Blackburn Special Constable named North West's top cop (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Blackburn Special Constable named North West's top cop

4:10pm Wednesday 1st February 2012 in News By Nafeesa Shan, Reporter

A SPECIAL Constable has been named top cop in the North West for his crime-fighting initiative.

Dax Byrne-Turner, from Shadsworth, Blackburn, was awarded British Transport Police North West Special Constable of the Year for his work tackling metal theft from railway lines.

The 25-year-old saw off competition from Special Constables Ryan Lee, Rachael Cobain and Simon Bowler to take the title.

He organised a day of action involving four councils, Network Rail, utilities companies and other groups Dax is currently completing a foundation degree course in policing at the University of Central Lancashire and has been working as a Special Constable in Preston.

He said: “I am delighted to be recognised in this way, particularly when I was up against other highly-regarded officers.

“I have just been doing my job as a Special and applying the knowledge and skills I have acquired from my university course with the support of the British Transport Police.

“It is a great honour and I am humbled by it all.”

Presenting the award, area commander Chief Superintendent Peter Holden said: “Dax is commended for his enthusiasm, initiative and excellent organisational skills which he has demonstrated since becoming a Special Constable in 2011.

“Dax has demonstrated a high level of commitment, interest and understanding in addressing the force’s priority of tackling the problem of metal theft on the railway, resulting in him planning and organising an area day of action in the Preston area.”

Bob Helm, UCLan course leader for the foundation degree in policing, said: “This is a wonderful achievement for Dax and everyone here is very proud of him. He works hard and is dedicated to his learning.

“This award provides evidence that Dax is able to successfully transfer what he has learned at university to the workplace.”