PCSO Harleys work secured the co-operation, support and complaint of a vulnerable victim who had sustained (reported) significant injury following a recent assault. This investigation was a success due to a number of factors including her dedication, victim-focus, sensitivity, positive attitude, fine investigative skills and above all a determination to support a victim with complex needs. She has personally supported this victim over a number of years and has made herself a source of help for a very vulnerable lady who lives a very chaotic life. Without this dedication this woman would not have had the confidence to help her situation and would very likely have suffered in silence. Such actions are both positive and professional and provide an excellent example of first class police work.

I am nominating Laura for a Wow award as she recently went above and beyond her role to improve the life of a vulnerable young woman. Laura works closely with those working with victims of domestic abuse. In November Laura became aware of a young female who has recently moved from ‘the other end of the country’ away from family and friends because of domestic violence and was extremely vulnerable. She has been refused a Council grant and the appeal has also been refused. She has no furniture and nothing on the floor, (no carpets or coverings at all) she has no bed, washer or fridge, or anything to make the place ‘cosy’. Laura sent out requests using the internal circulator to all staff asking for their help. Laura and everyone in our team have been overwhelmed by the kindness shown by staff and the large numbers of donations of all sorts of furniture and homeware. Laura organised for donations to be stored and distributed. She also liaised with estates who offered a wide range of furniture from the old hostel blocks, ensuring unwanted furniture was given to those who need it. Laura’s initiative and kindness has not only improved the life of vulnerable people in our community but also shown the kindness displayed by police officers and staff across the force area.

PC Payne came accross an RTC at Leadgate involving an elderly gentlemen. This males car was hit causing extensive damage by another vehicle who had left the scene without stopping. Following an area search PC Payne found a section of the offending vehicle and I believe through due diligence and exceptional police work, identified the offender from a portion of that car tracing its origin through a vw/audi supply chain. A marker was put on the part in an attempt to identify the driver/owner which proved successful. The vehicle and the driver were identified intially stating that they had hit a static object. Confronted with the evidence a full and frank admission was made. That person was subsequently reported. I believe PC Payne demonstrated excellent police skills not only in identifying the offender but helping the victim claim for repairs through insurances without any unnesecary expense to him, a total victim satisfaction achieved and an investigation which has given me some fantastic pointers for future referrence. PC Payne detected a crime from a small printed number on a piece of plastic. Victim satisfaction unmeasurable.

Myself and the rest of the team would like to nominate Alan for his commitment and dedication in addressing a convoluted and complex neighbourhood dispute involving a number of households. This is an ongoing situation that has placed a significant demand on police resources. Given the almost daily calls made to the organisation from each household involved. Alan has taken a primary role at tackling this issue, obtaining a number of key statements and engaging with partner agencies. His dedication and drive supports the force vision of protecting neighbourhoods and solving problems. He is a role model to the rest of the team, hence the nomination.

Dianne works as a mentor in the Intergrated offender management unit at Darlington. As part of the team Dianne takes an active role in working with offenders. She always makes a positive contribution and is willing to go that extra mile. She often works beyond her working hours in order to get the job done. Her willingness and hard working approach are clear to see and allow officers within the unit to focus on other areas of work. She always work with an open mind/positive attitude which allows her to form strong rapports/relationships with clients who are generally hard to reach and builds trust. In recent months Dianne has made such an impact on one client who was a prolific offender, that he has been through recovery and is now a volunteer mentor for recovering addicts in the Peterlee area. Dianne is currently mentoring another client who has a number of medical issues but fails to manage the illness correctly possibly through choice. Although he has support workers Dianne has taken it upon herself to research the illness and is fully aware of what he needs to do to remain stable. She has also become a point of contact with the support workers who contact her on a regular basis for advice regarding the illness (diabetes). In conclusion I feel that Dianne makes a positive contribution every day to the goals of Durham Constabulary and the rehabilitation of offenders. Dianne would fully deserve a WOW award.

