A retired Avon and Somerset police inspector recognised for helping transform the way police investigate rape offences has been awarded the King’s Police Medal.

The Birthday Honours list was announced on Friday June 14 and retired inspector Catherine Larsen was named as an award recipient.

Inspector Larsen, who joined the force in 1989 as a Special Constable, has shown an "incredible dedication" to policing during her 30-year career, Avon and Somerset Police said.

One of her most notable achievements was the work she carried out in support of Chief Constable Sarah Crew on Operation Soteria Bluestone. The programme of work has transformed the way rape and serious sexual offences are investigated by the police. Inspector Larsen was awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation and a Home Secretary’s Commendation for this work.

This is not the first time in Insp Larsen’s career that she’s crossed paths with His Majesty King Charles III. In the early 1990s, a career highlight for Insp Larsen was being trodden on by the then HRH Prince Charles while he was on a visit in Wells. He stepped back onto her beautifully bulled parade shoe, resulting in a memory which has lasted a lifetime.

In another Royal connection, Insp Larsen was also selected to represent the British Association for Women in Policing, marching up The Mall during HM Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002. She was presented with the Jubilee Medal on Horse Guards Parade.

For part of her career, Insp Larsen became a qualified trainer, teacher and assessor for future police officers. She trained countless officers across the Constabulary taking huge delight in seeing officers thrive in their chosen career fields.

Her dedication to professional development saw her play a central role in the development of specialist training programmes.

Her leadership and innovation were further demonstrated during the Covid-19 pandemic, when she served as implementation lead for the Degree Holder Entry Programme.

Speaking about Insp Larsen, Chief Constable Sarah Crew said: “Quite simply Cath has been at the cutting edge of change throughout her career, always seizing the opportunities with honesty, integrity, and courage. She is a brilliant ambassador for the police service.

“Her invaluable service, professionalism and contribution to Avon and Somerset Police has been commendable, and we congratulate her on receiving the King’s Policing Medal in this year’s Birthday Honours list.”