A police officer from Hinckley has won Leicestershire Police’s 2012 Beat Bobby of the Year competition.

PC 1189 Sean Hannigan works on the Counties’ BCU and is based at Market Bosworth.  PC Hannigan was chosen by a panel of judges including the Chief Constable, Simon Cole, the Chairman of the Police Authority, Barrie Roper and representatives from the Police Federation and Superintendents Association.

The award recognises the commitment and achievement of Principal Beat Officers (PBOs) in enhancing good relationships with the public.  The officers are nominated by members of the public through the Leicester Mercury.

PC Hannigan has been a police officer for 13 years and in his current role as a Neighbourhood Beat Officer covering villages such as Market Bosworth, Desford Botcheston, Newtown Unthank, Barlestone, Osbaston and Nailstone, Sean has embedded himself in his community and he has been instrumental in forging exceptional relationships with members of the community who live on his area.  He has worked hard to tackle lead and cable theft on this beat working closely with BT to tackle the problem and his drive and motivation mean he regularly carry’s out proactive stop checks and attends incidents as well as immersing himself in his beat. 

He has developed a close working relationship with Hijaz Islamic College and Bosworth Academy in Desford and he is in the process of setting up a police office at Bosworth Academy to continue to establish a higher level of engagement with young people in the area.

Inspector Rich Ward, Commander of Hinckley Local Policing Unit, said; “I was absolutely delighted to hear that Sean had won the award. My initial thoughts were that this was thoroughly deserved. What has impressed me most about Sean is his eagerness to help people and get them involved with their local police team. Sean has also very intelligently used his time to engage with all members of his local community."

Chief Superintendent Chris Thomas, the Counties’ BCU Commander said; “Sean is an excellent beat officer who fully embraces the concept of neighbourhood policing. He inspires confidence. 

“As the BCU Commander I have personally received letters of thanks and appreciation about Sean’s work. He has achieved the delicate balance between quality and supportive engagement with the community and challenging and dealing effectively with unacceptable behaviour. 

“Sean is an outstanding beat officer. He is highly visible, sensitive to the needs of different communities, and respected by both colleagues and the local community.”

Chief Constable, Mr Simon Cole, said; “Our task was really tough this year but we were delighted to read so many exceptional nominations.  The commitment and drive of all Officers nominated was very impressive and this strong field gave us a dilemma as every one would have made a worthy winner"

PC Sean Hannigan said; “I was delighted to have been nominated so to actually win it is amazing.  It is a credit to everyone I work with. A lot of hard work goes on in our beat but it is very much a team effort and I couldn’t have won the award without the support of the PCSOs and other Police Officers.  It is a great honour to be named Beat Bobby of the Year especially as the nominations have come from members of the public. I am very grateful.”

Sean will be invited to the Chief Constable's award ceremony in August where he will receive the Guy Swatland Memorial Shield, a crystal rose bowl, a signed certificate and cheque for £100 from the Chief Constable and a weekend away donated by the Police Federation JBB.

Highly Commended nominees were PC 1970 Andy Goadby of the City BCU based at Hinckley Road, for his commitment to tackling ASB on his extremely busy area and PC 852 Gary Bailey of the City BCU based at Belgrave for his highly original and innovative approach to engaging young people from all backgrounds on his beat. 

Both these officers will be invited to attend the Chief Constables Award Ceremony in August and will be presented with a Certificate and a cheque for £100 from the Chief Constable.

Issued on 31/05/12 at 13:30