DOCO Commendation Awarded to Met Officer

Sean Hathaway, Designing Out Crime Officer (DOCO) for the London Borough of Lambeth, has been formally commended for his outstanding service and dedication over the past eight years. 

Sean’s exceptional problem-solving approach and technical expertise have made a lasting impact on crime prevention and urban design, not only within Lambeth but across the wider London region.

Sean was nominated for the award by colleagues who described his ability to build and maintain trusted partnerships with local authorities as a defining feature of his work. His expert advice is highly sought after and respected, playing a pivotal role in the successful delivery of numerous large-scale developments that have contributed significantly to shaping London’s skyline, continually ensuring enhanced community safety.

Known for his unwavering commitment to the highest standards, Sean’s meticulous attention to detail and innovative approach have raised the bar for secure design. Beyond his professional achievements, he has demonstrated exemplary leadership as a mentor to new DOCOs, generously sharing his knowledge and fostering the development of future crime prevention specialists.

Colleagues and partners alike commend Sean for his approachable and collaborative manner, which has strengthened relationships across all sectors. His passion for creating safer, well-designed environments continues to benefit the residents and stakeholders of Lambeth.

This commendation recognises Sean Hathaway’s exceptional professionalism, dedication, and significant contributions to designing out crime.

On receiving this award, Sean said: “Police involvement in the building process by injecting long lasting, proportionate, and effective security measures is rewarding and exciting. It is a privilege to find myself in a job I truly love. This commendation means a great deal to me, not least because it was submitted by colleagues and partners who I respect and admire.”

Guy Ferguson, Police CPI, commented: “Sean Hathaway’s work in Lambeth has been truly outstanding. His dedication to crime prevention, technical brilliance and collaborative spirit have set a benchmark for what a DOCO can achieve. He doesn’t just deliver secure developments, he inspires confidence and trust in the communities he serves. This commendation is a well-deserved recognition of his unwavering commitment to crime prevention.”

Sean was presented with the award at Secured by Design’s ATLAS training event by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives CEO Guy Ferguson and South Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Lauren Poultney, the head of profession for police Designing Out Crime Officers.

What is Secured by Design?

Secured by Design (SBD) is the official police security initiative that works to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings to provide safe places to live, work, shop and visit.

SBD’s product based accreditation scheme, the Police Preferred Specification, provides a recognised standard for all security products that can deter and reduce crime.

There are currently many hundreds of companies producing thousands of attack resistant crime prevention products, across 30 different crime categories, which have achieved Police Preferred Specification.

Improved security

Developers around the UK can achieve SBD awards for incorporating crime prevention measures and techniques into their developments in all kinds of building sectors, such as residential, education, health, transport, commercial, retail, sport and leisure. Indeed, SBD can be used as evidence to discharge third-party obligations under Part Q of Schedule 1 (Security) to the English Building Regulations, the Scottish Building Standard 4.13 (Security) and Welsh Building Regulations Part Q (Security - Dwellings). These awards are gained by working with police Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs), who advise architects, developers and local authority planners long before construction begins - and continue to provide advice and guidance until the development is complete.

Academic and other research shows that improving standards of security in brand new and refurbished properties, helps deter and reduce crime. Reducing crime and the fear of crime has direct links to better physical and mental well-being, such as with regard to high volume crimes like domestic abuse.  

The built environment influences the behaviour of people who work, live, socialise or simply pass through. SBD seeks to create environments where the law-abiding feel safe and secure whilst at the same time causing the criminal or anti-social to feel vulnerable to detection and thereby influence behaviour in a positive way. This continues to be a key objective for SBD.

Find out more about SBD Developers Awards here.