2 Isle of Wight Police officers have been recognised by senior leaders after dealing with a particularly hostile situation in Cowes last year.
PC Danni Tosdevin and PC John Packham were presented with awards during last week’s Isle of Wight District Commander’s Awards ceremony for their involvement in the arrest of a wanted offender back in October 2022.
Following reports to Police about the individual’s potential whereabouts, PC Packham had the curiosity to walk the length of the Red Jet pontoon in Cowes where he located the man hiding in a corrugated wall. It was believed that the suspect’s intention had been to leave the Island, knowing he was wanted.
PC Packham grabbed the man’s arm to prevent him from jumping into the water and secured it before armed officers assisted with detaining him.
The man began behaving aggressively and made threats of extreme violence to police as he was conveyed to custody. To diffuse the situation, PC Tosdevin maintained excellent communication with the suspect and was able to build a rapport with him, allowing police to get him to a cell safely and without the need for any further restraint.
PC Tosdevin’s efforts de-escalated what would have been a violent encounter. She was recognised at the ceremony for showing resilience in the face of extreme aggression and threats, and remained robust, fair and not intimidated.
PC Packham was recognised for locating an aggressive and hostile wanted man by following his instincts, and for preventing a violent offender from fleeing the Isle of Wight.
This is the 2nd year running that PC Packham has received an award. At a ceremony in May last year, he was presented with the District Commander’s Congratulations for his professionalism and resilience whilst dealing with a serious collision on the Isle of Wight.
He is pictured in a wheelchair having sustained serious injuries in a motorcycle accident in December last year, as previously reported by Island Echo.
That cop looks massive – well done for getting that giant bellpipe – he’s a bad man so good job he was stopped from getting away.
Well done and thank you.
Hopefully the Female officer can get her haircut finished.