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Police work recognised at awards ceremony
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| Anthony Rae and Mark Chivers, who received awards for helping motorists caught up in the July floods last year |
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AN award ceremony to publicise the good work done by police and community officers was held last night.
Fourteen Divisional Commander's Certificate of Merit awards were handed out at Swindon's Basic Command Unit (BCU) Awards Ceremony at the Steam railway museum in Swindon - an event that organisers hope will become a regular feature.
Recipients included a Detective Constable who secured a conviction in a rape case, a constable who obtained an admission of 87 offences from one offender, officers involved in tackling drug offences, and two PCSOs who, despite being off-duty, helped stricken motorists in last summer's flooding.
The awards were presented by Chief Supt Paul Howlett, BCU commander, who said it was important to publicly recognise the good work of police officers and those who work with them.
He said: "It was very important to me to have this open to the public so that they can see just what a breadth of services are provided and how hard these people work.
"It's also nice for it to be a family occasion - it makes it less of a formal, stuffy affair and makes it even more special for those receiving awards.
"It's something that we would like to do three or four times a year."
Swindon Council leader Rod Bluh said it was an honour to be asked to hand out the awards. He said: "I'm very pleased to be here tonight and to recognise the good work that has been done.
"The partnerships between the council and the police and with the police and other organisations represented here tonight really make a difference."
Chief inspector of neighbourhood policing, Paul Mills, said he was pleased to see PCSOs being recognised alongside police officers.
He said: "It's very important because sometimes PCSOs don't get the recognition they deserve.
"The variety of work undertaken by PCSOs and the value of that is definitely something that is worthy of being highlighted. I'm delighted for the two lads who got an award this evening."
Members of a number of community groups from around Swindon came to the event, many of them to congratulate Insp Bob Markham.
Insp Markhamwas given his award in recognition of his achievements with the community of Swindon, particularly those residents from a minority ethnic background.
Gilly Lambert, chairman of the Swindon Race Coalition, said: "Bob has done some great work in the community and it's good to see that recognised."
Keith Hollands was one of those recognised for his hard work in reducing drug dealing on the streets of Swindon.
Mr Hollands, a disclosure officer, was in charge of keeping in order all documents related to a proactive drug operation which resulted in 12 warrants and a total of 17 years imprisonment for drug dealers around Swindon.
He said: "It's very pleasing to have your work recognised - I think the ceremony is a great idea and shows the important work done by the police."
8:46am Wednesday 26th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: KJ on 9:03am Wed 26 Mar 08
Good work? by the police? Are they just making these convictions and stuff up to look good and hide the fact that they cant keep the hooligans off our streets????
Good work? by the police? Are they just making these convictions and stuff up to look good and hide the fact that they cant keep the hooligans off our streets????
Posted by: WTF?, Swindon on 9:31am Wed 26 Mar 08
This is an early April fools joke right?
Why on earth are the police being rewarded for doing what they:
a. signed up to do?
b. are paid for?
Next we'll have NHS cleaners rewarded with gold wrist watches for cleaning a toilet.
This is an early April fools joke right?
Why on earth are the police being rewarded for doing what they:
a. signed up to do?
b. are paid for?
Next we'll have NHS cleaners rewarded with gold wrist watches for cleaning a toilet.
Posted by: Captain Sensible, Near Swindon on 9:46am Wed 26 Mar 08
I'm sure that they did do a good job, but doing the job you are paid for hardly warrants this orgy of self congratulation does it?
I'm sure that they did do a good job, but doing the job you are paid for hardly warrants this orgy of self congratulation does it?
Posted by: Big Mac on 10:49am Wed 26 Mar 08
Presumably the taxpayer footed the bill for this little love-in?
Frankly, with the public perception of the police only slightly more favourable than their view of receiving a kick to the groin, this type of showboating is the very last thing they should be doing.
Presumably the taxpayer footed the bill for this little love-in?
Frankly, with the public perception of the police only slightly more favourable than their view of receiving a kick to the groin, this type of showboating is the very last thing they should be doing.
Posted by: BWB, SWINDON on 1:40pm Wed 26 Mar 08
[bold]Recipients included a Detective Constable who secured a conviction in a rape case, a constable who obtained an admission of 87 offences from one offender[/bold]
This will look good
when they publish their Statistics.
They wont tell you that they solved ONE
crime and the other 86 were T I C.
Its realy laughable.
Recipients included a Detective Constable who secured a conviction in a rape case, a constable who obtained an admission of 87 offences from one offender
This will look good
when they publish their Statistics.
