Police workers recognised for long service

Two Wiltshire Police workers based in the Melksham area have been recognised for their long service with the force.

Custody coordinator Alaina Coles and Special Constable Ben Williamson both received Long Service Awards at the Wiltshire Police Force Awards earlier this summer.

Alaina joined the force in July 2005 as a part-time Weekend Detention Officer. She has since worked across several policing roles, including 10 years in the Crime Management Unit and helping establish the force’s Custody Coordinator team.

Alaina, who was also the force’s single point of contact for counterfeit currency investigations, said one of her most memorable moments came while volunteering at an Emergency Services Show. A mother asked her to take the fingerprints of her baby daughter, who had been given a short life expectancy.

She said, “It reminded me that what might seem like a small part of your job can mean everything to someone else. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.”

Ben joined Wiltshire Police in November 2012, beginning his service with the Melksham Neighbourhood Policing Team.

He has since served in Trowbridge and Devizes and now works in the Specials Roads Safety Unit as Acting Deputy Specials Chief Officer. He supports and mentors more than 20 Special Constables.

Ben also holds specialist qualifications in pursuit driving, Police Support Unit duties and Taser deployment. In 2017, he helped locate and arrest a suspect involved in a fatal stabbing in Bath.

He said, “What motivates me to do a public service is being able to support people in their worst times and attempting to provide a friendly yet professional service to those that need it.”