The team of Special Constables dedicated to keeping Basingstoke’s youth alcohol-free dance evenings at Liquid nightclub a safe event to go to, have been named Hampshire Constabulary’s Special Team of the Year 2008.
The ‘Liquids Team’ is made up of 14 Special constables who take charge of the under 18s disco which takes place in the nightclub one Monday evening per month. The event attracts over 1,000 young people every month.
Chief Inspector Cliff Williams said: “The team has made a significant contribution to making this event safer for those attending and they also provide reassurance to the parents who are now confident that their children will not get into harm when attending Basingstoke town centre for these events.
“I have attended the operation on a Monday night and have witnessed first hand how the Specials team have taken control of a policing problem and pro-actively ensured a safer environment.”
Young people fighting outside the club were a serious issue on this night and it had put serious strain on the regular police officers on shift at the time. By introducing a dedicated Specials team it has allowed the event to be brought back under control and provide a visible police presence.
The team were presented with their award at the Chief Constables Awards ceremony on Friday, March 13, 2009 at Hampshire Constabulary’s training headquarters in Netley.
The team is made up of:
DO Stewart Packham
SO Wayne Davis
SC Kyle English
SO Christopher Round
SO Kevin Dinsey
A/SO Steve Williams
SC Rachel Day
SC Sara Lewendon
SC John Paterson
SC Ivor Nelson-Williams
SC Tony Burniston
SC Tony Saunders
SC Graham Reeves
