In early 2020, when the first wave of the Covid pandemic was lapping at the UK’s shores, police leaders already knew that they, and indeed the whole service, would have to respond to an unprecedented threat.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council and the National Police Coordination Centre put in place a plan to ensure that the police service remained resilient and had the capacity to deal with events as they unfolded. That plan was Operation Talla. The success of Talla was down to officers and staff across the country who innovated and adapted, keeping people safe, and maintaining law and order. Here are some highlights from an awards ceremony held in London to honour those who went above and beyond.