‘Policing is a big family’

14 December 2021

Police Bravery Award winner Matthew Evans has described an extraordinary three days of “non-stop joy” in London where he drank wine in “Maggie’s Den”, swapped old stories with new mates and even got a laugh out of the Home Secretary.

The West Midlands PC brought home the 2021 Regional Award for the Midlands for the courage he showed when disarming a dangerous knifeman when he was off duty during a visit to the capital in October 2019.

The attacker had already stabbed an emergency service worker when Matt intervened, chasing, tackling and disarming the suspect, who was high on drink and drugs, before holding him on the ground until Metropolitan Police officers arrived.

Despite his courageous actions, Mat said he was taken aback when told about his nomination for a Police Bravery Award.

The 42-year-old said: “My first reaction was ‘Really?’ In the police you never really expect more praise than a pat on the back, a doughnut on your desk and perhaps an email saying ‘Well done’ from the boss.

“You honestly see your mates doing equally amazing and crazy things every day without batting an eyelid.

“So I got in the headspace that I was going there to represent all of the bobbies I knew around me who are just as worthy in my eyes.”

Mat was determined to make the most of his time in London but particularly relished his visit to the heart of Government.

He said: “Visiting Number 10 Downing Street was fantastic. One of the best parts of being in the police is that we get to ‘see behind the curtain’ of lots of places that the general public rarely do, and this is one of the places I’ve always wanted to visit.

“I managed to track down an aide who knew all about Number 10 and so secured myself a mini guided tour and it was fascinating to hear all the secrets and details that I’d never heard before.

“It’s easy to forget when you see the iconic big black door in the news that it really is the place where it all happens and where the Prime Minister lives.

“And how often do you get to down wine in Maggie Thatcher’s old office on the same sofa used by countless world leaders? Not every day.”

Mat also got the chance to discuss his award nomination with Home Secretary Priti Patel while he was in Downing Street.

He said: “I was in Number 10 chatting with a colleague when a ministerial aide approached me and said ‘the Home Secretary would like to speak to you’. That was a phrase I never imagined hearing.

“So I told Ms Patel my tale and we had a chat about my 23 years policing Birmingham city centre. I managed to make her laugh a few times and she was very fond of my beard!”

Reflecting on his visit to London and the presentation ceremony itself, Matt said the Police Bravery Awards brought into focus the powerful feelings of mutual respect and kinship which continue to bind the police family.

He said: “The whole three days were a non-stop joy and my Police Federation rep Rich was the perfect host. The highlight, though, was getting to know the other nominees and swapping war stories and jokes. By the end of the three days strangers were mates.

“It was the perfect reminder that the police is a big family, and once you know someone is Job, regardless of rank or background, there’s that instant connection. That feeling of mutual respect and kinship was the best bit by far.

“When an event like this is framed as a competition it felt odd because it never felt like anyone was really competing to win or be disappointed when they . All you felt was shock hearing everyone’s stories and admiration for the guys and girls who stepped up to deal with them.

“Because we were all police you couldn’t help but put yourself in their shoes and feel for them, and think to yourself, ‘If that ever happened to me I hope I could do that’.

“But nevertheless it was great to win the regional award. By that point most nominees knew each other to a degree and it didn't feel like you were in a competition, so you could just enjoy it all.”

Mat took his brother Richard as his guest and was also joined at the awards ceremony by Rich Cooke, chair of West Midlands Police Federation, and the Chief Constable Sir David Thompson.

Sir David said: “Matt is a cracking officer. He is a big presence in Birmingham city centre and was an outstanding nominee for this selfless act.

“He is one of our finest and thoroughly deserved this recognition at the national awards ceremony.”

Picture courtesty of Anderson Photography