by Alan Quick

A WELL-KNOWN local police constable has been appointed as the Neighbourhood Beat Manager for Crediton.

PC Sarah Stevens, who lives locally, has been a police officer with Devon and Cornwall Police for 14 years, throughout all the years in Mid Devon.

She has been based at Crediton and Tiverton working as a response officer but also has experience in Neighbourhood Policing in Tiverton.

Her role will involve many aspects of policing in the area, including working with Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and other agencies, social services, councils, housing associations, other emergency services, local groups and organisations as well as members of the public.

Sarah said she was looking forward to working with the community.

She continued: “The public are our eyes and ears and because there are less officers we count on the public to support us.

“If people don’t tell us, we don’t know that incidents are happening and yes, we can’t always sort something out or tell people what actions we might be taking, but we do rely on people to tell us information so that we can help resolve any problems.”

Sarah explained that the public can contact the police using the 101 number if the incident is not an emergency or use the 999 number if it is an emergency.

Also, she emphasised that there is also a non-emergency email, which is: [email protected] .

She said the public should consider using the email address rather than having to wait for a telephone call to be answered if it is not an emergency.

AWARD

Sarah was recently presented with an award, the Chief Superintendent’s Commendation, at the Exeter, East and Mid Devon Police awards ceremony held at Exeter Guildhall.

The award was for “Outstanding commitment to duty and taking personal responsibility in challenging circumstances”.

The award related to an incident in Parliament Street, Crediton, on the night of October 10, 2015, when she and PC Alan Findlay from Tiverton responded to a serious assault.

They administered first aid to the victim who had life threatening injuries, ensuring accurate updates were passed before he lost consciousness.

The award stated: “Their immediate actions saved the victim’s life, which was confirmed by the Accident and Emergency Registrar.

“Their subsequent updates and actions secured and preserved vital evidence through the identification of the offenders, the scene of the crime and other physical evidence.

“The victim’s father was also at the scene and praised the officers’ actions, thanking them for saving his son’s life.”

PC Findlay also received an award from Chief Supt Jim Colwell.

Crediton Police Sgt David MacFadden, welcomed Sarah’s appointment and said he looked forward to continuing to working with Sarah as the NBM for Crediton.

“Sarah has gone through a long process to become the NBM and I think the communities of Crediton will be extremely happy with her appointment.

“She is a local officer who knows the communities she will work in and I am sure she will continue to build up good relationships within those communities.

“I would also like to congratulate Sarah on her recent award when dealing with an incident in Crediton very professionally.”