They wont tell you that they solved ONE
crime and the other 86 were T I C.
Its realy laughable.
Posted by: Lexi, Wiltshire on 4:30pm Wed 26 Mar 08
For goodness sake! Give them a break. The two PCSOs who were off duty when assisting those caught in floods was worthy of awards and so is the other work mentioned. 87 offences is great news and if I was the victim of a rape, I would be pretty chuffed that a constable had worked hard to secure a conviction. If you want to help improve the Police Service rather than just slagging it off all the time, why don't you join as specials - try helping your community, you neveer know you may receive an award for some good work YOU have done.
For goodness sake! Give them a break. The two PCSOs who were off duty when assisting those caught in floods was worthy of awards and so is the other work mentioned. 87 offences is great news and if I was the victim of a rape, I would be pretty chuffed that a constable had worked hard to secure a conviction. If you want to help improve the Police Service rather than just slagging it off all the time, why don't you join as specials - try helping your community, you neveer know you may receive an award for some good work YOU have done.
Posted by: wendy, swindon on 4:42pm Wed 26 Mar 08
Here here Lexi I quite agree, many officers go that extra mile, they work hard and often do much more than the job they are paid for. Lexi's suggeastion that you should all volunteer to be a special is an excellent one, don't just sit there slagging them off when you really don't know what most of them do in a day, and go to work with them and see if you can make a difference.
Here here Lexi I quite agree, many officers go that extra mile, they work hard and often do much more than the job they are paid for. Lexi's suggeastion that you should all volunteer to be a special is an excellent one, don't just sit there slagging them off when you really don't know what most of them do in a day, and go to work with them and see if you can make a difference.
Posted by: Annie, Stratton on 4:46pm Wed 26 Mar 08
I completely echo the sentiments of Wendy and Lexi.
People are so negative about everything in this town - whether it is our police officers, council, canal proposals...and pretty much any new suggestion that means Swindon could improve.
All of those people who won awards deserve them - it isn't often that they receive praise and most of your moans are nothing to do with the people who do the job, its those who make the rules that cause the problems.
As the others have said become a special or stand to be a councillor/MP. You all moan about them enough - show us all how good a job you can do.
I completely echo the sentiments of Wendy and Lexi.
People are so negative about everything in this town - whether it is our police officers, council, canal proposals...and pretty much any new suggestion that means Swindon could improve.
All of those people who won awards deserve them - it isn't often that they receive praise and most of your moans are nothing to do with the people who do the job, its those who make the rules that cause the problems.
As the others have said become a special or stand to be a councillor/MP. You all moan about them enough - show us all how good a job you can do.
Posted by: Mumstheword, Walcot on 5:38pm Wed 26 Mar 08
A big congratulations to all who won awards. I greatly admire anyone who decides to become a police officer or a special. It has to be one of the most challenging jobs out there and the pay is no brill either. These people deserve events like this, awards and recognitions. These are our real heros not footie players worth millions!
A big congratulations to all who won awards. I greatly admire anyone who decides to become a police officer or a special. It has to be one of the most challenging jobs out there and the pay is no brill either. These people deserve events like this, awards and recognitions. These are our real heros not footie players worth millions!
Posted by: thenoose, Swindon on 6:51pm Wed 26 Mar 08
It's always the same people slagging off the Police. The one's who sit back in their nice comfy chairs; putting the world to rights. Well if these people are so opinionated, why don't they get off their fat ar5es and show the Police how its done. Quite frankly, the Police officers who have received awards have gone above and beyond what is expected of them and a pat on the back is well deserved. Afterall, it wasn't that long ago that an officer was repeatedly stabbed doing his job. I suppose he was just doing what he was paid for too.
It's always the same people slagging off the Police. The one's who sit back in their nice comfy chairs; putting the world to rights. Well if these people are so opinionated, why don't they get off their fat ar5es and show the Police how its done. Quite frankly, the Police officers who have received awards have gone above and beyond what is expected of them and a pat on the back is well deserved. Afterall, it wasn't that long ago that an officer was repeatedly stabbed doing his job. I suppose he was just doing what he was paid for too.
Posted by: Chowmai, swindon on 9:52pm Wed 26 Mar 08
Congrats to all of those who gained awards and to all those who take the decision to make a difference by taking up a career in the police.
I echo Lexi in what s/he said.
It's **** easy to sit back and criticise the efforts of others while you do nothing.
