Cumbria Police Federation Recognition Awards names Neighbourhood Police Officer of the Year

24 June 2026

An officer who has gained the trust of his community and helped prevent young people from re-offending has been named Neighbourhood Police Officer of the Year at the Cumbria Police Federation Recognition Awards.

Colleagues describe PC Sam Steele – a police officer since 2016 - as being “at the heart and soul of the Maryport community”, where he is Community Beat Officer (CBO).

 
PC Steele works tirelessly to reach even the most difficult-to-engage areas, building strong relationships and meaningful connections that bring people together. In his work with young people, it is said he’s seen as much of a social worker and counsellor as a police officer.

Through his proactive approach and unwavering dedication, PC Steele continually strives to make a positive difference. Alongside his community engagement, he is committed to tackling criminality head-on, working diligently to bring offenders to justice and ensure victims receive the support and outcomes they deserve. His efforts help make the community a safer place for everyone.

PC Steele said: “Maryport is a proud little town with a lot of history, but it's got a lot of issues as well: poverty, class A drug use. It's a town that had been left behind, but in the past decade it’s had quite a lot of investment and it’s been dragged up by community spirit.”

He continued: “The whole neighbourhood policing model is about being inbuilt in the community. Being approachable and being out there on foot, people come and talk to you and you find out the information that's important. You know where to target. You know where to take the harder approaches.”

One of PC Steele’s first initiatives was dealing with youth antisocial behaviour. He took his police van out to housing estates and let children and young people play with the siren and the cage, so that they started to talk to him. He also started a ‘community payback scheme’ for young people who had got into trouble, where they spent a few hours litter-picking. He explained: “It's been a lot of trying to nip small problems in the bud before they get bigger.”

He said his favourite part of the job was “working alongside the best people”. He added: “Everybody joins the police because they want to make a difference, but nobody wants to leave, because you work alongside the best.”

Cumbria Police Federation Chair Ed Russell said: “Sam’s commitment to serving the public, building trust, and seeking justice for victims truly sets him apart and makes him an outstanding choice for this award. The only issue is that Sam is going to have to put up another shelf for his awards!”

The Cumbria Police Federation Recognition Awards are taking place on 25 June 2026, in association with Slater & Gordon.

Also sponsoring the awards are Cumbria Police Group Insurance Scheme, Philip Williams, Uniform Mortgages, Police Friendly, Accord, National Police Healthcare Scheme, No1 CopperPot Credit Union, Taylor Law, and Serve and Protect.