Officer in Cotswolds makes a real Impact and wins Commissioners award

• PC Martin West wins the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Impact Award for Anti-Social Behaviour Prevention
• Police Officers, Staff and members of the community were praised at the annual Impact Awards last week
• PCC Chris Nelson’s new Police and Crime Prevention Plan maintains a focus on preventing and tackling anti-social behaviour

PC Martin West, or Westy as he is known in the station, is described as “reliable, honourable and hard working.” His Inspector says: “His attention to detail and tenacious work ethic – going above and beyond, is worthy of recognition.” It is these traits that have served him well while tackling ingrained anti-social behaviour and criminality blighting the beautiful Cotswold town of Cirencester.

Since the spring of 2022 the area has suffered a significant increase in violence, intimidation and anti-social behaviour. The offences committed in the picturesque town include: serious assaults, criminal damage, threats and intimidation of children, drug dealing and more.

A small group of teenage children linked to the large volume of crimes were identified.

PC Martin West has won an award for his efforts to deal with these long standing issues and his approach of always being considerate to victims as well as the hidden vulnerability of the children involved. His efforts always balanced the immediate needs of the community, supporting local families and children with complex needs.

From an early stage Martin identified the issues, the suspects and the impact on the community. Martin quickly established this wasn't an issue which the police could deal with on its own. An observation which is mirrored in the Commissioner’s approach to the causes of crime and his Police and Crime Prevention Plan.

Martin has worked closely with partners to address the complex issues, including: Children's Social Care, housing providers and local schools.

The workload associated with this was, and still is, mammoth. It includes dozens of meeting's which are still on-going to this day. Martin’s grip on the detail has helped secure an Anti-Social Behaviour injunction on one of the main offenders, as well as convictions in court resulting in a home detention curfew for another offender. And, has resulted in him winning the Commissioner's prestigious Impact award for Anti-Social Behaviour Prevention.

Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson said: “Martin has undoubtedly made an impact - the incidents have reduced and the offenders definitely feel the police are onto them.

“I hear from the public all too regularly how their lives are severely impacted by anti-social behaviour. That’s why it was a priority in my first Police and Crime Prevention Plan and remains a major priority for my second term of office.

“I want to personally congratulate Martin for his well-deserved award. Bringing partners together to tackle problems, using a holistic, public health approach, is truly exemplary.”