VIDEO: Police officers in Bognor Regis rewarded for their outstanding contributions

Professionalism, dedication, courage and bravery of individual officers and policing teams was celebrated at the awards on Monday.

The awards, which are held annually, included divisional congratulations, certificates of merit and good citizen awards.

During the ceremony, Deputy Chief Constable Giles York, said: "Be in no doubt of the important impact you have on people's lives. It is exceptional.

"You are creating cracking stories, and every story we have talked about has one of those stories behind it."

Divisional congratulations were presented to 16 police inspectors, sergeants, constables and controllers from the Arun District for their courage, professionalism, leadership and teamwork when dealing with a man who threatened them with a gun.

Inspector Marion Sandwell, Inspector Tim Piloni, Inspector Allan Lowe, Police Sergeants Alan Fenn, Craig Wilkie and Dave Abbott, Police Constables Alban Clark, Michael Heath-Coleman, Edward Bohnet, Mark Keulemans, Stuart Bethan, Michael Jones, Ian Potter, Jim Shanks and Barry White together with controllers Gillian Mann and Geoffrey Thomes were all praised at the ceremony.

On November 7 last year, the team were involved in the case of a man who had self-harmed in Bognor Regis.

On arrival, officers were threatened by the man with a gun. Officers kept the public away from the scene while the Sussex Police Tactical Firearms Unit were called.

The man kept coming out of the house and pointing the gun at officers as well as waving a Samurai sword at them.

Chief Inspector Jim Bartlett, who presented the awards, said: "Officers from the Tactical Firearms Unit safely arrested the man. The firearms officers acted with great restraint despite severe provocation.

"The man was subsequently convicted of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and having a pointed or bladed article and he received three months imprisonment.

"All police officers and staff involved in this incident showed extreme courage, professionalism, leadership and teamwork in dealing with the threat posed by the male, both to the police and to the public.

"From unarmed officers ensuring the safety of the public and themselves, clear and concise command decisions and challenge and arrest by armed officers, strongly supported by calm and confident control staff, all involved are congratulated for their efforts in safely resolving this very dangerous situation."

Police Community Support Officer Janice Williams, who has helped reduce anti-social behaviour in Bognor Regis, was praised for her dedication to Arun District policing at the awards.

PCSO Williams has been the local PCSO for Glenwood Estate in Bognor Regis for the past two years. Previously, there was a high level of anti-social behaviour involving youths which she has worked tirelessly to help reduce.

PCSO Williams has spoken to the youngsters and arranged a number of events in the town, including a halloween party held at Bognor Police Station and attended by 100 children.

The party was a success for the second year running and there was no anti-social behaviour on the estate as a result.

Chief Insp Bartlett said: "Jan's work on the estate has been commended by the local residents and housing association and is an example of community policing at its best."

PSCO Williams said: "I very feel proud to have received this award. It is nice to have some recognition and to know my work is making a difference."

The final award for the Arun District was presented to PCs Kristofer Drake, Paul Harris, Lee Thornton and Miles Towlson for their commitment to dealing with a case of a 'highly-dangerous' man.

In May, PC Drake and his colleagues were about to go off duty when a call was received about a violent man assaulting a female at a house in Bognor Regis.

The man was known to suffer with mental health issues, had hepatitis C and was considered to be highly dangerous.

When the officers entered the property the man started to draw a sharp object across his neck and blood could be seen coming from the wound.

The officers started to struggle with him and got him under control '“ but he lashed out at police with the razor blade he had used to cut his neck. He was then arrested and the officers gave emergency first aid.

Chief Insp Bartlett said: "Although covered in blood, the officers remained professional and calmed the man so that he could be treated by paramedics at the scene before being transferred to A&E.

"The next day, the officers discovered that none of the victims or witnesses was prepared to provide a statement because of their fear of the man. Eventually, they were persuaded to provide statements in the most difficult of circumstances which resulted in the man being charged with offences and remanded in custody.

"The officers showed exceptional levels of commitment in protecting members of the public and their colleagues from a very dangerous individual who was known to pose a significant risk.

"They were faced with a dangerous and distressing situation and their response not only minimised the risk but also saved the male from further harm."

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