Kent Police communications centre staff receive Area Commander’s Award

sam-stiff-185 Two employees from the Kent Police Force Communications Centre (FCC) have been presented with awards at the Mid Kent Area Commander’s Awards ceremony.

Area Commander Chief Superintendent Alasdair Hope presented certificates to Shift Manager Sam Stiff (pictured above) and call taker Katie Wynn at an awards ceremony at Leeds Castle, Maidstone, on 23 February for displaying bravery and commitment.

Shift Manager Sam Stiff was on her way to work in February last year when she noticed a man who was threatening to jump onto the M2 at junction 4. Sam pulled her car over and called the police. After 15 minutes of persuasion and negotiation, the man agreed to come down to a place of safety until police arrived. The man was subsequently assessed under the mental health act and is now receiving treatment.

Sam’s quick thinking and her intervention not only prevented loss of life of the distressed man, but also potentially that of the drivers below, should he have fallen.

As well as taking calls at the Kent Police FCC, Katie Wynn is also a Special Constable with Kent Police.

Katie Wynn receiving her award from Chief Superintendent Alasdair Hope

Whilst off duty in September, Katie noticed police dealing with an incident in a car park of a local nightclub in Sittingbourne. When the officers attempted to arrest a man, they were surrounded by a group of angry onlookers who were annoyed and agitated that their friend was being arrested and the incident quickly turned hostile.

Realising that there was a potential threat of violence towards the officers, Katie stepped in and assisted in detaining the man until back-up arrived. Despite being off duty with no safety or detention equipment to hand, she used her skills to help detain the man who was attempting to overpower the two officers.

The 17-year-old shoplifter was charged and appeared at Sittingbourne Magistrates where he was given a three-month referral order and ordered to pay court costs.

Chief Inspector Nicola Faulconbridge of the Kent Police Force Communications Centre said: “I’m really proud of Sam’s and Katie’s actions, which are characteristic of both individuals and demonstrate their commitment to protecting the public whether on or off duty. Their day job can be stressful and demanding, but despite both being off duty at the time of the incidents they each used their skills to diffuse two very difficult and dangerous situations, saving a life as well as protecting both the public and their colleagues.”

17 Mar 2010

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