Devon & Cornwall Police News site

Congratulations to all those Plymouth officers and staff who received much deserved recognition at a special awards ceremony in the city. 

The group are celebrated for their bravery and dedication to the communities of Devon and Cornwall. Worthy winners received thanks from Plymouth Police Commander Scott Bradley and enjoyed the celebratory afternoon along with their family and friends.

As well as the police colleagues, who were receiving awards for going above and beyond, the senior officers presenting awards and attending the ceremony to show support included: Chief Superintendent Scott Bradley, Chief Supt Sheon Sturland, Supt Phil Williams, Detective Supt Ben Davies and Chief Inspector Jason Bryant.

Also attending the important event, to enjoy seeing guests honoured, was the High Sheriff of Devon, Caroline Harlow and Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Cllr Tina Tuohy.

Commander Scott Bradley said: “Every one of these colleagues leaves me feeling humble and proud in equal measure. Policing can lead us to become de-sensitised but this ceremony shows the hard work, effort, professionalism and selflessness demonstrated by those who are trying to improve the world in which we all live.”       

The following colleagues received:

Chief Superintendent Commendations

PC Mike Smith is commended for raising awareness and preventing child exploitation via Operation Makesafe. He secured more than £11,000 worth of funding to offer training packs to hotels and schools, as well as organising advertisements in shopping centres, on buses and at Plymouth Argyle football matches. The adverts promoted reporting of child exploitation and PC Smith’s work has been praised by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit as an ‘amazing’ initiative, as well as being showcased nationally. 

Darren Bolt (police staff) works in the Major Crime Investigation Team and was the disclosure officer for Operation Hologram, a murder investigation linked to rival motorcycle groups. The court Judge praised his visual presentation of the evidence as the most impressive he had seen. Darren’s diligence and determination helped to get three defendants convicted and put behind bars.  

PC Stuart Tucker, PC Lee Roberts, Sgt Richard Menheneott and Sgt Andrew Millett showed professionalism, dedication and tenacity to bring an offender to justice following a rape of a young female in Plymouth city centre. Thanks to fast-track actions carried out the man was identified, arrested and, after a trial, he received a long custodial sentence.

Detective Inspector Marcus Hodges, Detective Sergeant Ralph Heard, Det Sgt Edward Carr, Detective Constable Regan Mullen and Det Con Adam Fitzpatrick all worked on Operation Hawksbill - the police response to tackling large scale violent disorder in Plymouth in August 2024. The investigation involved reviewing hundreds of hours of CCTV footage to gather evidence and bring a large number of offenders to justice. Many of the those charged received significant custodial sentences at court. This group of officers worked diligently and efficiently and received the Chief Supt commendation for teamwork and dedication.

Superintendent Certificates

PC Mark Shaw showed bravery and selflessness in challenging circumstances when he helped rescue a man who had fallen into water in freezing temperatures in the early hours of the morning at North Quay, Plymouth. PC Shaw tried to help the man with lifeline ropes but when this was not successful he risked his own safety and lowered himself into the freezing water, wearing a safety ring. By this time the man was face down and unresponsive but recovered after PC Shaw managed to get him on to dry land and CPR was carried out by paramedics. PC Shaw suffered cold water shock himself and is commended for his display of bravery.   

Sergeant Mark Williams is recognised for his tenacious work on the Plymouth Safe Bus project which helps keep people protected on nights out in the city. The officer has made an outstanding contribution and worked tirelessly to secure additional funding for the important service. His collaborative efforts, leadership and commitment have made a positive impact on the safety, trust and confidence of local communities.

PC Jessica Floyd skilfully investigated a neighbour harassment case involving distressed elderly victims. The officer made several attempts to resolve issues peacefully via mediation but, when this failed, she gathered evidence and secured six charges against the suspect for multiple offences of harassment, criminal damage and assault.   

PC Sam Carter, PC Jonathan Hitt, PC Katherine Routley and PC Adrian Waldron received a group award for teamwork and dedication after responding to reports of a potential wanted man sleeping rough in a tent. The officers found three people in the tent and one of them was unresponsive. Two of the group behaved in an obstructive way and had to be removed from the tent before officers could help the unwell man. They gave first aid and chest compressions until the air ambulance arrived and the prompt action of officers resulted in the man making a full recovery.   

PC Adam Whitehead was on patrol when he noticed an emotionally distressed female sitting on a bridge. The officer showed care and compassion, as well as bravery and selflessness. His prompt actions prevented the female from coming to harm.

PC Danielle Anbany played a crucial role in developing a multi-agency briefing to share information and safeguard young people. She was also pivotal in introducing and presenting to explain the Philomena Protocol. This scheme identifies children and young adults who are at risk of going missing and records vital information about them which can be used to help locate them safely if needed. PC Anbany displays unwavering commitment to her role and is a driving force in successful partnership working. 

Detective Constable Andrea Dominik is a skilled sexual offence investigator and has been recognised for leading a multi-agency enquiry to support a vulnerable victim and his family. Due to her tenacity and professionalism, the male offender was convicted and sentenced to more than five years imprisonment in relation to a sexual assault and abuse of a position of trust. 

Detective Constable Tamsyn Dingley spent several years investigating an historic case of sexual abuse on a young female by a sports coach. The victim found the courage to disclose offences through Det Con Dingley’s support and encouragement. The officer was praised for her commitment and dedication to protecting any possible future victims and hard work, which finally led to the offender being found guilty of 11 charges at trial in 2024. He was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment.        

Marie Bartlett (police staff) is a reliable, helpful and positive researcher in the multi-agency referral unit which works to safeguard people. She monitors the research work for Plymouth, Cornwall and Torbay and is dedicated to her role. Marie has a great eye for detail and also supports colleagues in other multi-agency hubs.  

Sergeant Michael Hands, PC Alex Jones, PC Carrie King and PC Alicia Smerdon dealt with a challenging incident involving a driver who had suffered a medical episode at the wheel. After a prompt response the team carried out CPR to try and help the man, as well as supporting his grateful wife who was with him. Sadly, despite the best efforts of police and paramedics, the man passed away at the scene. The team showed compassion to those involved and dedication to their roles.