Detective Sergeant Andrew James Winters has been awarded the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) in Her Majesty The Queen’s 2022 New Year Honours for his unwavering commitment to keeping the public safe and considerable contribution to UK policing.
Having joined BTP in 1983 and selected into a detective role in 1987, Andy has played a crucial part in investigating the most serious crimes. Early on in his career he quickly showed his aptitude to robustly and effectively investigate murders, rapes and organised crime, bringing the most dangerous offenders to justice. Andy, who has incredibly not taken a day off due to sickness in 38 years, is a renowned team player whose tenacity and drive as an officer is infectious amongst his colleagues.
He was promoted to the rank of Detective Sergeant in 1990 before being selected to manage a surveillance team, a pickpocket team and thereafter the Organised Crime Team.
As part of the Organised Crime Team, he worked in close partnership with key stakeholders as he led an international operation which resulted in the arrest of 17 individuals and the recovery of £500,000 worth of criminal assets. He was also instrumental in investigating the murders of Lee Pomeroy and Tashan Daniel, who tragically lost their lives in 2019. In both cases, his contribution resulted in two violent thugs removed from society and subsequently being sentenced to substantial jail terms.
To this day he serves with BTP and continues to show the same enthusiasm and determination to ensure the railway is a safe environment for passengers as he enters his thirty-ninth year with the force.
Detective Sergeant Andy Winters said: “I am humbled and extremely grateful to be recognised by Her Majesty in her New Year Honours awards, especially given the great people that have been recognised in previous years. My dad also worked for BTP – his passion was unrivalled, and he thoroughly enjoyed his time with the force. If he was alive today, I know how immensely proud of me he would be. I would like to sincerely thank my current colleagues and those I’ve worked with in the past, as without them I would not be receiving this prestigious accolade. My appreciation extends to BTP for providing me with opportunities that have led me to this honour. I have enjoyed every minute of my 38-year career with this fantastic force.”
Detective Superintendent Gary Richardson said: “Andy is a very deserving recipient of this policing award, he reflects the definition of a proactive officer. He has a long history of successful policing operations and is highly respected by his colleagues who always look to seek his guidance and support. Over the years he’s worked with numerous other forces and agencies, both nationally and internationally, and always represents BTP to the highest standard and professionalism.”
In September 2021, Andy also received the British Transport Police Federation Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his dedication, motivation and commitment throughout his long and distinguished career with BTP.
Sources include: BTP
See: Honours, Medals and Decorations table
Also see: Retired Officer celebrates 100 years; Andy features in an article concerning his late father.