23 February 2026

Dorset Police Federation announces Operational Support Officer of the Year

PC Michalski said: “I really enjoy it, because no two events are ever the same. You always have to look at the intelligence you're given and then review your previous experience and organisational learning.

“And it's about having that wider balance of ensuring everybody has the right to enjoy their life, their property, their time. And then trying to stay on top of the crest of the wave of legislation. It's important to not become complacent and always look at how we can improve.”

In 2024 alone, PC Michalski’s leadership and calm professionalism were instrumental in managing over 180 protests, including complex operations such as responding to the widespread public disorder that summer.

One colleague who nominated PC Michalski for the award said: “Had it not been for Dan, the protests would not have been staffed appropriately, the risk assessments not completed, the operations not conducted as they should have been, and all participating officers not briefed as required. He has been exceptional, and duly deserves recognition.”

In 2025, PC Michalski successfully implemented – for the first time in Dorset Police – restrictions on a procession using powers under Section 12 of the Public Order Act 1986. Notice was received of an intention to hold a drum and bass bike ride through the centre of Bournemouth over a busy summer weekend.

“The event had run the previous year and attracted more than 600 participants, resulting in serious disruption to residents, businesses, retailers and visitors.”

PC Michalski explained: “The previous year, their route put them in direct contact with fast-moving traffic, so we proactively tried to engage with the organiser to see if we could prevent that from happening again. We had great initial engagement, but then he ceased engagement.

“So my role as advisor to the Silver and Gold Commanders was around what we could do to prevent unnecessary disruption to the community. Utilising my knowledge around legislation, and engaging with legal services, we identified that Section 12 Public Order Act powers were suitable in order to enforce a route on the event organiser and the entourage.

“That wasn’t a simple feat, because the legislation had to hit certain tipping points and be authorised by the Chief Constable. It was a lot of fact-finding, rationale writing, and working with neighbourhood policing and Commanders.

“Ultimately we succeeded in enforcing a new route on the group, which meant that they stayed away from the town centre.

“It's a good job, because the numbers that arrived for the event were in the region of 1,500 to 1,800 riders. If that had gone through Bournemouth town centre, it would have been chaos. In the end, there was no crime or disorder, and we were thanked by our strategic partners from the fire and ambulance service.”

PC Michalski continues to oversee up to six protests each week, with limited reliance on others. This is often to his own detriment, requiring him to work extended shifts, often at short notice, and balancing his family life with the demands of the job.  

He is a role model to many and his peers often ask him for advice and support, which he provides without hesitation. Officers at all levels respect and appreciate him, and value his commitment to his role and to the wider organisation.  

When he was told he’d won a Federation award, PC Michalski said: “I was really humbled and surprised that I achieved that level of recognition. I also know I’ve got this because of the support that I've got around me.”

Dorset Police Federation Chair Chris Wood said: “Dan is a true expert in his field, and his professionalism, dedication and enthusiasm helps keep our communities safe.

“All of his initiatives and improvements have ensured the force has been able to respond to the unprecedented number of protests and public order commitments seen not only in Dorset but across the country.”

PC Michalski will attend the 2026 Dorset Police Federation Recognition Awards on 26 February.

Dorset Police Federation Recognition Awards are in association with Bluline Health.

Also sponsoring the awards are Accord, Axon, Niche, Uniform Mortgages, Police Mortgages, Warren & Co, Police Friendly, Serve and Protect Credit Union, Philip Williams and No1 Copperpot Credit Union.