AWARDS 1,500 ARRESTS AND COUNTING
POLICE catches up with PC David Elliott from Cheshire Constabulary to learn more about his time on the frontline
RESPONSE OFFICER OF THE YEAR
“I think I’ll stay as long as my knees allow it,” joked PC David Elliott - AKA “Billy”- response officer of the year, during a sofa chat with POLICE. Serving Cheshire Constabulary for 15 years, and three years for West Mercia Police prior, PC Elliott won the 2024 National Police Chiefs’ Council’s Response Officer of the Year Award for his exemplary work and the investment he has put into his local community in Crewe. David was born and raised within a mile of Crewe station and has been a response
officer for the entirety of his career - feeling most at home when policing the streets of Crewe in his Panda, otherwise known as his “mobile office”. PC Elliott knows exactly what it takes
to be one step ahead of those looking to evade police attention. An hour early for duty every single shift, he checks the latest
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intelligence, wanted persons and crime information to create his own daily list of targets. It is this daily routine that shows his dedication and passion to proactivity which is based on creating his own luck. David has been hailed for his exceptional skills at identifying vulnerability and risk.
offences.
“I am proud I have done 18 years on the frontline because it is hard mentally and on the body. I’m going to continue to do my best with the 10 years I have left.”
His force highlighted he is passionate about safeguarding the vulnerable and displays this through his compassion shown to victims of crime. He has engaged with numerous victims of domestic abuse who were initially unwilling to engage, showing empathy and building a rapport to encourage them to make disclosures of
He prepares detailed Vulnerable Person Assessments which allow partner agencies to conduct appropriate risk assessments and obtain a clear insight into incidents that have occurred. He has also been involved in numerous vulnerable children incidents and, as a father himself, he uses those life skills to ensure they are given full support and care. Asked what he enjoys the most about response policing, he replied: “It’s hard work and grind, that’s why some people want
to move off it, but for me I still get the adrenaline from it and the thrill of the chase - that buzz.”
The news of winning the national accolade has only just sunk in for David, who acknowledged the incredible work of thousands of other response officers across England and Wales, adding: “I am
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