THE 2023 BRAVERY AWARDS


REGION 4 WINNER


NOTTINGHAMSHIRE


PS Dan Griffin and PC Amy Pannell PFEW Deputy National Chair Tiff Lynch, PS Dan Griffin, PC Amy Pannell & PFEW National Chair Steve Hartshorn


Officers apprehended an enraged man who had stabbed one of them multiple times


Sergeant Dan Griffin and PC Amy Pannell were on a routine patrol when they spotted two males acting suspiciously around a black coloured Range Rover. When they attempted to detain the individuals for a search they were met with aggression and extreme abuse. The aggression took a sudden and dangerous turn when one of the individuals pulled a knife from his pocket and threatened to attack PS Griffin. At this point PS Griffin deployed his


PAVA incapacitant spray, but to little effect as the individual shielded his face with his clothing and then turned his back. This action only enraged the individual further as he now turned to face PS Griffin face on, knife in hand, and rapidly closing the space between them. PC Pannell, then a student


officer, made valiant efforts to try and calm the situation and pre-empt any attack, but to little avail. As PS Griffin created space between himself and the knife wielding man, the assailant gave chase and stabbed PS Griffin twice in the buttock, at which point PS Griffin turned to face his attacker. The individual attempted to stab PS Griffin two more times in the chest,


and though Griffin’s body armour was pierced, it prevented his blade from


16 | POLICE | AUGUST | 2023 piercing his chest.


In close proximity of the assailant, PS Griffin was able to successfully deploy his PAVA spray and tackle the individual to the ground despite having been stabbed twice. PC Pannell immediately assisted in the arrest despite having witnessed the attack and knowing the individual was still armed and had already stabbed her colleague. PC Pannell was able to assist and hold the individual down until backup arrived. Recalling the events PS Griffin remarked: “I have never seen rage like it. Despite our


“Both officers put themselves in


friends, police family, and support from Nottinghamshire Police and the Federation, I was overwhelmed by the calls and messages of support and care.” Simon Riley, Chair of Nottinghamshire


Police Federation, said: “This was a horrific incident in which one of our officers was viciously attacked by a man intent on causing harm.


“Both officers put themselves in harm’s


harm’s way to protect the communities they serve by taking this thug off the streets. ”


best efforts, there was no stopping the suspect from hurting somebody. “Nottinghamshire Police and


the Federation have supported me throughout my recovery. I am now paying that support forward and using my experience to help improve welfare services and help people tackle the trauma involved in policing.” PC Pannell added: “The incident has permanently changed me. I have received so much support from my family,


way to protect the communities they serve by taking this thug off the streets. They both showed incredible courage, putting their lives on the line in the course of their duties.” Chief Constable Kate Meynell, Nottinghamshire Police, said: “What happened to Sergeant Griffin on that day was not only one of the most horrific attacks we have seen for a long time but is a prime example of how our officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect the public. “I am sure the events of that night will


stay with Sergeant Griffin forever. I can only imagine the pain this must have caused to his family. Despite the personal trauma of that night, Sergeant Griffin’s passion and determination to serve the people of Nottingham has never waned and he is back serving the public. This is testament to his character.”


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