Derek Putter captures runner up position as best investigator

Newcastillian, Derek Putter is a police officer who has dedicated 27 years of his life to enforcing the law.

“For me, it was a calling to become a police officer. My grandparents and parents were police officers, so it was in my blood. I decided to join the SAPS in 1990.”

Recently, Putter’s enthusiasm for his work led to him winning the runner up of Best Investigator in the country.

The prize-giving was recently held in Cape Town, under the auspices of the International Association Auto Theft Investigations (IAATI).

“IAATI is not only made up of the police, but of insurance companies, tracking companies and other law enforcement agencies from around the world,” Putter explained.

At this year’s award ceremony, Putter was placed second after he arrested the leader of a motor vehicle theft syndicate. Through his investigation and with the assistance of Willie Jacobs from Mutual and Federal, the suspect was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment.

Thrilled with his award, Putter said when he was flown down to Cape Town for the event, he had the opportunity to improve his knowledge of investigation techniques and even met FBI agents from the United States.

This was the second time Putter won an award for his dedication in ensuring suspects were successfully apprehended.

“I won the Best Investigator in South Africa in 2016, of which I am also extremely proud.”

He believed the rewards reflected how much effort was put in his work.

“It is a good feeling knowing you have been able to achieve your goals. I am dedicated to doing my best to protect the community and putting criminals behind bars. It is also rewarding to see how thankful people are when you return their vehicles to them undamaged.”

While Putter said awards such as these were often won by police officers from bigger cities, by him winning the award, he proved criminals were not going to escape the long arm of the law.