Force bids farewell to valued staff member after more than 40 years

After four decades, Margaret Keeler is ready to say goodbye to fingerprints and hello to retirement!

Last week, Chief Constable Rachel Bacon had the pleasure of presenting Margaret with her long service medal and certificate of service after more than 40 years with the force.

Margaret joined in 1985 as an admin support officer where she gained key skills and vital policing knowledge.

In 2006, she joined the Criminal Justice Unit, helping oversee files prepared for court and ensuring cases presented to magistrates and judges were of the highest quality.

And finally, in 2011 she entered the forensic world as a senior fingerprint technician. Her role as a technician involved the management of custody tenprints (fingerprints taken upon arrest), securing exhibits taken from a scene of a crime and ensuring integrity of the case should it go to court.

Colleagues described Margaret as an incredible asset within the Fingerprint Bureau.

“Her knowledge of the force and in particular the Criminal justice world has helped the team build strong relationships with those working in custody and those in similar roles at neighbouring forces,” they said.

Speaking about her time in policing, Margaret said: “Over my 40+ year career I've seen eight chief constables lead the force and many changes from paper systems to digital, typewriters to computers, local systems to centralised and many more, however the commitment of officers and staff I've met along the way striving to do more with less resources remains at the heart of the service.

“To friends and colleagues - take pride in your work, ask for advice when you need it and don't lose sight of why we do what we do - for the victims of crime and keeping our communities safe. Look after yourselves and each other.

“I'm looking forward to travel and spending more time with my husband and family (including the furry family members!).”

Thank you, Margaret for your remarkable service.

You’ll be greatly missed, but we wish you all the happiness in this exciting new chapter of your life.