Frank Mason Memorial Award – 2024

An “exemplary” police officer has been presented with the prestigious Frank Mason Memorial Award in recognition of her dedication, hard work and support for victims.

Police Constable Natasha Webbe was presented with the accolade during a ceremony in Hemel Hempstead earlier today (Friday 12 April).

The award is given annually in honour of an off-duty police officer who was fatally wounded in the town more than three decades ago.

PC Francis Mason, better known as Frank, was walking his dog on 14 April 1988 when he witnessed a security van being held up by armed robbers in Bank Court.

He displayed enormous courage and tackled the gunmen, but was shot and, despite efforts to save him, he sadly died aged just 27 years old. As a result of his intervention the security guard was able to get to safety.

Each year, the award is presented to a Dacorum-based officer who has displayed PC Mason’s qualities of dedication, professionalism and selflessness in protecting the community. The recipients are nominated and voted for by their supervisors and selected by senior officers in the borough.

PC Webbe joined Hertfordshire Constabulary in July 2018 as a Police Now student officer and was posted to the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Hemel Hempstead.

During her early career, she piloted various projects to help protect vulnerable members of the community, build positive relationships with young people and disrupt criminality. She also produced a guide to help fellow student officers which is now widely used across the county.

After completing her two-year probation, Natasha spent six months on attachment with the Local Crime Unit (LCU), before joining the Intervention response team.

She was often first on scene at many incidents and provided invaluable support to victims of rape and domestic abuse, giving them the confidence to support police investigations. She also gave vital first aid to a male who had been attacked with a machete.

Natasha re-joined the LCU last August, where she continues to excel, leading complex investigations around incidents such as robbery and aggravated burglary.

Natasha is also a Wellbeing Champion, providing valuable support to colleagues, and a licensed search officer who has helped to locate vulnerable missing people.

Upon receiving the award, she said: “It is an incredible honour. I have been inspired by Frank Mason and the bravery he showed, as well as the work of all the past winners, so it was a massive surprise to find out that I had won. I am very grateful to my supervisors and colleagues who have supported and encouraged me throughout my career so far.

“I joined this job to make a difference, like many of my colleagues. Being a police officer is a privileged role, as you see people at their most vulnerable and have the opportunity to help them.

“I have been lucky to have worked on several projects with the aim of reducing crime and improving the way we respond to incidents. I feel strongly about providing the best support to victims of crime and their families and I hope that as I continue my career, I can find new opportunities with my colleagues to keep making a positive impact on our community in Dacorum.”

Following the presentation, a memorial ceremony was held in Bank Court to allow people to pay their respects to Frank. Flowers were laid, and a minute’s silence was observed.

Guests in attendance included Chief Constable Charlie Hall and representatives from the chief officer team, local officers, retired colleagues and local partners.

Dacorum Chief Inspector Dave Skarratts said: “The Frank Mason Award is the highest honour that the Dacorum Community Safety Partnership can bestow upon its police officers.

“PC Webbe’s commitment, dedication and professionalism makes her a highly deserving recipient of this prestigious accolade.”