Officers and staff commended at awards event

Police officers and staff, who have gone above and beyond in their service and dedication for communities across Cambridgeshire, have been praised at a special awards ceremony.

They were recognised at the Chief Superintendent’s Commendations yesterday afternoon (6 September) held at police headquarters in Huntingdon, to celebrate their commitment, professionalism and often, life-saving actions.

Chief Superintendent Jon Hutchinson, who presented the awards, said: “It was wonderful to celebrate the outstanding achievements of so many officers and staff. I feel privileged to work alongside them all.

“It was also an honour to invite the family and friends of our award winners. We often talk about the “policing family”, which firmly extends to those loved ones who support us in what can often be a challenging profession.

“I’m sure that everyone who attended the event left the room feeling extremely proud not just of their own achievements, but of all the outstanding work that we have delivered for those that live in, work in or visit Cambridgeshire. I can’t wait for the next ceremony.”

Here are just some of the award winners:


Bringing a serious fraudster to justice

PC Sam Dane launched a serious fraud investigation after a woman set up a PayPal account falsely claiming to be raising funds for the Australian bush fires victims.

Through his hard work, PC Dane discovered more than £34,000 had been raised, and he traced all 67 victims across the world including the UK, Europe and North America.

Fraudster Kerry Palin, 27, who was living in Peterborough at the time of the fires in 2000, donated just $20 (£10) to charity and spent the rest on luxury items for herself, including new hair extensions and a treadmill.

But despite having very little investigations experience to that level, PC Dane showed dogged determination and commitment to the case and was commended for “performing a level far beyond his experience”.

Palin pleaded guilty at Peterborough Crown Court last month and she was sentenced to 16 months in prison and her partner, David Collins, was given a conditional discharge after he pleaded guilty to acquiring criminal property.

 

Dedicated detective captures drink-driver

While off-duty, DC Chris Herring was driving from Peterborough to March after a late finish when he came across a crash on the A141.

He quickly realised a vehicle had left the scene, but found it around the corner along with the driver, who was on the phone trying to get a lift.

DC Herring attempted to arrest him for driving over the alcohol limit, but the man resisted and tried to run.  DC Herring tried to use PAVA spray, but the man punched him in the face.

DC Herring used his baton and PAVA to get the man to the ground as other officers arrived, and used PAVA, which unfortunately sprayed on DC Herring during last September’s incident.

He could’ve dismissed it as a routine job which didn’t need police assistance, but instead, DC Herring’s inquisitive and proactive attitude led to the successful arrest of a drink driver. He was commended for his dedication and commitment.

Large cannabis factory unearthed

A large cannabis factory with 755 plants with a potential value of more than £600,000 was uncovered in Wisbech thanks to PC Matthew Smart.

On acting on initial intelligence he received, PC Smart identified a former toy shop and submitted a detailed warrant application to a magistrate, which was authorised immediately.

His plan involved gaining support from the Rural Crime Action Team for drone flyovers, CID and, British Gas, which attended the scene after the warrant was carried out.

It was found electricity was being bypassed in the three-storey building, and British Gas said the power used for a 91-day period would have cost £46,477.

PC Smart’s meticulous planning meant that the suspects were located at the property and prisoner transport was on hand to take them to custody. They were both jailed for two years and eight months.

 

 

Tackling crime and engaging with the community

The March Neighbourhood Policing Team are commended for their determination, resilience, and professionalism in tackling crime and engaging with the community.

Their hard work has resulted in more than £50,000 of class A and B drugs and more than £90,000 of cash seized. The team has also disrupted a suspected organised crime group.

It was found the team’s success was a result of proactively listening to the community, acting on intelligence, and disrupting criminal activity and harm caused by drug dealers.

Not only have they been commended for getting to the root of localised criminality, but they have also supported response officers with dealing with more than 100 calls.

 

 

Team effort saves a father’s life

PC Dean Caldbeck and PC Rich Jenkins were first on scene after receiving reports a man was on the wrong side of the barriers on the M11 flyover at Trumpington.

When they arrived at the scene, in sub-zero temperatures at about 11pm on 22 January, it became apparent the man was wanting to take his own life.

PC Caldbeck swiftly managed to establish a strong rapport with the father-of-one while PC Jenkins provided vital information via a live link to the control room.

The ongoing communication provided by PC Jenkins was an invaluable source of information which was clear to colleagues there was a serious risk of the man taking his own life.

PC Caldbeck began to calm the man, who remained hostile to other approaching officers, and after about 35 minutes he persuaded him to return to the correct side of the barriers.

The man remained agitated and at risk of jumping, but PC Caldbeck continued the dialogue and eventually brought him to a safe side of the bridge.

Both PCs were praised for their teamwork, swift actions and innovative thinking which helped save the life of a man in crisis.