Amongst the officers recognised at a recent Cheshire Police Eastern Area commendations evening were Constable Neil Pettie, who played a major role in reducing deaths and injuries on Cheshire’s roads by persistently targeting irresponsible drivers.
As a member of the targeted patrol team based at Macclesfield, Constable Pettie worked as a patrol officer across a wide area of East Cheshire, particularly in Wilmslow and Knutsford, where he seized 78 uninsured vehicles in eighteen months and prosecuted the drivers for having no insurance.
Constable Pettie’s seizure rate is one of the highest in the Constabulary, placing him in the top ten of officers who seize vehicles.
He also dealt with other drivers who increase the risk of collisions including people who drive while affected by drink or drugs, speeders, those who drive while using a mobile phone, drivers who do not wear seat belts and those who drive without a licence.
The Chief Superintendent's commendation stated "Road Policing requires diplomacy, tact and tenacity. Constable Pettie consistently displayed all these attributes. He is a highly motivated, respected and dedicated Road Policing Officer who takes his responsibilities extremely seriously.
"We see at first hand the trauma and distress caused by irresponsible drivers who flout the law. Cheshire’s roads are a safer place because of Constable Pettie’s work. He is thoroughly deserving of a Chief Superintendent’s commendation."
Twenty three members of staff at the Eastern Area Customer Service Desk were also awarded commendations for their part in moving Cheshire Police from the bottom to the top of the national police league table for customer service.
That leap of 43 places was achieved largely by the introduction of Customer Service Desks in August 2007 and their growing influence on the way the force deals with victims of crime and disorder.
Eastern Customer Service Desk, led by inspector Dave Woollam, has played a major part in that improvement and is now widely regarded as a flagship department within Cheshire Police. Last year its staff contacted 50,000 victims of crime or anti social behaviour by direct telephone contact, voicemail or letter. They have also obtained feedback from thousands of victims, which helped to promote significant change throughout the organisation.
The Chief Superintendent's commendation stated "Eastern CSD is recognized by other Police Forces as a model of customer service within the Police Service. It is used for pilot projects and fact-finding visits. Members of staff have always striven to provide the best service possible and have continually out performed the two other CSDs.
"They have directly contributed to the massive improvement which Cheshire Police has achieved in overall satisfaction with the service it provides."
Speaking at the recent commendations evening, Chief Superintendent Mick Garrihy, the Cheshire Police Eastern Area Commander said, “People join the Police Service to make a difference and every day they put in exceptional effort with a view to achieving that. They go the extra mile as a matter of routine.
“Here, we are acknowledging people who have done even more; sometimes on a particular occasion; sometimes over a long period of time. Their dedication has a direct bearing on improving the lives of other people. People recognize that and offer support so that we can continue to police with the consent of the general public.”
Picture: Constable Neil Pettie receives his commendation from Chief Supt Mick Garrihy.
