Two Nottinghamshire officers have received national recognition for helping keep football supporters safe on matchdays.
Football officers PC Adam Smith and Carl Gabbitas play an important role ensuring things run smoothly before and after kick-off.
Both received acclaim on the sport’s grandest stage last Friday (19 September) – at an awards ceremony held at the home of football.
The duo were invited to Wembley Stadium, after their efforts saw them nominated for honours at the National Football Policing Conference.
PC Smith, a part-time Operational Football Officer, was named Operational Football Officer of the Year, by the National Policing Chiefs’ Council.
Football Intervention Officer Carl Gabbitas, meanwhile, was one of three people nationwide to be nominated for the Unsung Hero Award.
When tallying up home attendances for last season, fans went through the turnstiles over a million times at Nottinghamshire’s three main clubs.
This figure included Notts County’s Meadow Lane, where PC Smith has become a familiar face to many supporters and club officials alike.
PC Smith balances his day job in the force’s Tactical Support Group (TSG) with following The Magpies home and away as part of his football officer role.
As well as maintaining policing and safety standards at matches, the officer investigates any offences reported so those responsible can be sanctioned.
A recent example saw three juvenile supporters receive three-year football banning orders, following violent disorder after a Notts County match last season.
The trio have all been banned from attending any football matches in the UK for the next three years as part of the order.
Nottinghamshire Police is among the most successful forces nationwide in obtaining football banning orders for supporters who cause trouble.
Carl Gabbitas is among the reasons for this high figure, with the football officer obtaining banning orders in court following the investigation of offences as part of his role.
He also supports Nottinghamshire Police’s football team in preparing for matches, with his efforts seeing him make the top three from some 1,200 nominees at last week’s awards.
Both attended Wembley Stadium, with PC Smith presented with a trophy, certificate and a match-worn Jude Bellingham England shirt by NPCC Football Lead, Chief Constable Mark Roberts.
Superintendent Louise Clarke, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
“Both Adam and Carl work tirelessly to ensure football fans in our county can enjoy matches safely, so it’s fantastic to see them recognised on a national scale.
“Adam is a great example of that commitment, with the officer policing Notts County matches up and down the country, week in week out, while also managing his day job in TSG.
“It was a real pleasure then to see him honoured with this national award, as it was to see Carl make it through to the final three nominees from some 1,200 for his work.
“Our force is one of the most successful nationwide in terms of obtaining football banning orders, with Carl playing a key part in that achievement.
“Both these officers do a brilliant job and should be very proud of this achievement.”
