Police volunteers in Hampshire honoured for their 'exceptional' service at awards ceremony
“The knowledge, skills and support they have provided continue to have a lasting effect across the force.”
Volunteer police officers who have given thousands of hours to protecting communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have been recognised at an awards ceremony.
The Citizens in Policing awards were held at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary's training headquarters in Netley on Saturday, October 3. Among those honoured was a three-person roads policing team which collectively volunteered almost 3,000 operational hours during the past year.
The Northern Roads Policing Special Constabulary team was named special constabulary team of the year after attending more than 500 incidents. The team provides specialist roads policing support across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, with its members trained as advanced drivers.
Special Sergeant Paul Gladdish and Special Constable Craig Livingstone were recognised for their work, including mentoring and training other volunteer officers.
The team has also delivered mental health awareness training to colleagues, helping officers feel more confident when dealing with vulnerable people and those experiencing mental health crises.
Special Constabulary Superintendent Russell Morrison said: “The knowledge, skills and support they have provided continue to have a lasting effect across the force, creating benefits that reach far beyond the hours they personally volunteer.
“Their commitment to protecting the public, supporting colleagues and investing in the development of others makes them worthy recipients of the special constabulary team of the year award and outstanding ambassadors for volunteer policing across the force.”
Special Sergeant Gary Schuster also received the special superintendent award for developing an intelligence-led policing initiative. The scheme, created with local criminal investigation department teams, gives Special Constables more opportunities to take part in intelligence-led operations while gaining operational experience.
Officers involved can work across the different stages of the intelligence process, helping them develop new skills while supporting police investigations. The initiative is now being considered for wider rollout across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Mr Morrison added: “Special Constable Schuster has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation. He has created a model that not only supports operational policing but also provides invaluable development opportunities for Special Constables.
"The fact that the initiative is now being considered for wider implementation is testament to the impact of his work and the benefits it has delivered."
Also recognised was head cadet Megan James, who received a special award for her work supporting young people within the police cadets. Megan helps welcome and mentor new recruits, encouraging them to settle into the programme and take part in opportunities they might otherwise have been reluctant to try.
She also gives up her time to support cadet sessions and community events across the county. Cadet Leader Alan Nolan-Davis said: “Megan is an exceptional role model whose leadership, compassion and dedication have made a huge difference to our cadet unit. She consistently supports new recruits, encourages her fellow cadets and leads by example.
“Her commitment to helping others, both within the cadets and her local community, makes her thoroughly deserving of this recognition."