A dedicated PCSO who chased after a teenager seen with a machete was among the winners at the Chief Constable’s Awards.
Hertfordshire Constabulary came together last Wednesday (November 1) to celebrate the outstanding and dedicated work of officers, staff and volunteers.
The PCSO of the Year went to Graham Tippett from the Hertsmere Safer Neighbourhood Team, covering Potters Bar, who was described as "a great example of the value of PCSOs".
One example of excellent work was while on foot patrol in the town, a member of the public approached Graham providing invaluable intelligence about a locally wanted man.
Police Community Support Officer Tippett relayed the information to colleagues and the suspect was subsequently detained in Met Police territory. He had been wanted for more than six months and had committed countless thefts in Potters Bar.
"Graham demonstrates great tenacity when it comes to the apprehension of offenders and keeping the community safe," said a Herts Police spokesperson.
He is an approachable and visible presence on the streets of Potters Bar and South Mimms, which is proven through the number of people who know him and stop to speak to him when he is out on patrol.
"This also means he gathers information and intelligence from a range of sources.
"In addition to serving his own ward, he also ensures that when other PCSOs are on rest days, their wards are also patrolled."
He has also been pivotal in a local operation around young people, including a time where he had a foot chase with a 15-year-old boy, who attempted to discard a machete.
Graham caught up with him and detained him until other officers arrived.
His evidence was vital in securing a charge of possession of a bladed article in a public place.
Graham has also, on multiple occasions, witnessed offences off duty and called 999, getting involved when necessary.
"His ability to recognise individuals has led to multiple crime detections and linking of offences, as well as valuable intelligence around associations and sightings of people of interest," say the constabulary.
The Chief Constable’s Awards were held at Tewinbury Hotel, with young volunteer police cadets welcoming finalists and their loved ones.
Chief Constable Charlie Hall was joined at the annual awards by Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd, the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Liz Green, Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Robert Voss, along with Deputy Chief Fire Officer Andy Hopcraft from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Addressing the audience on the night, Chief Constable Hall said: “I am delighted that we have had a record number of nominations for awards this evening, almost 150 colleagues were nominated across 14 separate awards categories, with a total of 29 finalists.
“I say to all of you who are here for awards tonight, the fact you have made it here means you are winners regardless of whether you receive the final award on stage tonight or are a runner-up. You should feel very proud of what you’ve achieved to be here this evening.”
Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd added: “It is a real privilege and honour to be part of the Chief Constable’s Awards ceremony.
Whether you’re a police officer or police staff, going above and beyond seems to come with the job but of course for most people outside of policing putting yourself in harm’s way, working unsociable hours, seeing people at times in their lives when they’re at their lowest point, their most vulnerable, in desperate need of help is not normal to most people.
“It is a job quite unlike any other and you all do so to serve and protect the public, so today on behalf of the public it is my turn, our turn, to say thank you and well done for all that you do day in day out to keep us all safe.”
Chief Constable's Awards 2023 winners
Investigator of the Year
Investigator Richard Staff, based within the constabulary’s Domestic Abuse Investigation and Safeguarding Team (DAISU).
Intervention Officer of the Year
PC Jake Smith from the Dacorum Intervention Team based in Hemel Hempstead.
Student Officer of the Year
PC Lukas Haase from the Stevenage Safer Neighbourhood Team.
Leadership Excellence of the Year
Inspector Alison Beazley from the constabulary’s Professional Development Unit.
Tutor Constable of the Year
PC Martin Barringer from the North Herts Safer Neighbourhood Team, based in Hitchin.
Excellence in Collaboration
Inspector Kelly Day from People and Workforce Development.
Police Staff of the Year (non-operational)
Fraud Triage Manager Julian Griffiths from the Serious Fraud and Cyber Unit.
Police Staff of the Year (operational)
Disruption Co-ordinator Danielle Pinn from the Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit.
PCSO of the Year
PCSO Graham Tippett from the Hertsmere Safer Neighbourhood Team, covering Potters Bar.
Safer Neighbourhood Team Officer of the Year
PC Amy Hunter from the Stevenage Safer Neighbourhood Team.
Safeguarding Contribution of the Year
Detective Constable Annette Caveney from the Joint Child Protection and Investigation Team (JCPIT).
Special Constabulary Officer of the Year
Special Sergeant Alex Whittle from the Scorpion Team.
Team of the Year
Sexual Offences Investigation Team (SOIT).
Unsung Hero Award:
Project Phoenix – the team behind the redevelopment of the constabulary’s police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City and the relocation of Watford’s Police Station.
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