Held on 18 April 2023, the ceremony acknowledged officers’ commitment to policing over many years and celebrated outstanding long service and conduct to supporting the Force’s vision to make Dorset a safe county for everyone.

A Chief Constable’s Commendation was awarded to a number of colleagues from a range of teams and departments to celebrate their contribution to being tough on crime, keeping people safe and putting victims first.

Police Constable Chloe Chapman was awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation for her outstanding bravery when responding to an incident in Bournemouth in May 2022.

She received the award alongside four brave members of the public who rushed to the aid of PC Chapman.

PC Chapman was dispatched as a single crewed officer to reports of men fighting in Bournemouth. When she arrived, the offender threw himself onto the police vehicle, entered through the passenger door and assaulted PC Chapman. She managed to escape the car but was attacked again a second time before she was able to discharge her Taser. As the offender attempted to escape, members of the public who had witnessed the incident stepped in to assist until additional police officers arrived.

Leslie Dibley, who was injured during the incident, Mark Davis and Michael Frith all assisted in restraining the offender. A boy was nearby and captured the incident on his mobile phone so it could be used as evidence. They were each awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation to recognise their selfless and brave actions.

A Judge’s Commendation was awarded to Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Simon Huxter and colleagues from the Major Crime Investigation Team, which included Detective Sergeant Sarah Gedge and Detective Constable Vanessa Moyle, for their highly efficient and effective work during a complex murder inquiry, which saw two suspects charged and convicted of murder. The Honourable Mr Justice Sweeny was impressed with the team for its detailed, hard work throughout the investigation.

Chief Constable Amanda Pearson said: “Our policing family is made up of thousands of exceptionally talented and dedicated staff, officers and volunteers who go to work every day to do their very best in delivering an excellent service to our communities.

“These award ceremonies act as a reminder of the bravery our officers, staff and volunteers demonstrate on a daily basis and the risk they take in putting themselves in harm’s way. I want to commend PC Chloe Chapman for the actions she took to apprehend a violent individual and send my personal thanks to Leslie Dibley, Mark Davis and Michael Frith for the help they offered.

“We also recognised the outstanding long service and conduct of a number of police officers, staff and volunteers who have served our communities diligently for so many years. I am immensely proud of them all and their families and friends who support them.”