Tracking down gun suspects, bringing warring communities together, complex investigations into child abuse and hundreds of hours spent tracking down wanted criminals are among the achievements rewarded at this year’s Brighton and Hove Police awards.
Police staff, officers and volunteers were congratulated for their exceptional investigative skills, dedication to providing a public service and bravery at the ceremony on Monday (19 October).
A total of 40 awards were given out at the ceremony which took place at Hove Cricket Ground, and were presented by divisional commander Chief Superintendent Nev Kemp, Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne and the High Sheriff of East Sussex Juliet Smith.
Award winners included Special Constables Heather Norman and Richard Miles for their dedication and commitment to the Brighton and Hove Manhunt Team. Receiving their awards for being ‘outstanding volunteers’, between them they have worked more than 370 hours to help find and bring in wanted persons across the city.
This has helped to disrupt criminal activity in Brighton and Hove and ensure quick justice for victims of crime.
Detective Constable Rex Petty was commended for being an ‘outstanding investigator’ for his work on two separate, extremely complex and sensitive child abuse allegations.
He worked tirelessly over several years to build trust and confidence with the victims which eventually resulted in the offenders of both cases receiving lengthy prison sentences. Rex’s commitment and dedication to those involved in the case is truly outstanding and he is to be thanked.
Kate Davies was given the ‘public service’ award for her continued work on division in relation to restorative justice. She was specifically praised for her efforts in relation to a restorative conference that she arranged between two community groups after tensions had flared following the death of a young man back in 2012.
Her efforts have greatly improved the lives of those involved and as a result policing resources that had been previously needed to tackle ongoing incidents between the various groups are no longer required.
Several members of the public were also given awards including security officers Tijan Tourey and Richard Norris. Richard received his award for bravery and courage when he swam more than 100m out to sea to save a woman who had jumped from Brighton Pier.
Once back on the beach he provided her with emergency medical assistance whilst waiting for lifeboat crews to arrive. His swift and brave actions helped to save the woman’s life.
Tijan was praised for his continued work alongside Sussex Police and the Business Crime Reduction Partnership within the city’s night time economy. He has helped Sussex Police on many occasions through supporting prosecutions, identifying suspects and helping tirelessly during the summer periods of 2014 and 2015. Tijan is an asset to Brighton and an unsung hero of the night time economy.
PC Steven Morris was congratulated for his ‘outstanding frontline performance’ for the role he played in identifying and arresting two suspects involved in a firearms incident back in May this year.
His ability to recall the descriptions of the men allowed him to link them to another incident and his determination in tracking them down ensured that the risk to the public has been greatly reduced.
Chief Superintendent Nev Kemp said: “It is a real honour to be able to recognise the courage, hard work and dedication that the officers, staff and volunteers of Brighton and Hove Divisional show on a daily basis.
“I am extremely proud to work alongside people who go above and beyond to protect the communities of Brighton and Hove and who strive for justice no matter what.
“It is also fantastic that we have been able to give awards to those working outside Sussex Police who have showed great courage, stepping into situations that many others would turn away from.
“Members of the public like Tijan and Richard help make our job that bit easier and I and my colleagues are grateful for the work that they do to help make Brighton and Hove a safe place.”
