Chief Insp Paul Winter column: We should be proud of our officers and community heroes

Several of my colleagues were praised for exemplary professionalism and dedication, including PC Greg Evans whose investigation helped jail Steven Frogg (51), who attacked a four-year-old boy in Mansfield.

PC Jason Sims who detained Shaun Tudor, who had committed offences against a 10-year-old, and members of our crash investigation team who investigated after PC Diedrick Coetzee was knocked off his bike by a car that failed to stop.

So many of my colleagues have shown incredible bravery and outstanding service keeping our communities safe but what stood out for me was the bravery shown by members of the Mansfield public.

David Brimblecombe, Darren Williams, and Sarah Elliott were all praised for their response when they came across the collision scene involving PC Coetzee, who was seriously injured in the collision.

Wardens Jill Sabin and Sharon Milner saved a woman’s life when they went to her aid in The Patchills.

Jill was told a woman on her patch had been stabbed. Despite the potential danger she and Sharon went to the address, called an ambulance and remained with the woman until help arrived. Their courage and willingness to enter a dangerous situation undoubtedly saved the woman’s life.

Also receiving an award was Mary Penford MBE (75), of the Ladybrook Estate, who received a commendation for her tireless work over many years to cut crime and antisocial behaviour on the estate, as well as other parts of Nottinghamshire.

17-year-old Connor Hall proved his mettle when he chased after Javan Tennant, a man who had grabbed a young woman by the throat and demanded her purse. He managed to restrain him but, despite his best efforts, Tennant broke free and was attacked by him.

Despite his injuries, Mr Hall followed him for a second time and restrained him until officers arrived. Tennant was jailed for four years.

We should be proud that so many members of our community will stand up and take action when the situation arises and I’m sure you will join with me in congratulating them.

You may also have seen in the news this week that our new Track My Crime app has gone live. This is a new computer system offering victims of crime an additional way to communicate with the officer investigating their case.

It is an easy to use messaging system, for which users only need basic computer skills, an Internet connection and an email address.

We have a higher than average score for victim satisfaction, with a rate of 87 per cent for the year up to November 2013, but we are determined to improve further on that.

This secure system allows officers to update victims with information at any time of the day, meaning that those on a night shift can still keep victims updated easily.

Of course this system will not suit everyone and so it is being offered to victims alongside all of our other methods of communication.

If you have been a victim of a crime and would like to be able to track your crime in this way contact the officer investigating your case.

Liz Webster