Award For Long-Serving Wimbledon Police Officer

---

DC Peter Allen is honoured after health set backs

A Wimbledon-based police officer has been honoured by the Met Police for his committment to his job despite a series of health set backs.

DC Peter Allen has undergone a triple heart by-pass, a kidney transplant and a lower leg amputation. He has served 44 years in the force and still works full-time at Wimbledon police station.

He has recently been honoured at the Met Police's Total Excellence in Policing Awards, where he was one of five officers to receive an award for "Commitment to Professionalism whilst Overcoming Adversity".

DC Allen, aged 63, has worked on investigating fraud and financial crime since 1995, but his previous roles have included working with the Bomb Squad and on Operation Trident.

He said: "I was proud to get the award. It was a tremendous honour to be recognised by the people that you work with on a daily basis."

His current work includes investigating bogus builders who con people out of their savings as well as criminals who have duped victims into giving their bank details over the phone. He also probes the available assets of convicted criminals.

DC Allen, a father-of-three and grandfather-of-two, said he gets a lot of satisfaction from his job. "I enjoy my work because it enables me to deprive criminals of the wealth they have obtained through the commission of crime," he said.

His award citation recognises the inspiration he is to his colleagues. It read: "He's an inspiration who refuses to let his disability interfere with this work, providing invaluable assistance, help and guidance to his colleagues."

DC Allen underwent a triple heart by-pass in the 1990s. He lost a lower leg through diabetes in 2010 and, after six years on dialysis, had a kidney transplant in 2012.

Part of his work involves mentoring and training colleagues. "I pass on my advice and experience to those who haven't had as much service as me. I know they think I've done well to carry on while others have stopped working. But the Met has also been wonderful to me," he added.

He received his award from Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, who said: "The Total Excellence Awards showcase the professionalism of our best leaders, volunteers, officers and staff, teamwork, excellence in overcoming adversity and so much more.

"Remarkable acts of professionalism and selfless acts of bravery are often carried out in the Metropolitan Police Service, but rarely remarked upon. These awards give us the opportunity to celebrate the professionalism of our officers, staff and volunteers who deliver an outstanding service day in day out.

"My officers and staff joined the Met to serve and protect Londoners and make our city safer for everyone. I am proud to lead an organisation where amazing work is normal."

March 25, 2015