Submitted on behalf of the IP.On 28th December 2012, I was unfortunately a victim of crime, when an offender(s) entered my home address whilst myself, my husband and my two young sons aged one and five respectively, slept in our beds. The trauma, as I am sure you are aware, was unbearable, imagining a complete stranger going through your personal belongings and wondering whether they would return. This incident has left all of our family, particularly our five year old son, who was previously of a very outgoing character, wary about going downstairs on a morning, for fear of what may be encountered. At the outset, when uniform Police attended, I felt that mine must be the only crime that they had to deal with, and was frustrated at the pace, of what I perceived, the investigation was taking place. I conducted a number of enquiries myself with Boots, Next and Game outlets for which vouchers had been amongst property stolen within the burglary, and reported my findings back to the Police. I was later contacted by Detective Constable Martin Wilson, who informed me that he was now investigating the Burglary, and that relevant CCTV had been recovered, viewed and a potential offender identified; a great relief to our family. DC Wilson conducted what I and my father, a retired Police Officer, thought to be a thorough, efficient and expeditious enquiry, which resulted in the offender being arrested and interviewed. At all stages of the enquiry DC Wilson kept me up to date with how the investigation was progressing and the custody status of the offender. In mid- March 2013 DC Wilson attended my home in order to obtain a victim personal statement, and explained in fine detail the options available to the courts, should the offender be convicted, and showed genuine empathy in regards to the manner that this incident had impacted on my family, particularly my children. The reason I write this letter is to ask you to pass my family’s thanks to DC Wilson, and to let you know that he is a credit to your department, in these days when far too much criticism is levelled at the Police. DC Wilson is a Detective who has the time to show sympathy and empathy to victims, whilst leaving no stone unturned in an investigation in order to bring offenders to justice. Thank you once again.

Sarah was so supportive and took my concerns very seriously. She went the extra mile in her calm and caring way. She involved PC1988 Barton, DC864 Knox and SGT774 Long who together combined to resolve what could have been a very difficult situation for me. This showed great knowledge in a complex situation and showed me personally, great empathy. It was a positive experienced, resolved quickly and fairly. I cant thank you enough for the time you took and the care you showed throughout the process

Lorraine took her time to listen to me and told me all the information and help I needed due to a fall out with my partener. I have asked the police in the past for help and no-one has taken the time to listen. I think she is an absolute credit to the police force and i hope she gets noticed for this. I would like to say a very big thank you to her and I now have trust in the police that they are not all the same.

Help and support given to my mother in law by the above officer following damage and abuse by two youths.

I would like to nominate PC Alistair Coulson for a WOW award. I have small children and a limited support network and have suffered domestic violence which has left me feeling weak, vulnerable, anxious and upset. PC Coulson became involved in my situation and immediately took control. He arranged for my children to be looked after while I visited the hospital and than arranged for my injuries to photographed. He was positive and supportive and his reassurance gave me the confidence to do the right thing. He has given me the strength to go on and I am now in a much better place. I cannot thank PC Coulson enough.BProduct

On 31st January, 2013, PC Varley and his colleagues assisted me and my friends (we are all elderly ladies) to get through the blockage caused by a fallen tree at Maiden Castle, which ensured that we did not miss our train to London. They were all very helpful and kind and we cannot thank them enough for their assistance on the day. Thank you again.

In January 2013, I was the victim/witness of a theft from my vehicle. The OIC PC John Tyers was very diligent in his enquiries which eventually led to the arrest of the offender. He provided much needed support to me following such a stressful incident and kept me updated at all times. When the case was closed, PC Tyers was able to return some of my property which had been stolen: I could not have expected a better service and he is a credit to Durham Constabulary; thank you.

A Mr David McDonald from Gilesgate, Durham, was connected through to the front counter 20/3/13. He was calling to express his admiration of the good police work of two officers (believed to be 145 + 1607) who attended to his neighbour. Mr McDonald said he was aware his neighbour suffered from mental health problems and that the Police had attended with mental health workers to section him. He went on to say that his neighbour had become upset and uncooperative towards those present and the Police Officers called on him to see if his presence would help calm his neighbour. He said he witnessed the officers calming his neighbour down and persuading him to cooperate with the staff present including as to which items/articles he would be allowed to take with him into hospital. He said that the officers “moved his neighbour from being really upset to smiles”. McDonald further added that he had been a prison officer for many years and understood how difficult it can be dealing with people suffering with mental health problems and he recognised the tact and skills required to handle such sufferers and he described the officers as being “outstanding”. Mr McDonald had been asked to pass on the thanks from his neighbours son. On closing, Mr McDonald added that the officers also returned to make sure his neighbours car was locked and his milk in the fridge .

I wish to nominate the above officers for the assistance and excellent customer service that they have given when dealing with a situation of anti-social behaviour, harassment and verbal abuse from a small group of individuals where I live. They have listened to my concerns, provided support, guidance and reassurance.

I would like to nominate PC Bradley for a wow award to thank him for helping me when I was verbly attacked whilst shopping in Morrisons. Ian was off duty at the time and came to my recuce when an unknown man statred shouting in my face and verbally threatening me; if it wasnt for Ian Im unsure what could have happened! Once again thank you Ian