The seventeenth Annual National Police Bravery Awards will be taking place next Wednesday, 18th October in London.
I am delighted to announce that our nominee is Constable Jacqui Ellis for single-handedly arresting a female who had just stabbed her own Mother to death.
I have been writing the Press Release this morning, which reminded me once again of the remarkable bravery shown by Jacqui, who at the time of the incident had only eight months police service.
Out on routine patrol, Jacqui responded to a report that a woman was walking through the streets of Boscombe brandishing a large blood stained knife.
As the intelligence gathered and more information filtered through, it became clear that the offender was known to the police, had mental health issues and had allegedly stabbed and killed her mother.
As she made her way to the incident, she was flagged down by a member of the public who pointed out the woman.
Clutching the blood stained knife, and covered in blood she was walking towards a Mother and two young children. Single-crewed Jacqui, confronted the woman, who we now know to be Ecila Henderson instructing her to put down her weapon who refused and menacingly brandished the knife.
Jacqui single-handedly tackled the woman, disarmed her with the use of her PAVA spray and detained her until back up arrived.
I have said in the Press Release:
“The woman posed a significant and very real threat to members of the public; having killed her mother earlier that day. Knowing this, PC Ellis showed exemplary bravery and calm in the face of potential danger. Her selfless actions and fearlessness are a testament to her professionalism and act as an example to us all.
This was an amazingly brave act from a single-crewed officer – who at the time was only out of her probation by 8 months. The offender was dangerous – still armed and had already killed someone.”
I have the privilege of joining Jacqui in London for the Ceremony and will keep you posted on how it all goes. She has kindly been invited to visit the House of Commons the day prior to the ceremony by South Dorset MP Richard Drax. She will also be attending a Downing Street reception on the 18th October.
Clive
Clive Chamberlain
Chairman
Dorset Police Federation
