Day 5 of the Dyfed-Powys Police Annual Awards roundup

On our fifth day of the Dyfed-Powys Police 2020 Annual Awards roundup, we are recognising a Lampeter response sergeant who joined the force at the age of 18 and developed into one of the organisation’s most exemplary leaders.

Described by his colleagues as ‘one of the best frontline sergeants in Dyfed-Powys Police’, Sergeant Leyton Phillips was named the winner of the 2020 Dyfed-Powys Police Leadership Award for his ability to calmly command his team in challenging situations.

One example of an incident which he approached with rational thinking despite facing immense pressure was in 2019 when searching for a vulnerable woman with a baby she had given birth to while in hiding.

She was in the company of her abusive partner and social services desperately needed confirmation that she was ok.

Lines of enquiry were dwindling as the family remained missing for several days.

Sergeant Phillips began his tour of duty and immediately deployed his full response team and CID officers to the case, also taking to the streets himself in search of the mother and baby.

His strategic decision-making and proactiveness paid off as the family were eventually found, with Sergeant Phillips giving a lengthy foot chase before arresting the woman’s partner at the scene.

The infant was taken to a place of safety and checked over by medical professionals.

Much teamwork took place to resolve the incident, though it was Sergeant Phillips’ leadership and final push that pulled everything together to achieve a positive outcome for all.

Chief Inspector Thomas Sharville said: “Sergeant Phillips stands out for the enthusiasm he brings to the role and how he inspires his team.

“He is a leader who consistently delivers, and boosts others to also go that extra mile.”

Speaking after receiving his Leadership award, Sergeant Phillips said: “I joined the police as a constable when I was 18 years old, and now 16 years later I still wake up as excited to come to work as I did then.

“This job is like no other, and I feel very lucky to police such a lovely part of the country.”

The Dyfed-Powys Police Annual Awards recognises the outstanding contributions made by the force’s employees, volunteers and members of the public in all areas of policing.

Though the 2020 Annual Awards ceremony had to be cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak, we are now seeing the UK events industry taking its first steps into reopening, and so we remain hopeful for the Dyfed-Powys Police 2021 Annual Awards!

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