Every year every industry holds awards to praise it's top 'players', I've been invited to allsorts of ones and refused each and every one but one things for sure I would attend an award ceremony to recognise the efforts of our local men and women in blue, if for no other reason than to say [italic]"I don't know how you do it because I sure as hell couldn't!"[/italic]
Congrats to all of those who gained awards and to all those who take the decision to make a difference by taking up a career in the police.
I echo Lexi in what s/he said.
It's **** easy to sit back and criticise the efforts of others while you do nothing.
Every year every industry holds awards to praise it's top 'players', I've been invited to allsorts of ones and refused each and every one but one things for sure I would attend an award ceremony to recognise the efforts of our local men and women in blue, if for no other reason than to say
"I don't know how you do it because I sure as hell couldn't!" Posted by: Chowmai, swindon on 9:57pm Wed 26 Mar 08
hmm, since when has 'all too' been a swear word? Or did I write d a m n?
hmm, since when has 'all too' been a swear word? Or did I write d a m n?
Posted by: Chowmai, swindon on 9:57pm Wed 26 Mar 08
hmm, since when has 'all too' been a swear word? Or did I write d a m n?
hmm, since when has 'all too' been a swear word? Or did I write d a m n?
Posted by: paul_swindon on 11:01pm Wed 26 Mar 08
Well done to those praising the awards and shame on the others. All you ever do is denigrate the good work and efforts of others. If any of you ever did anything yourself of value I would be amazed. You are a pathetic rabble.
Well done to those praising the awards and shame on the others. All you ever do is denigrate the good work and efforts of others. If any of you ever did anything yourself of value I would be amazed. You are a pathetic rabble.
Posted by: BWB, SWINDON on 11:58pm Wed 26 Mar 08
[bold]Congrats to all of those who gained awards and to all those who take the decision to make a difference by taking up a career in the police.[/bold]
Thats because no one else would employ them. I suppose you wittering creeps think this Government Is also doing a fine job. Snivelling wreches the lot of you. Good Night.
Congrats to all of those who gained awards and to all those who take the decision to make a difference by taking up a career in the police.
Thats because no one else would employ them. I suppose you wittering creeps think this Government Is also doing a fine job. Snivelling wreches the lot of you. Good Night.
Posted by: Big Mac on 9:17am Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]thenoose wrote:[/bold]
It's always the same people slagging off the Police.[/quote]
I don't think people are slagging the police themselves - and I think everyone is aware that it's a difficult job.
Fair enough if the police want to award each other for a job well done.
However, what I do object to is my tax money being used to pay for these gala events and the cynical way in which they're used to project a media image of 'Look at how well we're doing' when, I'm afraid, the reality is that crime is getting worse by the day.
I can think of virtually nobody out of a very large circle of friends, family and colleagues that hasn't, in some way, been affected by crime in the past two or three years.
The blame for most of this does not actually lie with the police. It lies with a government who pander to criminals, encourage law breaking and who hamstring the police from doing their job at every opportunity.
Let's get rid of this inept and dangerous government, put a new government in power and [italic]insist[/italic] that they give the police the powers they need in order to be able to carry out the job that most of them so dearly want to.
Until that happens, people will continue to see the police as nothing more than easy target seekers who ignore serious criminals because it doesn't make sense for their 'targets'.
thenoose wrote:
It's always the same people slagging off the Police.
I don't think people are slagging the police themselves - and I think everyone is aware that it's a difficult job.
Fair enough if the police want to award each other for a job well done.
However, what I do object to is my tax money being used to pay for these gala events and the cynical way in which they're used to project a media image of 'Look at how well we're doing' when, I'm afraid, the reality is that crime is getting worse by the day.
I can think of virtually nobody out of a very large circle of friends, family and colleagues that hasn't, in some way, been affected by crime in the past two or three years.
The blame for most of this does not actually lie with the police. It lies with a government who pander to criminals, encourage law breaking and who hamstring the police from doing their job at every opportunity.
Let's get rid of this inept and dangerous government, put a new government in power and
insist that they give the police the powers they need in order to be able to carry out the job that most of them so dearly want to.
Until that happens, people will continue to see the police as nothing more than easy target seekers who ignore serious criminals because it doesn't make sense for their 'targets'.
Posted by: ferdy, swindon on 2:00pm Thu 27 Mar 08
What narrow minded idiots......
These police officers work hard everyday you would soon be shouting if you got robbed mugged etc..
What narrow minded idiots......
These police officers work hard everyday you would soon be shouting if you got robbed mugged etc..
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