The good work of almost 200 individuals including police officers, specials, PCSO's, police staff and members of the public has been recognised in the Northern Area's first annual commendation ceremony.

Chief Supt Neil Brunton who chaired the ceremony held at Bedworth Civic Hall on Tuesday 12 September said "The ceremony celebrates the contribution all these individuals have made to making Warwickshire a safer place to live and work.

"Many acted above and beyond the call of duty risking their own personal safety to help others. Others have not only performed in an outstanding manner but they have done this as volunteers for no financial gain. The ceremony also recognises the often-unsung heroes who put in a tremendous effort behind the scenes, going the extra mile to support ongoing investigations and to improve customer service for the people of Warwickshire.

The significance of the awards was marked by the attendance of new ACC Bill Holland, Alan Woodward, John Rennie and Brian Lowe of Warwickshire Police Authority, Jerry Doherty of Nuneaton and Bedworth District Council and Brian Lowe, Ron Potter and Vaughan Owen representing Neighbourhood Watch, most of whom were invited to present categories of awards.

The commendations marked the completion of a two year probationary period for 27 attendees who received certificates to mark the occasion from Alan Woodward of Warwickshire Police Authority. The awards recognise exceptional work, performance, citizen focus, high volume detection of crime, as well as quality and long service awards.

At the end of the evening a special award was made to the widow and family of PC Alan Spittles in recognition of the tremendous contribution he made to the community he policed. Alan's family received a standing ovation from all present. Alan joined the Constabulary in 1978 serving the majority of his career at Coleshill. He was committed to Community Policing. Since the 1980's he carried out the role of a Community Beat Officer for both Curdworth and Water Orton before becoming the Community Projects Manager. He was twice nominated for the National Community Beat Officer awards and in 2005 became the first recipient of the John Rennie Citizen Focus Award in recognition of the community work he had undertaken. A bespoke youth shelter designed in conjunction with the young people of Coleshill stands as testament to the ground-breaking work Alan instigated.

RUGBY

In Rugby the good work of over 60 individuals including CID, regular officers, PCSOs and specials has been recognised.

CI Martin Samuel said "It was good to see officers and staff from Rugby being recognised for the hard work that very often goes unnoticed. I was particularly pleased to see the special police officers recognised for all the work they do which is as everybody knows on a voluntary basis. Paul Collett has done an extraodinary amount of good work in developing community and partnership working on Benn beat, and this was recognized at the awards ceremony. Every member of staff who received a reward has done so in recognition of commitment to providing an excellent service over and above that which is normally expected."

Temporary DC 101 Anna Morgan received an outstanding three awards on the night including a commendation and an award for recognising the quality of her work.

DC Morgan is commended for her diligence, commitment and high work rate which she displayed to the public of Rugby for an extended period of her trainee detective attachment at Rugby. Her dedication is a credit to herself, the organisation and the public.

Thirteen officers and staff based at Rugby including Peter Martin, Tracey Price, Eric Hughes and Janet Tate are commended for their personal motivation and commitment to tackling the drugs markets within Rugby over a sustained period.

Special Constable Emma Bastock and Area Officer Katherine Hancock both received a Citizen Focus Award in recognition of their work following an assault in Sandown Road, Rugby in June 2006. The specials attended the scene and extended their tour of duty to maintain the log. They ensured maximum evidence could be obtained from the scene and worked excessive hours without hesitation to assist in the investigation of a serious offence.

The award was particularly timely as on Monday 11 September the case was heard at Warwick Crown Court where Piotr ORZECHOWSKI pleaded guilty to section 20 assault and was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment.

Special Area Officer 3169 John Baker was also recognised. He received a Citizen Focus Award in recognition of the service and commitment he displayed to the public of Rugby during his 15 years service as a special constable within Warwickshire Police. His dedication and extensive unpaid working hours have benefited both the organisation and also the public.

Specials have the same powers as regular officers and volunteer around four hours a week of their own time to police their local communities. Most specials have a full time ‘day job' and find time during evenings and weekends to train and carry out the role.

PCSO 6066 Paul Collett who is PCSO on Benn beat, Rugby is commended for his professionalism and awareness of the needs of the entire community. PCSO Collett worked to establish the Manor Road Resident's Association, engaging members of the community and working tirelessly to get the resident's association established, delivering leaflets and marketing the benefits of the association with residents. PCSO Collett also demonstrated an awareness of the needs of younger people in the area, helping to arrange a family fun day to launch a new POD. During his time on Benn Beat PCSO Collett has built up invaluable contacts with residents and business in the area working closely with local councillors and community representatives, all of whom have praised his commitment and efforts.

Fifteen officers including DI Alistair Wright, Irene Rose, DS Andrew Dodds, PC Gary Hammond, PC Peter Trahern, PC Michelle Busby, PC Simon Bodill, PC David Tew and PC Heidi Twynham received a Performance Award for their professionalism, tenacity, dedication and commitment to investigating a substantial amount of offences in Rugby during 2005-2006. The result of this operation was the detection of 115 burglary dwelling offences, 160 autocrime offences, and the imprisonment of 111 individuals.

PHOTOS available on request - please contact Hazel on 02476 483366 (new number!)