Awarded to:

• All Police and Support Staff of the Avon and Somerset Constabulary.
• All Police and Support Staff of other ACPO affiliated forces acting in concert with the Avon and Somerset Constabulary or within its area.
• Members of other organisations acting in concert with the Avon and Somerset Constabulary (e.g. Serious Fraud Office or Customs staff).

Criteria:

For significant personal courage in the execution of duty, far above and beyond what should normally be expected from members of staff.

For significant initiative and commitment in the execution of duty, far above and beyond what should normally be expected from members of staff.

The Chief Constable's Certificate of Commendation is the highest level of award the force can bestow. As such it is reserved for those actions which go far beyond what should normally be expected from our staff. Actions which are merely very good examples of what staff are normally expected to achieve, such as a high number of arrests or the successful conclusion of a major enquiry, would not qualify for this award. Commendations are not intended for award to those who have simply done their job, however well that might be, rather, they are reserved for exceptional acts.

Where a commendation is for courage, this should involve a conscious decision to act in a courageous manner (whether active or passive) and should not cover those who encounter danger by chance and/or continue in its presence without realisation.

Whilst a Chief Constable's Commendation may be awarded in addition to a Crown Court Commendation (for the same actions), such an additional award is not automatic and each case should be decided upon its merits when compared to the required criteria.