Flint House Police Rehabilitation was the main sponsor of the fifth Thames Valley Police Federation Bravery Awards 2023, held on 27 April.

The evening highlighted the many outstanding acts of police work taking place across the Thames Valley.

During the awards ceremony, audience heard stories of police officers running towards danger; saving people’s lives; tackling armed criminals; and officers who have risked their own safety to protect others.

“At a time when policing is under such great scrutiny, it is great to see members of our force acting with such excellence, reinforcing the public’s trust in us,” Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Jason Hogg said on the occasion.

PS Tom Thornton was the overall winner on the evening, who dealt with a man who was threatening him with an imitation firearm.

He commented: “I’m proud to receive this Award. I just had to do the best in the circumstances and I don’t really feel I deserve this, but it’s always nice to be recognised.”

“An excellent example of policing principles”

Acting Sergeant Tom Thornton was called to a report of a domestic incident in Olney in the early hours of March 22, 2022, along with his student officer who had fewer than four weeks’ service.

When they arrived at the scene, a man walked out of the property, down the driveway, and towards the officers.

Both Thornton and his student approached the man, but he raised his arm and appeared to be holding what looked like a handgun under a tea towel.

He began to engage in conversation with the perpetrator, whilst his number two took cover behind a nearby vehicle to provide updates to the control room.

Speaking on the incident, the sergeant said: “It all happened so quickly.

“I was in shock, because I thought the incident I was attending was very minor, and then within 30 seconds I was being held at gunpoint.

“I’m quite a calm person, and certainly in this scenario it worked out that no one was hurt, everyone was safe.

“Thankfully the firearm wasn’t viable, but at the time my fiancée was heavily pregnant with our first child and the incident affected me a bit afterwards.

In the incident, the sergeant tasered his suspect who was described as having an ‘emotional crisis’.

The man was later charged with possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and remanded into custody.

He was sentenced to nine months imprisonment and served 4 and a half months in jail.

Thames Valley Police Federation Chair Craig O’Leary added: “Tom’s conduct throughout this incident is an excellent example of policing principles – showing fairness, integrity, leadership, respect, and selflessness.

“And no shortage of courage.

“As far as Tom knew, this man was brandishing a live weapon. And had the potential to use it. His brave actions clearly prevented the situation from escalating.

“We are so proud of him – he is a worthy winner of a Thames Valley Police Federation Bravery Award.”

Acting Sergeant Tom Thornton will go on to represent Thames Valley Police at the National Bravery Awards.

Thames Valley Police awarded “Protective Services Apprenticeship provider of the year” 2023

Thames Valley Police (TVP) received the “Protective Services Apprenticeship provider of the year” award at the Annual Apprenticeship Conference (AAC).

Open to all apprenticeship providers and employers in the UK, the apprenticeship awards are competitive and recognise the outstanding work of apprenticeship providers in a variety of sectors.  

Providers must demonstrate that they are a high-quality provider that goes above and beyond for their apprentices.

They also need to demonstrate how they are advocates for developing apprenticeships within this route sector and embrace widening participation.  

In order to fulfil the NPCC Policing Vision 2025, TVP has been embarking on an ambitious plan led by their Learning & Professional Development team to enhance the provision of apprenticeships across the force. 

Since 2018, TVP have introduced three new apprenticeship programmes: Emergency Service Contact Handler, Police Community Support Officer, and the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship.

They also have apprentices in a variety of staff roles, learning in various departments across the force. 

When speaking about TVP’s recent achievement, Chief Constable Jason Hogg said: “I am very proud to receive, on behalf of Thames Valley Police, the Protective Services Apprenticeship Provider of the Year Award 2023.

“This recognises the high-quality apprenticeship programmes we offer to our colleagues and communities, and the work we have led nationally to develop new apprenticeships for the police service. 

“Our people are what makes us Thames Valley Police.

“We will continue to work hard to attract, develop and support our people so they can deliver the best service to our communities, one that we can all be proud of and with the professionalism and standards they would expect.” 

Modern apprenticeships offer much more than the old school stereotype; they offer people of all ages the opportunity to earn and learn simultaneously, appealing to career changers as well as college leavers. 

(Source: TVP and Flint House)