Cumbrian officer wins award for community policing work

Yahoo

23-06-2025

A Cumbrian police officer has been recognised for his commitment to community policing.
A/Sgt Phil Hall, based in Eden, received the Neighbourhood Policing Award at the Cumbria Police Federation 2025 Recognition Awards for his work tackling criminality, and supporting vulnerable people.
Over the past year, A/Sgt Hall worked with legal services on more than 30 breaches of anti-social behaviour injunctions involving four of Eden's most prolific offenders.
His efforts in preparing court cases led to a custodial sentence, the first of its kind issued in Cumbria.
He also worked with the Cumbria Road Safety Partnership to develop a community plan for managing speeding complaints and supported the integration of resettled communities in Eden by helping to produce guides on English law, key contacts, and support services.
A/Sgt Hall said: "I'm really passionate about community policing.
"It's not a glamorous job, but you are doing the stuff that matters to the public.
"The disputes, the ongoing issues, the drug dealing.
"The stuff that actually hurts the heart of the community.
"That's what I enjoy getting to grips with – solving problems for people, working with partners and getting to meet the community."
His focus on supporting victims was evident during a visit following a burglary in Stainton.
When he discovered a blind resident felt unsafe and uncertain about identifying police officers, he worked with the force to introduce braille on warrant cards, an idea now set to be rolled out more widely.
He also wrote a Visual Impairment Protocol which has been shared with chief officers.
Recently, A/Sgt Hall used civil orders under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act to secure the closure of two nuisance premises, the first such orders issued in the Westmorland and Furness area.
Ed Russell, chair of Cumbria Police Federation, said: "Phil works brilliantly with our partners and communities to solve the problems that really matter to them.
"His determination to bring the anti-social behaviour injunction breaches to court gave victims and communities confidence in our robust policing approach, and he's always going that step further to make improvements to working practices.
"He's a worthy winner of this award."
A/Sgt Hall described the award as a surprise.
He said: "It just came out of the blue."
The Cumbria Police Federation Recognition Awards, in association with Axon, will take place on Wednesday, June 25.
Additional sponsors include The Cumbria Police Group Insurance Scheme, Slater & Gordon, Uniform Mortgages, and others.