A team of “bounty hunters” from Brighton and Hove has picked up a prize at a police awards evening.
The Sussex Police Manhunt Team, which is based in Brighton, won the South East Special Constable Team of the Year Award at the weekend.
The team was set up in 2013. It is made up mostly of volunteer special constables working alongside two regular officers.
It is dedicated to finding wanted men and women, including crime suspects, criminals wanted for recall to prison and people who have breached bail.
Chief Inspector Dave Padwick said: “The enthusiasm, professionalism and ‘can do’ attitude from the specials was clear from the start. We had so many volunteers wanting to be involved that we had to turn some down.
“In a pre-Christmas operation the team made 28 arrests in six days with specials working every day.
“This team of specials has worked an additional 472 hours since (Saturday) 1 November to (Saturday) 31 January 2015, making 111 arrests for suspects wanted for breach of bail, theft, assault, drugs, sex and domestic abuse related offences and recall to prison. They are a joy to work with.”
The team includes special constables Andy Scott, Daniel Smith, Richard Miles, Mark Thorogood, Helen Willey, James Latter, Lara Stockham, Matt Brooks and Denise Chapman.
Assistant Chief Constable Robin Smith said: “This award was well deserved by the manhunt team of specials who have volunteered their time, worked incredibly hard and achieved some great results.”
Sussex police and crime commissioner Katy Bourne said: “Having been out with the Op Manhunt team and seen their work first-hand, it is fantastic that they have been recognised for what they have achieved over a relatively short period of time.
“This award is testament to the hard work and dedication that they have put into keeping their local communities safe.
“They are a unique and tenacious group of people who give their time for free and bring a wealth of experience and diversity to the Sussex Police workforce.”
