CHAIR ASKS SH: Are there any biases or
preconceptions that you actively work to avoid when assessing the nominations? KMW: When judging police bravery nominations, it’s crucial to avoid biases and preconceptions, the aim is to focus on objective criteria such as the specific actions taken, risks faced, and the impact on public safety rather than making assumptions based on individual characteristics. Fairness and impartiality are key in evaluating such nominations.
SH: What criteria do you believe are essential for assessing acts of bravery? KMW: Assessing police acts of bravery typically involves considering factors such as the level of risk faced, quick decision-making, protection of others, and adherence to protocol under challenging circumstances. Recognition of courage often involves evaluating the overall impact of the officer’s actions in ensuring public safety and maintaining law and order.
before themselves selflessly and, at times, to the detriment of themselves.
SH: How do you prioritise different types of bravery such as physical courage versus moral courage? MT: As we know traditionally, bravery is always being seen as physical, however, we know that bravery also relates to mental acts and in a lot of cases individuals show moral courage especially when it can compromise their own beliefs. This is what makes a good police officer because regardless of whatever your beliefs are your responsibility is to protect and serve.
MEL THOMAS QPM, RETIRED AS A SERGEANT AND ACTING INSPECTOR FOR LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE
AFTER 30 YEARS’ SERVICE:
SH: How do you define bravery within the context of police work? MT: For me, bravery is when an officer or member of staff does something completely out of the normal line of their everyday duties without considering their own safety and welfare, putting others
SH: How do you approach the evaluation of bravery, considering the diverse range of situations officers may encounter? MT: When considering and evaluating bravery, I will always consider the moral, physical, and mental expense that the individuals have made. This needs to be remembered as when these individuals make these sacrifices, quite often there will be long lasting effects. In a lot of cases, there’s not only a physical but also a mental price to pay which can be a high price when carrying out these acts. Unfortunately, these are the things that are not seen in the news and don’t sell newspapers. It is a privilege to be a judge for this occasion to recognise such courageous acts.
experiences or cases that have particularly influenced your understanding of police bravery? JN: I think the words ‘police’ and ‘bravery’ go hand in hand, but without recognition. We as police officers have to deal with things that require us to be ‘brave’ every day, sometimes by choice to save the public, but sometimes without choice but natural instincts kick in. Having sat in a room of officers and hearing their individual stories, it makes me realise the vast majority of police officers do exceptional, but sometimes extraordinary, things every day.
SH: What role do you think instinct and quick decision-making play in acts of bravery? JN: We all know that the initial call and what we are faced with are two completely different things most of the time and we have to adapt to that. I think our training prepares us for this, but does not prepare us for the post effects – we focus on preventing harm to anyone else before ourselves which is selfless and earns the title of bravery.
PC JOSHUA NORRIS, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, BRAVERY AWARDS 2023 REGION 6 WINNER:
SH: Can you describe any past
SH: What are your expectations or hopes for the impact of recognising acts of bravery through these awards? JN: I have sat in the chairs of the officers nominated. Be proud. It is (hopefully) a once in a lifetime experience. For some of you it may be an opportunity for closure on a horrific job and for others it will be nice to celebrate a great result. However you see these awards, remember you have been nominated for a reason and it’s an honour to sit in a room with you.
22 | POLICE | APRIL | 2024
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