Police officers recognised for going above and beyond in St Albans

Prestigious awards were presented to several St Albans district police officers on Friday (6 December) for going above and beyond in their roles throughout the year.

The officers, nominated by their peers, were given their accolades by senior officers including Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson, Superintendent Anna Wright and St Albans City and District council Chief Executive Amanda Foley with special guests including the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Annie Brewster.

Because of the number of nominations, runner up awards were also presented to police officers and staff.

St Albans district Chief Inspector Martin Turpin said: “I get to see so much good work on a daily basis and I genuinely feel proud to lead a team that come to work every day to make a positive difference to our communities across the St Albans district.  It is my privilege to recognise so much good work that has been carried out this year from saving lives, taking drugs off the streets and resolving anti-social behaviour issues.

“It is always hard to single out people as there is so much fantastic work across St Albans, Harpenden and London Colney including the successful Operation Hotspot  patrols to deal with anti-social behaviour, our newly-formed shoplifting initiative as well as great sentences for prolific and dangerous offenders – but all the recipients have the same aim, which is to help people.”

The 1836 Award is the most prestigious award for sustained exemplary service. 1836 was the year that St Albans formed a police force, initially consisting of just five officers. The winner was PC Clare Lapenna.

She was presented with her award by Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson.  Chief Inspector Turpin said: “Having served St Albans for nearly 20 years, you are incredibly passionate, professional, always positive and nothing is ever too much effort. Your commitment over 20 years cannot be summarised in one paragraph; but the fact you were nominated by numerous officers and staff across different departments and levels exemplifies the depth and breadth of your credibility and influence. You are a true credit to St Albans.”

The 1836 Award Runner Up was PC Lee Osborne, who has spent the majority of his 22 years’ within the St Albans CSP. He was nominated for his superb service to victims and the wider community, always demonstrating hard work, high standards and top professionalism. His work to tutor, support and mentor numerous student officers was also formally recognised.

Sergeant Solomon Beere from the Local Crime Unit was the Crime Management Award Winner. He received the award for his overall support for crime investigations and for his success in tackling county lines (drugs) and helping to secure a conviction for a man, who was sentenced to nine years imprisonment for possession of firearms.

The runner up Crime Management Award recipient was Sergeant Lewis Allingham for successfully securing 13 charges for a man after a car was stolen in London Colney before several drivers were reportedly threatened on the A405/M1. He was charged with robbery, threats with a bladed article (knife), dangerous driving, six attempted robberies, two counts of criminal damage, assault by beating and affray. He is due to appear in court in January.

The Digital Communication Award Winner went to PC Rob Clemmit, who has received recognition from his colleagues to promote the positive work of his colleagues through @StAlbansPolice Facebook.  This work is essential in making the public aware of the work being carried out across the district and helping to break down barriers between the police and the public.

The Digital Communication Award Runner Up was PCSO William Frank for his work on promoting our community messaging service Herts Connected (www.hertsconnected.co.uk) to keep the public updated on local police news and updates.

Intervention Sergeant Lee Hammond scooped the Leadership Award for being a natural leader who inspires his team, peers and the senior management team. He has received ongoing positive feedback from his Intervention team and colleagues and has been part of the successful shoplifting team.  

The Leadership Runner Up was Sergeant Paul Wadsworth for his great leadership qualities and for sharing his vast experience and knowledge with others, leading to team members being promoted.

The Partnership Award went to Community Protection Officer Kellie Kelley from St Albans City and District Council for building a strong working relationship with police across St Albans and being instrumental in securing numerous closure orders to help stop anti-social behaviour.

The Partnership Runner Up was Harpenden Town Council who have collaboratively been dealing with shoplifting, anti-social behaviour and prolific offenders with the Harpenden neighbourhood policing team.

Three Harpenden neighbourhood policing team officers - PC Jem Oliver, PC Iftahkar Iqbal and PCSO Tom Perrin - were equally worthy of receiving this year’s Neighbourhood Policing & Community Safety Officer Award for their work in building strong relationships with businesses and partners and proactively dealing with ASB and crime. As a result of their work, there has been a reduction in crime, which has improved public confidence in Harpenden in policing at a time when it is needed most.    

PC Anika Petts, also from the Harpenden Neighbourhood Policing team, was a close runner up for the Neighbourhood Policing & Community Safety Officer Award.  She has also helped build trust and confidence and her work in tackling young people involved in anti-social behaviour in Harpenden has been praised.  

St Albans Intervention Officer Award of the year was awarded to PC Lauren Robinson for her work ethic and her calm and positive approach to dealing with a range of incidents where people are at their most vulnerable and need urgent assistance.

She was closely followed by PC Sam Bowles as St Albans Intervention Officer Award Runner Up. Having transferred to St Albans from Sussex, he has made an immediate significant impact on the team. He is a natural leader, respected by his peers and he has led the newly formed shoplifting team, which has had early successes arresting significant and prolific shoplifters.

The invaluable role of the non-religious police chaplain Louise Price-James was formally recognised as she became the Volunteers Award Winner.  New to St Albans, she has been a welcome listening ear for officers, many of which have dealt with traumatic incidents.  She has been incredibly engaging, personable and supportive.

Volunteers Runner Up was Greg Foley who continues to give support to local policing saving officers valuable time. He provides an invaluable service, providing analytical and administrative support for officers across the CSP.