By Jenny Barwise

Last updated 13:03, Friday, 10 October 2008

A policeman whose forensic work resulted in 70 arrests was one of 17 to be commended at a ceremony in Workington.

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Vital: Seventeen staff have been awarded the Commander’s Certificate of Merit for their professionalism. They are; back row from left: Det Con Lynne Murdock; Det Sgt Ian Harwood; Det Con Andy Yoxall; PC Cath Thorpe; Det Con Sandra Thomas; PC Mick Taylor; Ch Supt Kevin McGilloway; PC Phillip Carter; PC Chris Walker; PC Darren Howarth; PC Ben Strain. Middle row from left: Det Con Mark Fisher; Det Con George Atkinson; Det Con Jenny Wilson; Det Sgt Jeremy Campbell; PC David Horky. Front row from left: Det Con Ruth Greenhow; Alison Prothero; PC Vanessa Jackson; PC Laura Robinson; PCSO Rebecca Clarke; PCSO Katie McGordon and PC Cath Mullarky

Detective Constable Andy Yoxall processed 283 forensic hits during six months in west Cumbria, leading to the arrest of scores of suspects.

He was one of a string of officers and civilian staff to be presented with certificates at west Cumbria police HQ this week.

Others included Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Katie McGordan, who was recognised for her dedication to duty while working in Kells, Whitehaven.

PCSO McGordon is said to have made a significant contribution in tackling youth disorder and anti-social behaviour throughout Whitehaven.

She is the current driving force behind the Whitehaven Nuisance Register, a system designed to record and monitor the behaviour of individuals throughout the town.

She has also been involved in Operation Prestwick, designed to target alcohol abuse and anti-social behaviour among young people.

PC Laura Robinson was rewarded for her commitment and professionalism as a response officer in Whitehaven.

She was the first officer on the scene of an accident involving an eight-year-old old boy who was seriously injured.

She secured the scene and updated all officers involved in the situation, remaining calm throughout.

PC Robinson was also the first on the scene to a domestic incident where a mother and daughter had been assaulted.

Despite both victims withdrawing their statements, a serial offender in domestic violence was convicted by the court because of PC Robinson’s work.

PC David Horky was awarded for his work after he showed professionalism and dedication when dealing with a violent situation.

In April, PAVA spray was used in a west Cumbrian nightclub to control disorder. PC Horky was contaminated with the spray and could not see. He was advised to go to the West Cumberland Hospital, but he remained on duty to complete all relevant statements and paperwork before going to hospital.

PC Mick Taylor was also praised for his work planning and delivering policing during the Queen’s visit in June.

PC Phillip Carter was commended for his professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication to duty as a community police officer for the estates of Kells, Woodhouse and Greenbank in Whitehaven for the past two years.

Detective Constable Ruth Greenhow was recognised for her role in successfully prosecuting and convicting a man on four counts of rape.

Others who were recognised included Detective Constable George Atkinson, Detective Sergeant Ian Harwood, Detective Constable Jennifer Wilson, Detective Sergeant Jeremy Campbell, PC Vanessa Jackson, Det Con Lynne Murdock, Det Con Mark Fisher, PCSO Rebecca Clarke, Det Con Sandra Thomas and Alison Prothero.