief constable Andy Cooke said: “I am absolutely delighted to see Tracy awarded such a major honour.

"This is a reflection of how highly we regard her and how much we appreciate her hard work, dedication and commitment to the people of Merseyside.

“Tracy is a key figure within the Merseyside LGBT+ community and beyond, promoting strong relationships with the Police Service nationally and internationally, while ensuring that Merseyside Police is a diverse organisation to work for.

“It is wonderful to see professional and passionate police officers recognised nationally for their services to the community in such a prestigious way.

“Over the years I have been humbled by the ‘can do’ attitude of the officers and their commitment to providing the people of Merseyside with a professional police service.

“They all have the utmost respect of their colleagues, and demonstrate their tenacity, integrity and professionalism on a daily basis.

"Everyone in Merseyside should be proud of them as their work and conduct reflect so well on us all.”