Winners! Surrey Road Cops Scoop Police Federation Prize

31 January 2018

Two police constables who are driving forward new technology in their force have been presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Roads Policing Award at this year’s national Roads Policing Conference, held at Hinckley Island, Leicestershire.

PCs Dan Pascoe and Ben Hudson from Surrey’s Roads Policing Unit are pioneering use of Mobile Data Terminals (MDT) and advising on their development. This vital piece of equipment allows officers to complete forms electronically at the roadside, saving more than two hours of officer and staff time per incident, and enabling officers to spend more time on the road tackling crime.

Sergeant Phil Dix, who nominated the duo for the award, said: “Both are highly motivated proactive officers with an excellent arrest record and a number of commendations for their work. They are renowned amongst their peers for their proactive approach and traffic knowledge. They have some of the highest work rates on their team. Both are involved in a number of projects and activities that directly contribute to Roads Policing and raising their department’s profile both in the public eye and policing world.”

PCs Pascoe and Hudson, who are based in Guildford, have 15 years joint service between them.

They are heavily involved in Operation Tramline which uses an unmarked HGV tractor unit to target commercial drivers who use mobile phones at the wheel. And they are members of a small group of officers who contribute to their department Twitter feed which this year won the national Police Twitter award for the best roads policing account. Earlier this year they used their technical knowledge and investigation skills to swiftly identify a suspect vehicle involved in a fatal hit and run.

On receiving the award PC Dan Pascoe said: “With the reduction of roads policing officers both locally and nationally our objective is to bring better efficiencies into roads policing so we can put officers back out on the road.”

PC Ben Hudson said: “We are just two PCs who enjoy what we do for a living and we try to do what we can to help the public and assist roads policing.”

Jayne Willetts, Roads Policing Lead for the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “PCs Pascoe and Hudson are very worthy winners of this award – it is important we give deserved recognition to the work and contribution of roads policing officers. Dan and Ben have made significant strides in progressing technology that in future will enable officers to police the roads more effectively and efficiency to keep the public safe. I am delighted we are able to award this to such exemplary officers.”