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Beat Bobby of the Year - and the winner is....

Posted on 15/05/2009

police,constabulary,leicestershire police Beat Bobby of the Year - and the winner is.... PC Harvey Watson wins Beat Bobby of the Year award

PC Harvey Watson wins Beat Bobby of the Year award

A police officer in Leicester who uses Facebook and Twitter to communicate with students in his neighbourhood, has been named ‘Beat Bobby of the Year 2009’. 

PC Harvey Watson, who is based at Welford Road police station, received over 50 nominations from members of the public for the prestigious award, which is backed by the Leicester Mercury. 

He has been a police officer for 23 years and a beat officer for the Campus Park neighbourhood, which includes the University of Leicester and Victoria Park, since April 2007.

Fellow nominee PC Andy Raybould, who is the beat officer for Oadby, was highly commended by the judges of the competition.

PC Watson said: “I feel really honoured to be given this award, it’s a job I love and there is none better. I could not do it without the support of my PCSO Amarjt Sanghera and I would like to thank all of the people who wrote in to support and nominate me.”

Since taking on the role of beat officer for Campus Park, PC Watson has worked to reduce the fear of crime by maintaining high visibility patrols in the area and setting up a police office at the Pavilion in Victoria Park to improve his accessibility to the public. He has also worked with the organisers of large events at De Montfort Hall and Victoria Park to reduce anti-social behaviour and crime and has run initiatives to tackle drugs misuse and speeding, in particular on Regent Road. 

PC Watson can regularly be seen patrolling the University grounds. He has set up a cycle registration scheme for students to prevent the theft of bicycles on the campus and has recently created ‘virtually stolen’ cards which he leaves on unattended bags, laptops or mobile phones to remind students to be more security conscious. To assist him in communicating key messages to students, PC Watson has also set up a ‘Campus Cops’ Facebook page and is exploring the use of Twitter. 

In support of the nomination, Clare Taylor who is Head of Student Welfare at the University of Leicester said: “PC Watson has brought enthusiasm, innovation and energy to policing the area. Harvey’s involvement goes beyond that expected of him.” 

Melissa Maharaj, an international student and Sub-Warden, added: “Harvey is a very dedicated police officer. I cannot begin to explain how passionate he is about his job. He is great at making the international students feel welcomed and comfortable. He has done great things to ensure the highest safety standards are met for the students. His sheer dedication shines through.” 

Mark Cartwright, Front of House Manager at De Montfort Hall, said: “Harvey is a credit to the Police Service. He goes over and above any duties and never lets us down.” 

It is the second year running that a police officer from Welford Road local policing unit has won the award. 

Chief Superintendent Chris Garnham, commander of the City area of Leicestershire Constabulary, said: “I am very proud that a beat officer from Welford Road local policing unit has once again won this prestigious award thanks to nominations from the public.

“There is something very special about what Harvey does and I am delighted that his hard work and commitment have been recognised.

"Harvey always makes a positive impact no matter what circumstances he finds himself in. He is equally as happy dealing with senior staff at the University or the most vulnerable people on his beat. He is genuine, progressive and committed to making his neighbourhood a safer place.” 

PC Watson will be presented with a shield and crystal rose bowl donated by the Leicester Mercury at the Chief Constable’s Award Ceremony in August. He will also be put forward for the national finals of the competition in London.