In just 30 seconds, disaster was narrowly avoided thanks to the guts and quick thinking of hospital security and two sharp police officers.
Knife Threat Sparks Drama at Chichester Hospital
On 4 April 2022, PC Amy Hanley and PC Matt Dodd were at St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester on an unrelated call when they noticed a man brandishing a knife near A&E. Security staff were already trying to calm him down, but the man kept making threats, putting staff and patients at serious risk.
Officers Act Fast to Disarm Suspect
Without hesitation, the officers sprang into action. Relying on their training and instincts, PCs Hanley and Dodd swiftly detained and disarmed the dangerous man, preventing any injuries.
PC Matt Dodd said, “We didn’t have time to think about what we may be walking into, we had to rely on our own intuition and training to bring this matter to a safe conclusion, which thankfully we did.”
Bravery Recognised with National Nomination
The Police Federation has nominated both officers for a National Police Bravery Award in recognition of their courage. Ahead of the ceremony in London, PC Hanley humbly reflected, “I guess we forget that we do it day in, day out. But I hear stories all the time of colleagues doing really amazing things, so it’s nice that we’re going to get to see so many people recognised.”
Though they didn’t take home the top prize, PCs Hanley and Dodd remain heroes to their community and colleagues.
We salute their bravery—true policing in action, always putting safety first.
