Sergeant Howard Chandler, retiring after 30 years at Kent Police has received a commendation from the South East Regional Availability Group (SERAG) for his dedication and tireless work tackling drugs.

Howard has worked at police headquarters for a number of years, having previously carried out his service in a number of areas including north and west Kent.

Protecting communities from drugs

He has worked on behalf of Kent Police for the last eight years focusing on tackling the impact of drugs in communities. This has involved an enormous amount of proactive work, launching drug operations targeting the night-time economy, road networks, neighbourhoods and drug awareness programmes to education establishments. Some of this work has been adopted, not only throughout Kent, but by other forces around the country.

Leigh Thompson, a drugs expert from Thames Valley Police says: 'Sergeant Chandler was extremely helpful in setting up our network of experts not only in our force but in others across the south east, his enthusiasm and dedication in the drugs field can not be questioned. His commendation is so richly deserved.'

Supporting training

More recently Howard was heavily involved in the development and delivery of the Kent Police drug expert witness course that has trained a large number of Kent officers and attracted delegates from a number of other forces. He was also one of the lead officers in the country for developing protocols in cash swabbing for drug traces.

Howard was a key figure in offering tactical support for Kent in planning and running post-drug-enforcement operations and was also key to initiatives such as National Tackling Drugs Weeks.

Throughout his work with drugs, Howard became a familiar voice and face on both radio and TV, representing the Kent Police on drug issues.

Recognition

During his time focusing on drugs, Howard has received recognition in the form of several awards including one from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

SERAG held a regular meeting yesterday (Wednesday 27 January) and Detective Chief Superintendent Kevin Deanus, the chair of the group, made the presentation to Howard, who was unaware the presentation was taking place.

The South East Regional Availability Group

SERAG members include officers from police forces in the south east region, Drug and Alcohol Action Teams (DAAT), HM Prison Service, the Serious and Organised Crime Agency and the UK Border Agency, and its meetings are attended by Home Office representatives.

Members work together with updates on drugs availability and up and coming trends. Howard also belongs to the national ACPO Drug Standing Working Group.

Posted on: 28 January 2010