A pair of compassionate PCs who put the safety of a vulnerable woman before their own have been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards 2025.

On 26 June 2024 Norfolk Constabulary beat managers PC Samantha Anderson and PC Sally Nairn responded to reports of a person in crisis on the top of a multi-story carpark in Norwich.

A member of the public reported the woman was on the edge of an outbuilding on the uppermost floor and they were concerned she could jump.

It was impossible to engage with the woman from where she was positioned above them, and while the fire service had reached her and made every effort to talk her down, they could not deescalate the situation.

PC Anderson climbed to join them and put herself between the female and the edge without being tethered to anything, preventing the female harming herself. PC Nairn joined her to assist, also not tethered and falling being a real risk for both of them.

They remained there, constantly reassuring the vulnerable woman for an hour while other emergency service colleagues ensured they could bring her down safely to the ground, which they successfully did.

Norfolk Police Federation Chair Andy Symonds said: “I am always astounded by my colleagues’ bravery, and the humility they show when they are praised for their bravery.

“Both Sam and Sally put themselves at extreme risk of serious injury to protect a vulnerable person. They are the best of the best and showcase why we have the finest police officers in the world.

“They act with bravery and selflessness, much of it goes unnoticed, so events such as these awards give us all the opportunity to praise our police officers for the work they do 24/7, 365 days of the year.

“Both Sam and Sally will simply downplay it and say it’s what anyone else would have done. Well, I won’t downplay it and it’s not what everyone else would have done. I’m super proud of these two cops.”

Norfolk Constabulary Chief Constable Paul Sanford: "These officers acted with incredible bravery, in the highest traditions of the service, making sure a vulnerable woman could be brought to safety.

“I'm exceptionally proud of the professionalism and care they showed during a challenging situation.

“Policing is not always easy, but colleagues across our organisation come to work every day to make a difference, to help people in their greatest hour of need, and in this case PCs Nairn and Anderson did just that."