A team of unsung heroes that work behind the scenes to help keep Tameside safe are to receive a prestigious police award.

Tameside Council's CCTV team work around the clock to monitor cameras, liaising with police and other emergency services to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.  

They also have direct radio contact with town centre businesses to support them if an incident occurs.  

The team of six also assist in locating missing and vulnerable residents, as well as wanted criminals. As well as helping with live incidents, they provide evidence to help solve crimes, assist arrests and support prosecutions.

Now the team have found themselves in the spotlight after being informed they are to receive a Chief Superintendent's Certificate of Commendation from Greater Manchester Police.

Councillor Allison Gwynne, Tameside Council Executive Member responsible for community safety, said: “This is fantastic and much-deserved recognition for the team, who work quietly behind the scenes to monitor the borough for crime, anti-social behaviour and other incidents - helping to reduce the fear or crime and making the borough a safer place for residents and visitors.

“Their efforts really do have a positive impact and reflect just one of the many ways we work collaboratively and effectively with the police and our other partners to improve community safety and protect residents.”

Superintendent Chris Foster, who visited the team in the CCTV control room to tell them about the award, said: “I’m really pleased to visit this hard working team who provide such a valuable service to the police and the public. They are often the first eyes on the scene of an incident, ensuring we are able to respond swiftly. They also help to keep track of offenders and direct police officers responding at the scene.

“Very recently they helped to recover a knife from an incident, which was crucial to the investigation. Their assistance is invaluable in helping to keep Tameside safe and they thoroughly deserve this commendation.”

The team will be invited to Ashton Police Station in due course to receive their award from Chief Superintendent Rob Cousen.

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