A CONSTABLE’S unwavering efforts to support a victim of domestic violence were hailed as a shining example of community policing at an awards ceremony today (Monday, November 10).

PC Amanda Holland was named overall winner at the Durham Police Wow! Awards at the Xcel Centre in Newton Aycliffe.

From going the extra mile to curb anti-social behaviour; to ensuring vulnerable people have the support they need – the ceremony celebrates inspiring police work across the county, with members of the public nominating staff and officers in a range of categories.

PC Holland, who also triumphed in the Wow That’s Really Special category, was singled out for her work with a domestic violence victim in Darlington

The officer of 17 years first met the woman when investigating a theft but soon realised she was a victim in desperate need of help.

From that moment on, PC Holland, 40, pulled out all the stops to assist the woman, building up her trust and ensuring the right support was in place for when she was ready to report her partner.

She even arranged a hair appointment to give the woman a much-needed confidence boost.

PC Holland said: “I feel overwhelmed to be honest. I nearly cried when my name was called out.

“To me it wasn’t a big deal. I was just focused on looking after her and wasn’t expecting any recognition for it.

“Sat here today, I have heard so many inspiring stories about what the other winners and nominees have done. I feel honoured to be among them.”

Other Wow! winners included: Wioleta Cieslewicz, Tomasz Fladro and Cassie Wilson who won the Wow What a Team award; PC Scott Wilson, who won the Best Community Service award; PCSO Deborah Robson, who won the Inspiring Confidence in the Community award; PCSO Abby Freeman who was named Best Newcomer; and Special Inspector Hayley Gibson who triumphed in the Inspiration Leader category.

Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg said: “This is not a case of us promoting our own; the nominations have come from the community. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who took the trouble to make a nomination.”

Chief Constable Mike Barton added: “The winners and nominees here today are inspirational. They come into people’s lives when things aren’t going well and transform their lives the better.”