Eastleigh Camera Operator Wins Police Award

An Eastleigh CCTV operator has received a special award from Hampshire Police.

The operator, whose identity cannot be revealed to protect their anonymity, was presented with the Hampshire Constabulary’s Commanders Award, for invaluable assistance during a violent assault in Eastleigh last year.

The operator, working alone on a busy weekend evening and in difficult circumstances, maintained a visual contact on two people who had assaulted an individual in the car park at the Earth Bar.

The skilful coverage of the assault was recorded and used in evidence and helped the Police arrest the suspects shortly afterwards.

The citation on the award certificate highlighted the operator’s diligence, observation and technical skills.  These provided officers and the Court with good quality evidence that led to securing a successful conviction of the offenders who received a six year custodial sentence.  It said, “The work you performed on the night of the offence weighed heavily towards the successful conclusions of the case for which you are commended.”

The victim, who was punched unconscious and suffered multiple injuries recovered in hospital.

The Earth Bar has since been closed and planning permission granted for redevelopment of the site for residential and commercial use.