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Beat Bobby of the Year - and the winner is....
PC Harvey Watson wins Beat Bobby of the Year award
A police officer in Leicester who uses Facebook and Twitter to communicate with students in his neighbourhood, has been named ‘Beat Bobby of the Year 2009’.
PC Harvey Watson, who is based at Welford Road police station, received over 50 nominations from members of the public for the prestigious award, which is backed by the Leicester Mercury.
He has been a police officer for 23 years and a beat officer for the Campus Park neighbourhood, which includes the University of Leicester and Victoria Park, since April 2007.
Fellow nominee PC Andy Raybould, who is the beat officer for Oadby, was highly commended by the judges of the competition.
PC Watson said: “I feel really honoured to be given this award, it’s a job I love and there is none better. I could not do it without the support of my PCSO Amarjt Sanghera and I would like to thank all of the people who wrote in to support and nominate me.”
Since taking on the role of beat officer for Campus Park, PC Watson has worked to reduce the fear of crime by maintaining high visibility patrols in the area and setting up a police office at the Pavilion in Victoria Park to improve his accessibility to the public. He has also worked with the organisers of large events at De Montfort Hall and Victoria Park to reduce anti-social behaviour and crime and has run initiatives to tackle drugs misuse and speeding, in particular on Regent Road.
PC Watson can regularly be seen patrolling the University grounds. He has set up a cycle registration scheme for students to prevent the theft of bicycles on the campus and has recently created ‘virtually stolen’ cards which he leaves on unattended bags, laptops or mobile phones to remind students to be more security conscious. To assist him in communicating key messages to students, PC Watson has also set up a ‘Campus Cops’ Facebook page and is exploring the use of Twitter.
In support of the nomination, Clare Taylor who is Head of Student Welfare at the University of Leicester said: “PC Watson has brought enthusiasm, innovation and energy to policing the area. Harvey’s involvement goes beyond that expected of him.”
Melissa Maharaj, an international student and Sub-Warden, added: “Harvey is a very dedicated police officer. I cannot begin to explain how passionate he is about his job. He is great at making the international students feel welcomed and comfortable. He has done great things to ensure the highest safety standards are met for the students. His sheer dedication shines through.”
Mark Cartwright, Front of House Manager at De Montfort Hall, said: “Harvey is a credit to the Police Service. He goes over and above any duties and never lets us down.”
It is the second year running that a police officer from Welford Road local policing unit has won the award.
Chief Superintendent Chris Garnham, commander of the City area of Leicestershire Constabulary, said: “I am very proud that a beat officer from Welford Road local policing unit has once again won this prestigious award thanks to nominations from the public.
“There is something very special about what Harvey does and I am delighted that his hard work and commitment have been recognised.
"Harvey always makes a positive impact no matter what circumstances he finds himself in. He is equally as happy dealing with senior staff at the University or the most vulnerable people on his beat. He is genuine, progressive and committed to making his neighbourhood a safer place.”
PC Watson will be presented with a shield and crystal rose bowl donated by the Leicester Mercury at the Chief Constable’s Award Ceremony in August. He will also be put forward for the national finals of the competition in London.
Latest News
If you don't use it... freeuse it! | |
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 | 11 February 2010If you don't use it. .... 11 Feb 2010 If you don't use it... freeuse it! |
Appeal following assault of two teenage boys in Groby | |
 | Appeal following assault of two teenage boys in GrobyPolice are appealing for witnesses following the assault of two teenage boys in Groby. The incident happened at around 6.... 11 Feb 2010 Appeal following assault of two teenage boys in Groby |
Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall | |
| Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall Two men have been charged in connection with drug dealing in the Netherhall and Thurnby Lodge areas of Leicester. A 28-year-old man has been charged with one count of supplying Class A drugs and two counts of possessing a Class A drug.... 11 Feb 2010 Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall |
Free home security devices for elderly residents in Eyres Monsell | |
| Free home security devices for elderly residents in Eyres MonsellHomes of elderly residents in Eyres Monsell are being given a security boost to help prevent distraction burglaries. Officers from Leicester City Council and Leicestershire Constabulary will be visiting up to 300 properties to carry out security checks and install crime prevention devices such as door chains and bolts, window locks, kick boards to strengthen front and back doors, personal alarms and digital spy cameras, where appropriate.... 11 Feb 2010 Free home security devices for elderly residents in Eyres Monsell |
Warning after distraction burglars claim to be police officers | |
