Members of Cumbria Constabulary’s Neighbourhood Policing Teams celebrated their success and were recognised for their hard work at an awards ceremony.
The annual Neighbourhood Policing Awards were presented during the force’s Neighbourhood Policing Conference.
Seven awards were presented by Neighbourhood Policing lead, Chief Superintendent Andy Wilkinson, to recognise the winners’ contributions towards neighbourhood policing over the past year.
Cumberland PCSO of the Year – PCSO Rachel Pape
PCSO Rachel Pape was recognised for her outstanding contribution within the Workington community.
Over the past year she has been building relationships with local residents and businesses and supporting them if they become a victim of crime.
As a result of her dedication and hard work, anti-social behaviour has reduced in Workington.
Westmorland and Furness PCSO of the Year – PCSO Mark Robson
PCSO Mark Robson worked closely with residents and businesses in Penrith town centre over the past year.
His focus and determination in identifying a premises in Penrith used as a cannabis farm resulted in an arrest and the seizure of 950 cannabis plants.
PCSO Robson also works as part of the Ullswater Community College RESET programme, engaging with students and providing awareness and education on a number of issues.
As a result of this work, there has been zero ASB offending within the community from those on the RESET program.
Cumberland Neighbourhood Policing Officer of the Year – PC Catherine Higson
PC Catherine Higson was awarded in recognition of her determination to provide victims of crime with the best outcome.
She is committed to providing a safer neighbourhood for residents and works with victims of crime to provide support and reassurance
As part of her role, PC Higson has worked with local shops and businesses in Workington to deal with repeat anti-social behaviour offenders.
Westmorland and Furness Neighbourhood Policing Officer of the Year – Sgt Paul Mellard
Sergeant Paul Mellard received an award for his tireless work as NPT Sergeant within the Ulverston area.
Sgt Mellard has worked with his team and partner agencies to address youth anti-social behaviour issues in the area, which saw an increase this year.
He and the team were able to secure an anti-social behaviour injunction against a key offender which has made a huge difference to the communities they serve.
Neighbourhood Policing, Individual Problem Solver – Sgt Becky Hunter
Sergeant Becky Hunter was recognised for her outstanding work within the Bowness and Windermere NPT where she has built long term relationships with the community including licensees.
Sgt Hunter was instrumental in setting up the welfare hub in Bowness which provides a safe space and support for anyone coming into difficulty during a night out.
Neighbourhood Policing Team of the Year: Problem Solving – South Lakes NPT
The South Lakes NPT were awarded team of the year for problem solving in relation to boat and marine thefts.
Operation Headway was created to addresses these issues and the team were quickly able to identify and set up a working group to tackle the problem.
The team quickly identified lines of enquiry and were able to identify suspects from out of force area who were arrested in December 2023.
The team supported the Lake District National Park in applying for funding to undertake prevention work. This allowed DNA products to be provided free of charge at the crime prevention events to victims of crime.
Neighbourhood Policing Leadership Award – Sgt Neil McKinnell
Sergeant Neil McKinnell, of the Workington NPT, was recognised for his leadership qualities while inspiring his team and making sure they are always supported.
Sgt McKinnell has been able to work on complex cases and address long standing disputes by providing problem solving solutions which has improved our service to the community.
After the ceremony, Ch Supt Wilkinson said: “Our Neighbourhood Policing Teams are at the heart of what we do and they are huge part of the day-to-day policing in Cumbria.
“These awards highlight just some of the great achievements that our teams have accomplished to address community issues, improve confidence within policing and provide our local communities with support.
“I’d like to congratulate all of those who won awards and also say a huge thank you to all of our NPTs across the county for their continued hard work over the past year.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “I was able to attend the conference and watch the winners accept their awards.
“Neighbourhood policing is vital to keeping our communities safe. These officers and PSCOs know their communities like the back of their hands and have built confidence and trust in our policing services across the county’s towns, villages.
“I am a big supporter of neighbourhood policing, quite simply it works in Cumbria. They are the problem solvers and the ones our residents will turn to.
“Well done to all of the winners – your dedication to your role is inspiring. I look forward to seeing what you do in the future.”
