Search and rescue specialist recognised at awards

An innovative Kent Police search specialist has won an award for his devotion in helping to find missing people.

Martin Pemble joined the force more than 25 years ago and has worked within a search role for the past two decades.

On Tuesday 24 February he was honoured at the Missing People Police Partnership Awards in York, where he won the category of ‘Excellence in Investigation’.

The search trainer is one of 12 people in the force who are specialist Police Search Advisors (PolSA). He is responsible for planning, managing and advising on search operations for missing people, evidence recovery, and counter-terrorism response.

He frequently supports senior officers with search strategies and oversees trained teams to ensure all activity is carried out safely and within legal parameters. In addition, he has developed a QR code system which enables officers to record completed search locations in real time, improving accuracy and coordination during operations.
Martin said: ‘I was so shocked to win the award, it was one thing to be shortlisted, but to go onto win wasn’t something I expected. My job is incredibly rewarding and being able to be a part of a team which helps to bring closure to a family, no matter what that looks like, is an important part of my role.
‘When you lose your nearest and dearest it is incredibly impactive and being able to work in a position which provides hope and reassurance, and can reunite families with their loved ones, is extremely fulfilling’.
Martin is currently working with several national organisations, including Mountain Rescue England and Wales, where the digital QR system is continuing to be developed.
In time this will form part of a national document, which will be accessible to multiple search partners and will help to improve search and rescue operations across the UK.

Superintendent Nick Sparkes nominated Martin for the award.

He said: ‘Martin is a worthy winner of this award and I’m so glad his dedication and commitment has been recognised. He consistently goes above and beyond the expectations of his role, combining operational expertise with a relentless drive to improve how missing people are located quickly, effectively and with dignity.
‘His commitment, compassion and forward-thinking leadership continues to set new standards in missing people investigations, making him a truly deserving recipient of this award.’