A LONG Service award was presented to Sergeant Matthew Harkin.

Matt Harkin joined Devon and Cornwall Police in November 2005. After completing his training, he spent five years on a Response section in Newton Abbot before joining the local Neighbourhood Team as the Kingsteignton Neighbourhood Beat Manager.

After three years, he returned to a Response section, working in Teignmouth and Torquay, before moving into the specialist Youth Intervention Officer role for Torbay.

In their commendation the force says of him: ‘This role provided the opportunity for Matt to positively influence the lives of young people, something that he is passionate about.

‘Whilst in post Matt trained to become a Princes Trust team leader and worked closely with local youth groups on a variety of projects.

‘In 2017 Matt was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, returning to his roots for two years on a Newton Abbot Response Section, before he became the Community Safety Sergeant for the whole of South Devon Basic Command Unit (BCU).

‘Matt already possessed the necessary skills, including a positive disposition and appetite for a challenge, so successfully embraced the role that also provided the opportunity to lead the BCU Youth Intervention.

‘He was integral in the development of the Torbay Multi Agency Out of Court Disposal Panel, a process that again reflects Matt’s passion in making things fairer for young people, ensuring that their future life chances are not unduly impacted on by their actions.

‘He has represented British Police at golf, has been the Force Golf Champion and regularly takes part in local competitions and events. He is held in high regard by others for the power behind his ‘drive’.’