Plymouth Commander recognises those who go above and beyond

A city store manager who intervened in a robbery, a detective who investigated the sexual abuse of a 5 year old child with empathy and tenacity, and the woman who has cleaned a city police station for more than 20 years are among those singled out for praise by Plymouth’s police Commander.

Chief Supt Andy Boulting has celebrated the contribution of a variety of eleven people to police efforts and the safety of the city by awarding them with a Commander’s Certificate or the higher level Commander’s Commendation.

Police staff receiving awards include four detective constables, two police Specials, two police volunteers, a PC, and the long-serving cleaner of Crownhill police station, Linda Hawke.

In January this year PC Deborah Benwell, who was off duty, came across a city store robbery in progress and gave chase on foot after two men who were running to a nearby taxi to try and escape.  She identified herself as a police officer and a violent struggle followed with one of the men, during which she received numerous injuries. With the assistance of the taxi driver and the store manager Tom Marley, PC Benwell managed to arrest the robber -and return the stolen goods to the store.  Mr Marley also sustained injuries in the struggle and was congratulated by Chief Supt Boulting for his bravery and selfless actions.

Detective Patricia Evans was honoured for her authority, respect and courtesy after helping a 5 year old girl and her family deal with her sexual abuse which lead to the conviction of the offender – and praise from the family for her sensitivity, empathy and tenacity.  DC Evans was said to have conducted a superbly balanced and sensitive enquiry with the young child that drew out the evidence needed.  In February 2016 Michael Turner was sentenced to more than 4 years at Plymouth Crown Court for two offences of the sexual assault of a 5 year old girl.

Four members of a police team which targets prolific offenders, who have the most impact on the city and their victims through their criminal activity and lifestyle, were celebrated for showing dedication above and beyond their roles and responsibilities. Within 6 months “Operation Converter” successfully remanded 10 prolific offenders, obtained 33 positive outcomes and 40 charges.  

Mrs Linda Hawke was recognised for her dedication and commitment to cleaning Crownhill Police Station for 21 years. Her excellent record and exemplary service were praised along with her wonderful friendly outlook in the early mornings to everyone in the building. She finishes her role on July 22nd 2016.

Andy Bayliss has been a volunteer police driver for more than two years, ferrying officers around the city to other police stations, to courts and meetings.

Commander’s Commendations were given to just two people: Special Superintendent Jude Kelly who joined the police family in 2013 as a special constable and has risen through the ranks. Between April 2015 and March 2016 Jude completed 1,027 hours during 143 duties compared to the annual expectation of a Special of 208 hours during which she was involved in 16 arrests and more than 100 vehicle stops. Her commitment to and care of Special officers is shown through the high number of them who have successfully moved on to join Devon and Cornwall Police as regular officers.    

Also receiving a Commander’s Commendation was Jude’s colleague Steven Barnett who has been a Special constable for 28 years during which he has continuously demonstrated his commitment and completed countless hours of volunteering. In the last year he completed more than 1,290 hours – or the equivalent of over 32 fulltime weeks. He has also invested significant time into providing crucial training for new Specials.