Top police commendation for CCTV operators

Three Denbighshire County Council CCTV operators have received commendations from North Wales Police.

The operators were nominated by North Wales Police investigating officers and were commended for surveillance and assistance in a manslaughter case.

In February this year a vicious assault took place outside the Grapevine Public house in Rhyl during a large social event. The victim of the attack unfortunately died as a result of his injuries some days after the assault. Not only was the assault on the single unsuspecting male recorded by the operators but the offenders actions leading up to the attack and also their behaviour after the assault.

The importance of evidencing the conduct of the offenders prior to and after the assault was crucial to the outcome of the case.

Councillor Sharon Frobisher, Cabinet Lead Member for Communities, said: “I believe that they should be acknowledged as the silent member of the emergency services who perform a vital role in the detection of crime and protecting the public who reside and visit the County of Denbighshire. This function is performed daily.

“As a result of their extensive experience and operational organisation the operators ensured the identity of the offenders and established their intent before the attack. Whilst they were tracked leaving the scene the offenders were recorded congratulating themselves on what they seemed to consider to be a 'good job done'.

“From the outset the offenders were constantly monitored discounting any issue of identity and strengthening evidential continuity. Close up footage of the males were secured and the operators were able to guide the Police Officers directly to the offenders which resulted in an arrest.

“Proving criminal cases is not just about what happened at the time the actual crime was committed but involves many features of investigation. This is a fine example of evidence gathering to paint the bigger picture that was essential in securing the conviction for a particularly serious crime.

“This kind of proactive action in tackling crime and the fear of crime is an excellent example of how partners forming the Denbighshire Community Safety Partnership are working together to make our community safer.”

Acting Chief Constable Ian Shannon said: "We have good communication links with CCTV operators and on this occasion it proved invaluable in deploying police officers quickly to the incident. Sadly we could not change the outcome for the victim, but our partnership working saw justice done for the family.

"The Denbighshire CCTV operators do a fantastic job for local communities and much of the time this goes unrecognised. I'm therefore extremely pleased to be able to publicly thank those who played an invaluable role in convicting those responsible for this very serious crime."