Wandsworth Police has celebrated the achievements of its officers, highlighting the risks they take to protect the public they serve.

Several officers and colleagues receiving awards were also part of the force’s mobilisation to respond to the series of recent terrorist incidents and the tragic Grenfell Tower fire.

Some officers even volunteered while off duty to return to work.

Temporary detective chief superintendent Peter Laverick, Wandsworth’s borough commander, said he is ‘extremely proud’ of the commitment, professionalism and bravery shown by all his police staff, officers and special constabulary who tirelessly work to keep Wandsworth safe while they responded to major incidents.

Among the commendations were a borough-wide operation into violence and drug offences, leading to 35 people being charged with a total 140 offences – with all but one plead guilty.

More than 120 years of custodial sentences have been handed out.

Police also managed to successfully organise a plain clothes operation by targeting shoplifting on a busy high street, leading to the arrest of a prolific offender who had more than 120 previous convictions of theft.

Another commendation included saving the life of a young man who had been stabbed after having their identity mistaken for a gang member.

It is said that officers showed ‘outstanding dedication and compassion’ when supporting their family by ‘investing significant time, perseverance and commitment’ in the investigation.

In the end, two suspects were convicted.

Mr Laverick added: “You will see from the summary of commendations, a significant part of what we do isn't related to crime or disorder. The range of incidents local police deal with is quite staggering.

“Your police regularly save lives, provide reassurance to those in real distress, face one trauma after another and often put themselves in positions of risk to do this. They then go home to their family and prepare to do the same thing the next day.

“I sometimes go home in awe of the challenges they have faced and worked through. I just wanted to share some of this with our local community and thank them for their tremendous support and words of encouragement over this time.”

In total, there were 28 commendations for officers’ efforts in a range of risky situations that were sometimes life-threatening for them or the victim.

The ceremony was held on Wednesday, September 20.