| Warning after distraction burglars claim to be police officers Elderly residents in Leicester are being warned following a series of distraction burglaries by two men claiming to be police officers. Four distraction burglaries were reported to police in the city during the evening of Wednesday February 10.... 11 Feb 2010 Warning after distraction burglars claim to be police officers |
Related News
Warning following cycle thefts around University of Leicester | |
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 | Warning following cycle thefts around University of Leicester Police are warning university students in Leicester following a spate of bicycle thefts. Over the last 30 days, 17 thefts of bicycles have been reported to local officers.... 13 May 2009 Warning following cycle thefts around University of Leicester |
Police officer killed in Road Traffic Collision | |
| Police officer killed in Road Traffic Collision PC Guy Swatland pictured in the Leicester Mercury after being announced as Beat Bobby of the Year 2008 Leicestershire Constabulary have tonight confirmed that a serving police officer was killed in a road traffic collision today (Friday June 12). PC Guy Swatland (49) was a beat officer for the Stoneygate and Knighton beat at Welford Road local policing unit.... 12 Jun 2009 Police officer killed in Road Traffic Collision |
Enjoy a safe Summer Sundae | |
| Enjoy a safe Summer SundaeMusic lovers attending Summer Sundae in Leicester are being offered advice by the local beat officer to ensure they enjoy a crime-free weekend. The annual event, which runs from Friday August 14 to Sunday August 16 at De Montfort Hall and Gardens, is expected to attract up to 7,000 people each day.... 13 Aug 2009 Enjoy a safe Summer Sundae |
Protect your laptop before its too late! | |
| Protect your laptop before its too late!The Riverside and Campus neighbourhood policing teams are working with the Citys two universities - De Montfort and University of Leicester to raise awareness of a tracking and recovery software programme called LoJack for Laptops by Absolute Software. The team are helping the first 500 students who come forward from both campus sites, to install the software programme on their laptops.... 03 Feb 2010 Protect your laptop before its too late! |
April and May surgeries for Western Park neighbourhood beat team | |
 | The Western Park neighbourhood police beat team will be holding beat surgeries in April and May. PCSO Lauren Billig will be at the Fosse Recreational Ground between 6pm and 8pm on Tuesday April 15 and at St Annes Church on Letchworth Road between 6pm and 8pm on Tuesday May 13.... 08 Apr 2008 April and May surgeries for Western Park neighbourhood beat team |
Relevant News
DMU students help to make homes safer in Leicester | |
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| De Montfort University (DMU) students are helping to make homes safer with a new scheme being run in conjunction with police in Leicester.... 04 Apr 2008 DMU students help to make homes safer in Leicester |
April and May surgeries for Western Park neighbourhood beat team | |
| The Western Park neighbourhood police beat team will be holding beat surgeries in April and May. PCSO Lauren Billig will be at the Fosse Recreational Ground between 6pm and 8pm on Tuesday April 15 and at St Annes Church on Letchworth Road between 6pm and 8pm on Tuesday May 13.... 08 Apr 2008 April and May surgeries for Western Park neighbourhood beat team |
Hamilton and Humberstone Beat Surgery | |
 | People living and working in Hamilton and Humberstone are being given regular opportunities to meet with their beat officers.... 18 Apr 2008 Hamilton and Humberstone Beat Surgery |
Loughborough University secures another top ranking in national league table | |
 | Loughborough University is ranked third for student satisfaction below only Cambridge and St Andrews in The Good University Guide, a national league table.... 24 Apr 2008 Loughborough University secures another top ranking in national league table |
Beat surgeries for Oadby and Wigston residents | |
| Beat surgeries for Oadby and Wigston residents Residents in the Oadby and Wigston area are being given the opportunity to speak with their neighbourhood officers. Wigston's beat team has changed the venue for its consultations.... 03 Feb 2009 Beat surgeries for Oadby and Wigston residents |
Most Read News (today)
Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity | |
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| Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity Sgt Julie Strong, Jo Adams, PCSO Sarah Eastwood, PCSO Maggie Hill, Jonathan Rogers & Chris Barratt with some of the donated bikes Police in Leicester are helping a local charity to get back on track after it was targeted by thieves. Neighbourhood officers from Hinckley Road police station have organised the donation of 20 mini motos and motorbikes to Nacro, the crime reduction charity, to help it continue its work tackling anti-social behaviour and engaging with young people.... 12 Jun 2009 Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity |
Two men charged with murder | |
| Two men charged with murder A 36-year-old man and a 53-year-old man have been charged with murder following the death of 51-year-old Mrs Vina Patel on Thursday January 15, 2009. Both men are due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Friday July 3, 2009.... 02 Jul 2009 Two men charged with murder |
NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN | |
 | A prestigious new scholarship has been announced by the University of Leicester?s Department of Mathematics in memory of an outstanding former member of staff.... 02 May 2008 NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN |
