Officer’s dedication to hunt escaped murderer praised

PC Stephen Reed was praised for his determination, which led to the recapture of Paul Flint, who fled Ford last year.

Chief Inspector Jon Hull, said: “He loves keeping the public safe by catching criminals. Indeed, his work has led to the capture of around 30 wanted people already this year.

“This award is about catching criminals and shows his commitment and tenacity.”

PC Reed’s dogged work began in September last year.

Flint, who had been jailed in 1998, was believed to be on the run in Sussex and committing further offences, said Chief Insp Hull.

“It is clear we wanted to put Flint back behind bars and that is obviously what we did. Working on various leads, Stephen managed to find out that Flint had connections in Brighton, London and Dorset.

“And Stephen, knowing how important Flint’s recapture was to us, came in on his days off and even cancelled a holiday.”

It was because of his tenacity, that he got a break which led to Flint’s recapture.

Chief Insp Hull added: “He demonstrated a high degree of professionalism and tenacity in dealing with enquiries and high levels of media interest.”

His accolade was one of many handed out at the West Sussex Divisional Awards ceremony at Arundel Castle’s Baron’s Hall on Monday evening (July 7).

The event marked the efforts of police and public, from the courage of catching criminals or saving people from almost-certain death, to helping deliver a baby and showing a steadfast dedication to policing.

Sussex Police and crime commissioner Katy Bourne was touched by the valiant efforts of police and public.

She said: “You hear words at ceremonies like ‘courage’, courage in the face of adversity.

“You hear words like ‘tenacity’ – staying until the end of the job, not just because it’s 5pm and your shift is ending, but because you actually want to see this through.

“It’s great to come to these events and I think the words that have been said before about the bravery of those rewarded today are always very humbling.

“But for me, the one thing that I take away from today is that each and every one of you here today – police officers, staff, family and members of the public – are absolutely fantastic and do some outstanding work.”