Conference 2001 - Awards of Excellence
Awards of Excellence - Midlands Area
Jill Martin is a constable in British Transport Police based at Birmingham.
At 11.15 p.m. on 25th October 2000 New Street station in Birmingham city centre was still busy with passengers owing to many train delays. Station employees became aware of a male person on the crowded concourse area who was loudly and repeatedly shouting. The male was seen to have a knife in his hand which he kept waving at people and threatening them. He was seen to hold the blade to his throat threatening to kill himself.
Jill along with two other officers attended the scene and the male then began to threaten them with the knife. Jill, having quickly assessed the situation, began a dialogue with the male whilst her colleagues cleared the public from the Area. The man became more agitated, threatening Jill and also continuing making threats to kill himself.
Eventually the man became distracted and Jill used the opportunity to tackle the man with her baton. She quickly disarmed him and overpowered him and with the help of her colleagues he was handcuffed. He was later charged with Affray and possession of the knife and later appeared at court, where following psychiatric reports he was given an 18 month Probation Order.
Jill is to be congratulated for good judgement and brave conduct in dealing with this situation and she was commended by the District Judge for her actions.
The Midland Area nomination for an Award of Excellence - Jill Martin.