Acting as the Sergeant for PC Donnelly, I was requested by comms to contact the IP, Mr Dolan, following an incident on 7th November 2012. During the conversation, the IP reflected upon an incident where Mick Donnelly had dealt with a highly intoxicated gentleman who had caused himself an injury having left a wine bar. Mr Dolan felt it necessary to contact police upon his return home, having observed and interacted personally with Mick over a period of approximately 20 minutes whilst Ambulance crew were travelling. Mr Dolan described Mick as “fantastic” and a “credit to the police”, by the virtue of his professionalism and manner, under what Mr Dolan describes as quite a pressurised situation fuelled by intoxicated associates of the injured gentleman. Mr Dolan is an elderly gentleman, an ex-special constable 50yrs since, and wanted Mick to be recognised formally for his actions. Mr Dolan was not in a position personally to use the internet to nominate PC Donnelly, therefore i have submitted this on his behalf. I confirm that the above is a true account of what Mr Dolan has provided.

on 17/10/12 PCSO Parker was leaving the front office at Durham and saw an elderly male sat in the office who seemed confused. He discovered that the man had bought some trousers and decided to leave the shop in them, leaving his old trousers with his house keys in them at the shop which had then closed for the night. PCSO Parker asked me to take him to the mans address to help him to gain access to his property. On arrival at the address, it became very apparent that we would not be able to gain entry. I called a local locksmith who said he would be 30 mins. The man, who was very unsteady on his feet and was using a stick to walk, had to be helped in and out of the police van several times and we kept him in the van to keep warm on the chilly evening. The way that PCSO Parker spoke to the man who appeared to have some dementia issues was above and beyond his duty. He was very patient and caring and understanding and we were with him for over 2 hours. Once entry was gained to the house, the man kept PCSO Parker busy with his stories from his younger days as a Doctor at the university and PCSO Parker was very considerate and patient. The following day, PCSO Parker attended the shop where the male had bought his trousers from and collected his old ones and took them to his home address. Unfortunately due to his dementia, the elderly gentleman had no recollection of the event and did not recognise PCSO Parker. I would like to say that PCSO Parkers actions left me with a WOW feeling and I was very impressed and proud of how he had treated the man. This is the first nomination I have made for the WOW awards and I think this goes to show how impressed I was.

An elderly lady fell over at the side of the road breaking her glasses, injuring her knee, and cutting her face. Gill stopped her car, assisted the lady and put her in her vehicle. She then drove her to a safer place and waited until the ambulance arrived. Throughout the incident Gill was caring and reassuring which helped keep the lady calm. Although a number of people were present Gill was the only one who acted upon what had happened.

On 2/11/12 PC Renshaw attended an immediate response incident after a disturbance was reported on a service bus involving a number of people fighting. Upon his arrival the assailants dispersed and PC Renshaw took control of the scene and coordinated a search of the area in an attempt to locate the suspect. PC Renshaw spoke to numerous IPs and witnesses on the bus taking details of those involved. The assault had been totally unprovoked after passengers chastised the suspects for using offensive language. PC Renshaw then ensured that he provided care and empathy to those who were injured before obtaining multiple witness statements over several days. PC Renshaw travelled outside the hub to Hunwick to ensure that all the key statements were obtained, going the extra mile and taking care to produce a first class package ready for the arrest of the suspects. Feedback from one of the IPs was highly complimentary with regards to PC Renshaws calm attitude in dealing with the incident and the care given to himself and the others involved. NPT officers also evidenced the first class quality of the handover package which was complete and resulted in the suspects being charged with the offences at the first opportunity. A fist class piece of compassionate police work putting the victims at the fore front of the investigation.

Jackies role is to support victims of sexual and domestic violence through the criminal justice process, encouraging them to remain engaged, as well as ensuring they have access to follow-on services where required. Jackie is currently dealing with one particularly vulnerable young woman who has struggled more than most in coming to terms with her circumstances. Jackie has supported this lady by referring her into appropriate therapeutic services, as she does with all her victims, but I feel she has gone the extra mile on this occasion as she gave advice, signposted, and supported the lady in accessing hospital treatment in relation to a pregnancy which resulted from the offence. Not only did Jackie accompany the victim to her appointments, she also stayed with her in the hospital on the day of the termination, which in my opinion, is worthy of this nomination.