TeamSWP Awards 2023 – Officers, staff and volunteers honoured

South Wales Police have celebrated awards for officers, staff and volunteers.

South Wales Police said: “Bravery, innovation, leadership, selflessness: just some of the attributes that were celebrated last night with the return of our #TeamSWPAwards.

“The awards, held at Brangwyn Hall in Swansea, recognised officers, staff, volunteers and partners who have gone above and beyond for the force and the communities we serve.”

This year’s winners – chosen by Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan and Police and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael – were:

Learner of the Year

PCSO Leanne Williams, who, despite having suffered a life-threatening stroke following which she had to relearn to walk and talk again, made the bold decision to pursue her dream of joining South Wales Police.

Community Officer Shrievalty Award

Sergeant Natalie Reis, who’s been instrumental in tackling ASB and other issues in Gabalfa, Cardiff. Working with residents and partner agencies to reinvigorate the community and rebuild trust and confidence.

Extra Mile Award for Volunteers

Geoff Seymour, who’s dedicated 15 years in the Special Constabulary and a Police Youth Volunteer (PYV) hub leader, “instilling old-school values” in PYVs and serving the communities of Bridgend with “unrivalled passion”.

Police Youth Volunteer of the Year

Mia Bethell, whose passion for youth mental health and preventing child exploitation is making a real impact. With “the heart of a PCSO”, Mia volunteered more than 400 hours of her time in Cardiff during 2022.

Exceptional Service to People Award

Cardiff Rape Investigation Team’s DC Sarah Garland, who has gone above and beyond to support victims, continually improve the service provided to them, and support colleagues to do the same.

Impact Award

HR’s Hayley Marshall, who has been instrumental in establishing a financial wellbeing programme to support #TeamSWP; from guidance and support to discounts and the introduction of Wagestream to give staff power over their pay.

Derrick Hassan Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award

DS Adrian White who’s pledged to remove barriers to reporting for domestic violence victims from minority groups and developing a means for any victim to alert someone that they need help.

Exceptional Engagement Award

PCSO Mike Davies, who’s worked tirelessly to improve relations with the Traveller community in Cardiff – decreasing tensions, becoming a familiar, trusted face, and introducing opportunities such as sporting events.

Police Community Support Officer of the Year Award

“Heart and soul of Pontypridd town” Hannah Lowe, who is committed to tackling crime and disorder and is an integral part of initiatives including Pontypridd Outreach, Halloween Pop Train and a building painting project.

Police and Crime Commissioner Exceptional Problem Solving in Partnership Award

Taff Neighbourhood Policing Team, instrumental in forming the multiagency Outreach Project to address homelessness in Pontypridd, and ASB which was having a detrimental impact on the town.

Teamwork Award

The Uplift team made up of HR, Learning and Development, Corporate Communications, Occupational Health, Vetting and Tailoring to enable South Wales Police to meet a Government target of recruiting an extra 451 officers by March 2023.

Exceptional Leadership Award

PC Chris Howells, tactical lead for Disaster Victim Identification (DVI). He’s devoted many hours on top of his day job to lead the force and region’s DVI cadre, ensuring they’re equipped and trained to do one of policing’s toughest jobs.

Investigation of the Year Award

PC Bethan Harrison: thanks to the dogged determination of PC Harrison, a local investigation into a shipment of drugs has evolved into much bigger operation.

Exceptional Bravery Award

PCs Alisha Pontin and Katie White who, despite being threatened with a knife, carried out a “textbook” response to safely resolve a volatile incident, Tasering the suspect to ensure the safety of all concerned.

Police Staff Lifetime Achievement Award

Economic and Cyber Crime Unit’s Jonathan Dunn who, in 33 years in various staff roles, has built up an undeniable reputation for excellence, professionalism, and reliability.

Police Officer Lifetime Achievement Award

Former DS Neil White, who during his 30-year career became renowned for his knowledge and experience as a Communications Data Investigator (CDI). Highly commended, he was also a runner-up up for an international award. Among his notable achievements was as dedicated CDI for Operation Globe, playing a vital role in securing communications data to help convict Ian Watkins. He also previously guided the team during a period of change, significantly improving performance.