Creative graduates start up in business | |
| Community Services 7 July 2009 Creative graduates start up in business Four graduates from De Montfort and Loughborough Universities have won 1000 each plus business support to start up new creative businesses in Leicestershire:Emma Amies is setting up a new lingerie brand using fresh fabrics and styles from the 1950s. Emma previously worked as a Town Planner as well as designing wind farms for a green electricity company.... 09 Jul 2009 Creative graduates start up in business |
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME | |
 | A collaboration between the University of Leicester Forensic Research Centre and the Northamptonshire Police Scientific Support Unit, which has already produced some ground-breaking results, is to be formally launched on 14th May.... 16 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME |
Most Read News (this month)
Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity | |
|---|---|
| Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity Sgt Julie Strong, Jo Adams, PCSO Sarah Eastwood, PCSO Maggie Hill, Jonathan Rogers & Chris Barratt with some of the donated bikes Police in Leicester are helping a local charity to get back on track after it was targeted by thieves. Neighbourhood officers from Hinckley Road police station have organised the donation of 20 mini motos and motorbikes to Nacro, the crime reduction charity, to help it continue its work tackling anti-social behaviour and engaging with young people.... 12 Jun 2009 Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity |
Two men charged with murder | |
| Two men charged with murder A 36-year-old man and a 53-year-old man have been charged with murder following the death of 51-year-old Mrs Vina Patel on Thursday January 15, 2009. Both men are due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Friday July 3, 2009.... 02 Jul 2009 Two men charged with murder |
NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN | |
| A prestigious new scholarship has been announced by the University of Leicester?s Department of Mathematics in memory of an outstanding former member of staff.... 02 May 2008 NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN |
Creative graduates start up in business | |
| Community Services 7 July 2009 Creative graduates start up in business Four graduates from De Montfort and Loughborough Universities have won 1000 each plus business support to start up new creative businesses in Leicestershire:Emma Amies is setting up a new lingerie brand using fresh fabrics and styles from the 1950s. Emma previously worked as a Town Planner as well as designing wind farms for a green electricity company.... 09 Jul 2009 Creative graduates start up in business |
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME | |
| A collaboration between the University of Leicester Forensic Research Centre and the Northamptonshire Police Scientific Support Unit, which has already produced some ground-breaking results, is to be formally launched on 14th May.... 16 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME |
Most Read News (alltime)
Cannabis Farm Closed | |
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 | A cannabis factory has been discovered by officers from Hinckley Road local policing unit. The factory was discovered at a house on Beaconsfield Road, off Narborough Road, at around 11.... 19 Apr 2008 Cannabis Farm Closed |
Family of manslaughter victim release statement | |
| Family of manslaughter victim release statementSteve VidalToday, Sally Ann Wood (35) of Wyville Row in Leicester, was found guilty at Leicester Crown Court of the Manslaughter of Stephen Matthew Vidal. Following the verdict Stephen's family released the following statement: Steve was both a loving son, cherished father, devoted grandfather and a beloved family member.... 05 Aug 2009 Family of manslaughter victim release statement |
Lengthy sentences for four accused in Kidnap trial | |
| Lengthy sentences for four accused in Kidnap trialClockwise from top left: Gaffar, Mirza, Desai and KhanA PCSO has been praised today after his actions helped to secure the prosecution of four men for GBH, kidnap, false imprisonment, robbery and blackmail. At around 8.... 13 Nov 2009 Lengthy sentences for four accused in Kidnap trial |
Stephen Hawking Lecture at Leicester University | |
 | Professor Stephen Hawking to deliver 50th Anniversary lecture at University of Leicester The University of Leicester will be making history on Wednesday 28th May when one of the best-known and most remarkable scientists of our time will talk on the beginning of time and the cosmos. As part of the University s 50th Anniversary celebrations, Professor Stephen Hawking, CBE, Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge, will discuss theories on the origin of the Universe in a public lecture.... 01 May 2008 Stephen Hawking Lecture at Leicester University |
Police protect the Special Olympic 'FLAME OF HOPE' | |
| Police protect the Special Olympic 'FLAME OF HOPE'The Special Olympics Torch, the Flame of Hope will be escorted on the final leg of its journey to the opening ceremony, on Saturday July 25, by police officers and staff, by Special Olympics athletes, and representatives from event sponsors National Grid. Representatives from police forces across Great Britain have carried the original 1948 Olympic Torch over 800 miles as part of 2009 Law Enforcement Torch Run.... 24 Jul 2009 Police protect the Special Olympic 'FLAME OF HOPE' |