It was amazing - detective who helped take gangs off Wearside's streets receives MBE from King Charles
“It was the most amazing experience” - the words of Durham Constabulary detective Carole Johnson after receiving her MBE from King Charles.
Carole, 54, headed down to London last week with her partner and family to be honoured for the “incredible work she has done over the years to protect the public and achieve justice for victims every day”.
Carole, who lives in Durham city, has played a key role running covert tactics and surveillance operations for Durham Constabulary.
Recently, Carole played a key role in the investigation into a violent feud between Organised Criminal Gangs which used firearms, arson, and car ramming to terrorise communities in County Durham.
Her expertise led to gathering sufficient evidence to ensure gang members were jailed for a total of 95 years, taking out an entire organised crime gang along with drugs and weapons from the local community.
Speaking after receiving her MBE, Carole said: “It was the most amazing experience receiving the honour in front of my partner and two boys. I was made to feel so special, and I’ll never forget it.”
Carole, who has worked in policing since 1996, helped set up the first Central Authorisations Bureau at Durham Constabulary.
Her role is to oversee applications for the use of covert surveillance tactics and warrants, advising the Executive and Force Authorising Officer on the legalities and complex rationale required to grant them.
Speaking about Carole’s dedicated years of service, Durham Constabulary’s Chief Constable Rachel Bacon said: “This is a thoroughly well-deserved honour for Carole and an immensely proud day for Durham Constabulary.
“Perhaps because of the covert nature of their work, some of our teams do not get the public recognition for the incredible work they do to protect the public and achieve justice for victims every day.
“Carole and her team exemplify the very best of Durham Constabulary. She is an inspirational and motivational leader who has repeatedly helped to save lives, pursue criminals and protect some of our most vulnerable people.”
Carole was presented with her MBE at Windsor Castle.