Local police officers - including Exmouth PCSO - receive awards for bravery

A NUMBER OF East Devon Police Officers - including a Police Community Support Officer who was based at Exmouth - have received awards for bravery...

Superintendent Chris Eastwood; police commander for the Exeter, East and Mid Devon areas, has awarded 14 police officers for their "selfless acts of bravery and diligent examples of professionalism in frontline policing".

Supt Eastwood said, "These awards recognise the excellent work that goes on across the policing area, both on the frontline and behind the scenes. Their bravery and professionalism help keep the communities of Exeter, East and Mid Devon safe. I am proud to command such a skilled and hard working team of officers".

"Professionalism and tenacity"

One of the officers who received a Commander Certificate award was PCSO Kevin Macleod. The award was for "Professionalism and tenacity in resolving ASB [anti-social behaviour] in the Community".

In October 2012, PCSO Macleod - who at the time was based at Exmouth - successfully secured a house closure order on an address in Littleham, Exmouth. The premises was the cause of long-term anti-social behaviour in the community.

PCSO Macleod took the lead role in the application process and, according to the police, "obtained quality witness evidence from local residents. He did this without compromising their identity, with exceptional empathy and witness care skills. He undertook various research to support the application and prepared workable documents to assist the prosecuting counsel.

"PCSO Macleod worked tirelessly to support vulnerable witnesses through the process. Without his intuitive approach and tenacity, the application may well have failed. The success of the case has greatly improved the quality of life for the local community."

Commander Certificates

At the cermony, held at the Guildhall, Exeter on 6 March, Commander Certificates were also awarded to:

Police Sergeant Alan Barnsley - for outstanding local knowledge and police work

Detective Constable Louise Davies - for exceptional police work

Detective Constable Andrew Hingston  - for dedication and commitment to Operation Thread

Police Constable  Owen Jones - for courage and professionalism

Police Constable Owen Jones - for resilience and professionalism

Police Constable Robin Poole - for courage and professionalism

Police Constable Thomas Quick - for courage and professionalism

Police Sergeant Paul Roberts - for courage and professionalism

Devon Commander Commendations awarded to:

Police Constable Mark Curnow - for saving a life in extremely dangerous circumstances

Police Constable Robert Dodd  - for saving a life in extremely dangerous circumstances

Police Constable Anthony Osborne - for saving a life in extremely dangerous circumstances

Confirmation of appointment to the office of Special Constable awarded to:

SC Helen Legg

SC Ben Martin

SC Tom Osborne

 "These awards are a clear celebration of some of the fantastic contributions by police officers to our local communities," said Superintendent Chris Eastwood.

The awards ceremony was attended by the local police area commander Superintendent Chris Eastwood, Devon police commander Chief Superintendent Paul Davies, SC Superintendent Andy Turner, representatives from Exeter City Council and the mayor of Exmouth, John Humphreys.