professional - University of Central Lancashire

Reward and Recognition
In Lancashire we value our Specials and seek
different ways of recognizing their contribution and
saying thank-you. At the 2011 Specials annual
awards ceremony Officers received lapel badges for
completing 3, 5 and 10 years service. Here we see
the Chorley team after having received their awards.
National Policing Awards
Special Sergeant Rob Dixon, Southern Division met
Home Secretary Theresa May at the annual Janes
Awards ceremony held in London in November.
Rob represented the Bamber Bridge Specials team
who were nominated for the prestigious Special
Policing Team award. The Bamber Bridge team
were awarded the Constabulary’s Special Policing
Award Trophy at the December Police Authority
meeting which is proudly displayed at Southern
Division’s HQ, Leyland.
Special Inspector Ruth Gardner, Northern Division,
received the Ferrers Trophy for helping improve the
search processes for missing people. Ruth received
the award at the 2011 NPIA National Special
Constable and Police Support Volunteer Awards
that recognise the range of skills volunteers bring to
policing. Her team put over 600 hours into the
project that resulted in the successful location of a
number of vulnerable people. SI Gardner said, “I am
delighted to receive this award, it recognises the
commitment our team gives to policing. This award
is a fantastic way of recognising the value and many
talents of our Specials and volunteers.”
At the Constabulary’s Annual Awards Ceremony
Ruth also received the Special Constable Of The
Year Award for her devotion and commitment.
Chief Officer Nigel Walters, said: “Ruth has
demonstrated excellent leadership qualities whilst
providing clear direction to her team. The work she
has done in the arena of missing people has
improved public safety and successfully helped the
force to locate missing people”.
Chief Superintendent’s
Commendations
Divisional Commanders award commendations for
exceptional police-work. Few Officers, Specials or
Regulars receive such awards.
One example of a recipient is Craig Till. He
received a Chief Superintendent’s Commendation
for assisting in the arrest of members of an
international team of credit card fraudsters. It was
Craig who spotted their ‘suspicious activity’ whilst
on patrol at 5 am
Craig is an exceptional officer who has arrested
over 90 offenders in less than two years. Craig
now tutors other Specials.
Chorley based officers at
their 2011 Awards Event
S/S Rob Dixon with Home
Secretary Teresa May
SI Ruth Gardner with
Minister Damian Green
SC Craig Till receives his
commendation from
Divisional Commander Chief
Page 11
"Being a special
is very
rewarding, it
puts your skills
to the test and
helps you
discover new
talents. It also
gives you the
chance to give
something back
to the
community."
DCO Paul Airlie