‘Exceptional’ police officer James Rabbett earns award

Published: 12 March 2010
by PETER GRUNER

A POLICEMAN who put his life in danger by making a staggering 200 arrests last year ­– many involving armed criminals – was named Islington’s Officer of the Year at a glittering awards ceremony this week.

Hundreds of guests heard how Pc James Rabbett, 28, based at Highbury Vale Police Station, bravely apprehended some of the most dangerous criminals in order to make Islington a safer place.

Borough Commander Michael Wise presented the annual police awards along with Islington Mayor Anna Berent at the plush headquarters of the Honourable Artillery Company in the City on Wednesday night.

Describing one incident in Finsbury Park, Pc Rabbett said that he and two colleagues were in plain clothes when they saw a wanted man in Seven Sisters Road. “After we had managed to restrain him we discovered that he had a nine-millimetre loaded handgun in the waistband of his trousers. It was a good arrest and you get the satisfaction that you’ve got one more dangerous person off the street.”

Pc Rabbett, a member of Islington Safer Neighbourhoods Task Force, said he also goes after young people suspected of carrying knives. He hoped that in the wake of the murders of young people like Holloway boy Ben Kinsella the message is finally getting across that anyone with a weapon will go to prison.

He added: “I like being a policeman – my dad was one – and it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. I’m very proud to receive this award.”

Police Community Support Off­icer Vennis Stewart from the Barnsbury Safer Neighbourhoods team was also commended for “outstanding commitment, dedication and enthusiasm and the ability to engage with youth”.

Civilian Barry Coleman, 43,  an Islington roofer, was commended for saving the life of a man trying to commit suicide by attempting to hang himself from  a fourth floor balcony.

Inspector Michael Cowie, 44, a member of Highbury Safer Neighbourhood Taskforce and a police officer for 21 years, was commended for “professionalism, dedication to duty and leadership in managing the investigation of a vulnerable girl and her unborn baby, which led to the arrest and charge of two offenders for attempted murder.”

Commander Wise said the awards were to reward officers who do over and above what is expected of them. “Police officer of the Year is a new award and Pc Rabbett is an exceptional officer,” he said. 

“But all the award winners are a great inspiration and a credit to the force.”