A collision investigator has been nominated for a national award for her outstanding contribution towards road safety.
Serious and fatal collision investigator, Detective Constable Natalie Horner, who is now 21 years in as an officer has investigated some of the most tragic road traffic collisions in the county.
In 2006, she qualified as a family liaison officer (FLO) whilst at Bishop Auckland CID – an additional role which supports families who have lost loved ones in a collision.
From there, she went onto work closely with her now colleagues in the Roads and Armed policing unit.
Alongside her day job and being a mum of one, Natalie delivers FLO training to road policing officers – a part of her role she relishes as well as the education element around road safety.
Most recently, DC Horner was an integral part of the team that investigated a fatal collision on the A1(M) near Durham, in which three people instantly lost their lives and several others were seriously injured in July last year. This turned out to be one of the most complex road traffic collisions Durham Constabulary has ever dealt with: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UztJcUjGXbY
Forensic examination of his mobile phone found the driver had been repeatedly using the device’s web browser at the wheel, and he was jailed for eight years and ten months.
Superintendent Andrea Arthur, Head of Roads and Armed policing said: “Natalie is known across the force for her dedication and determination in ensuring she always gets the best outcome for victims at court where possible.
“Once she achieves this, she doesn’t stop there, she continues to push to ensure something positive always comes from what can only be described as catastrophic and devastating incidents.
“Natalie is passionate about road safety and passionate about the communities she serves.
“The UK Road offender education awards is great recognition for the continuous devotion from Natalie and I as well as the force are right behind her.”
