WATCH: Special honour for officers who saved lives in stabbing attacks

Friday 18 August 2023

Two police officers, who were called to two major stabbing incidents within a month of each other, have received the highest award their boss can give.

Chief Officer Robin Smith praised PC James Elliott and PC Elliot Brown's quick response in both cases, which he said saved the victims' lives, as he awarded them the special commendation.

They were the first at the scene of the stabbing incident at Temple Bar in December 2021 and at Le Geyt Estate in January 2022.

In the first case, the pair arrived within three minutes of the 999 call and began to administer CPR. The victim had been stabbed with a kitchen knife in the stomach in a "revenge" attack following an argument with fellow pubgoer Paul Hadikin.

The second case involved an attempted murder in which a teenager was stabbed 23 times and left with a knife sticking out of his back after being ambushed by other teens in relation to an alleged drug debt. 

In both instances, the pair tended to the victim before being joined by paramedics, and were credited with saving their lives.

Watch: PCs Elliott and Brown are given their awards by Chief Officer Robin Smith

Chief Officer Robin Smith said: "A Chief Officer’s Commendation is the highest award in the States of Jersey Police and are only given to officers and staff who do exemplary work. It is rare to give one commendation, it is unprecedented in my experience to give two commendations for two different incidents at the same ceremony."

The Police Chief continued: "I am immensely proud of PCs Elliott and Brown, they are a credit to the police service and the States of Jersey Police. They showed unwavering commitment to duty, steadfast resolve and quick-thinking whist dealing with these very difficult and stressful situations, and it is testament to their real courage, professionalism and compassion.

"They really did go above and beyond the call of duty and for that reason, we have recognised their actions today."

He praised their swift reaction and their professionalism, adding: "To have the competence to do that, to respond so quickly, to have the professionalism and the wherewithal not to get overwhelmed by what they see, and just get the job done – that's where they can act as role models to other staff."

Pictured - top: PCs Elliott and Brown received the Chief Officer's Commendation for attended two high-profile stabbings in 2021 and 2022. (Dave Ferguson)