A team of PCs commended for their courage for their involvement in an incident where they were threatened by a suspect armed with a rifle have been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards 2025.

On 22 September 2023, officers from the Dog Section Unit, District Policing Team, and Neighbourhood Policing Team attended an address in Yateley, to investigate alleged dangerous dog offences. The purpose of the visit was to inform the occupants their dog would be seized and due process would follow.

Upon arrival, the officers demonstrated professionalism and clear communication in an emotionally charged scenario. Unbeknownst to them, one occupant armed himself with a long-barrel rifle and threatened to shoot PC Tom Brown from behind a door.

After making the threat, the suspect aimed the firearm at PC Brown, who retreated from the hallway.

PC Lance Plummer from the Dog Section took the lead, advancing forward and providing clear direction to the suspect while drawing his Taser.

When the firearm was raised in PC Plummer's direction, he tasered the suspect. PC Brown supported PC Plummer with his PAVA drawn.

PC Plummer's actions were selfless, prioritising his colleagues' safety over his own. PC Brown demonstrated courage by supporting PC Plummer despite the threat.

After eliminating the threat, PC Plummer immediately considered the suspect's welfare and provided first aid.

PC Fran McWade secured the firearm and safeguarded the other occupants, keeping them away from the situation. The suspect was safely arrested and taken into custody due to the swift actions of the officers.

The officers acted with real bravery, professionalism, and courage in an incredibly dangerous and frightening situation.

Hampshire Police Federation Chair Spencer Wragg: “In policing we never know what the next call will be and very often the mundane and routine calls turn out to be something very different. PC Plummer, PC Brown and PC McWade found themselves in this very position.

“What should have been an enquiry about a dangerous dog, something we are seeing more of these days turned out to them being faced with an emotionally charged suspect armed with firearm. With little room to retreat or backoff and other members of the family in the house the officers took decisive action with little time to consider their own safety.

“I am really proud to nominate them as the Hampshire nomination for this year’s national bravery awards.”

Chief Inspector Gillian Cox, District Commander for Hart & Rushmoor, said “The officers were faced with a situation whereby they were not only faced with a dog which was potentially dangerous, and they had to have good awareness in order not to fuel this situation and antagonise a dog which had previously attacked others.

“They were also faced with a situation that was also then a threat to their life and they reacted in a manner that was composed, professional and dealt with the suspect with dignity despite the challenge he had made on them.”

Acting Chief Constable Sam de Reya said: “The actions of the team that day epitomise what it means to be a police officer.

“PC Brown, PC Plummer and PC McWade all showed incredible bravery and displayed a high level of skill to react so quickly to a fast-moving and dangerous situation.

“I am immensely proud of their actions and would like to thank them for everything they did to ensure that lives were not lost that day.

“They worked together as a team and looked out for each other on the frontline while protecting and serving members of the public. Our communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are incredibly lucky to have such courageous and professional officers dedicated to making our neighbourhoods safer.”