An officer who placed herself at significant personal risk to intervene and provide life-saving treatment to a man actively harming himself has been nominated for the national Police Bravery Awards 2026.

In summer 2025, PC Louisa Anderson attended a call alongside a colleague to assist in the execution of a warrant. On arrival, officers were informed that there had been no response from inside the flat and a decision was made to gain entry by drilling the lock.

As officers attempted to enter, the door rebounded, indicating it had been barricaded from within. Initial efforts forced the door open by only a few inches, preventing a clear view inside. With further pressure, a slightly wider gap was created, allowing officers to see the occupant.

Through the narrow opening, the male was observed repeatedly stabbing himself. Officers immediately intensified efforts to gain entry.

PC Anderson looked through the gap and clearly saw the male seated on a sofa, continuing to inflict serious injuries upon himself. Drawing on her previous experience as a Combat Medic with the Royal Army Medical Corps, along with advanced medical training gained through her firearms role, she quickly assessed that the situation presented an immediate and critical risk to life.

Recognising that urgent intervention was required to prevent catastrophic blood loss, PC Anderson unholstered her TASER and, from a gap of approximately 5–7 inches, discharged it while issuing a clear verbal warning. The deployment was effective, causing the male to fall back.

Using the brief window created by the TASER cycle, PC Anderson removed her protective vest in order to squeeze through the narrow opening and gain entry to the address. As she did so, the TASER cycle ended and the male resumed stabbing himself.

Faced with an ongoing and immediate threat, Constable Anderson re-energised her TASER to prevent further harm and manage any potential escalation. She then moved in, disarmed the male and secured the knife.

Once the weapon had been removed, she began administering urgent first aid, taking control of the scene and working to stabilise the male until further assistance arrived.

PC Anderson’s swift assessment, decisive use of force and application of advanced medical skills directly prevented further serious injury and potentially saved the male’s life. Her actions, carried out in a confined and hazardous environment against an armed individual, demonstrate exceptional presence of mind and a clear commitment to preserving life.

Derbyshire Police Federation Branch Secretary Chris Parker said, “PC Anderson’s courage and presence of mind in an extremely difficult and dangerous situation were exemplary. She demonstrated exceptional bravery, calm judgement and selflessness, putting the welfare of another above her own.  PC Anderson's response to the dynamic and challenging circumstances presented to her have saved a life.  This represents policing at its very best and is exactly what the Police Bravery Awards exist to recognise.”

Chief Constable Rachel Swann said: “PC Anderson showed outstanding courage and compassion in an extremely difficult and fast-moving situation.

“Her actions saved this man’s life. The outcome could have been very different if she had not shown tremendous bravery by removing her body armour to squeeze through a narrow gap, immediately engaging with the man to get the knife away from him. She then carried out lifesaving medical care. These are not decisions any officer ever expects to make, PC Anderson used her training, courage and compassion to do everything she could to help someone in need. We are incredibly proud of her.”