Beat bobby scoops Met's officer of the year award

PC John Johnson, a home beat officer for Latchmere ward, received the award at a recent lunch with the Met Police Commissioner, Sir John Stevens.

Last Monday, PC Johnson threw a party at St Mary's Church, Battersea, to thank everyone connected with the award.

More than 250 people attended including the Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor Ron Smith, the Austrian Ambassador, police colleagues, family and friends.

Having joined the Battersea division as a home beat officer in 1986, PC Johnson then became a schools liaison officer with a responsibility for 15 primary and four secondary schools in the borough.

Last year he returned to his former post in which he continues to prevent crime, support victims and reduce the fear of crime.

He is known for patrolling the ward on his bike and taking the time to get to know everyone in the community.

Many Neighbourhood Watch groups benefit from his work which includes crime prevention initiatives, the organisation of street parties and editing a regular newsletter.

He also gives talks on crime prevention, drugs and personal safety to all age groups, and hands out crime prevention badges to youth groups, scouts, cubs and brownies.

As a member of the Battersea Crime Prevention Panel, he has produced a crime prevention leaflet and a bogus caller sticker for use inside the home by elderly and vulnerable people.

One of his biggest contributions to the borough has been the panel's Battersea Police Ball, which he founded nine years ago.

This year's event, held in November, was attended by 1,500 police officers and local people, raising over £35,000.

PC Johnson said: "I am delighted to have won the award and am grateful to those who nominated me.

"Battersea has a very mixed, vibrant community which I have been privileged to serve and be involved with for the last 15 years.

"Making Battersea a better and safer place to live, work and play is our policing aim."

December 5, 2001 17:00