Andrew Gow-Barber

Dedicated security professional with 28 years of experience in designing, executing, and directing security and safety initiatives within high-traffic urban settings.

Demonstrated expertise in directing crime prevention and reduction strategies, enhancing community engagement, and optimizing operational planning processes.

Established reputation for exceptional operational performance acknowledged at Command level across diverse situations.

2004 Chief Constable Commendation -

• “For bravery, professionalism, and dedication to serving the public of Merseyside by pursuing and ultimately detaining a violent offender for a burglary offence. Even though you received a blow to the face, requiring stitches, you demonstrated true determination and commitment to duty.” This commendation was awarded for the apprehension and conviction of an offender following a call to a domestic burglary in progress during the New Year celebrations of 2003-2004. The offender was detained at the scene following a violent struggle whilst trying to escape. This resulted in hospital treatment for lacerations to the face sustained from the offenders use of improvised weapons.

2008 Total Policing Awards - Tackling Antisocial Behavior-

• This award was presented for work undertaken to target and convict members of a notorious local crime family that had plagued the community for many years. Over 30 convictions were obtained against the family. This, coupled with coordinated action of partner agencies, and close links with the financial institutions and court bailiffs resulted in the family rapidly vacating the area over night as police led multi agency action finally came to a conclusion.

2015 Chief Constable Commendation -

• “For your contribution to the significant reduction in acquisitive crime on Merseyside, and reducing the potential harm to victims of these distressing crimes.” This Commendation was awarded for work involved in the large-scale roll-out of forensic marking systems into both domestic dwellings as an asset marking crime reduction strategy, and commercial retailers as an offender marking deterrent in the form of a ultra vIolet spray. The retailer aspect of the crime reduction program required special training in the installation of PIR and manually activated forensic spray equipment, associated cabling, and power supply. This program increased retailer satisfaction in areas of high retail crime and along with the accompanying publicity, dramatically reduced the number of offences.

2018 Merseyside Police Long Service & Good Conduct Medal

• Traditionally received for 22 years service with good conduct.

2019 Chief Constable Commendation -

• “For professionalism and diligence in the investigation of multiple burglaries across Liverpool ensuring two prolific offenders were relentlessly targeted, brought to justice, and subsequently imprisoned.” This Commendation was awarded for the investigation and conviction of 2 prolific offenders working in concert to target local hospitals removing thousands of pounds worth of computer equipment and personal belongings. In addition, a number of retail establishments were also identified as victims. The scale of the operation came to light following intelligence regarding the identification of one of the offenders and a painstaking investigation began to re-open cold cases and examine numerous hours of CCTV footage. Following a marathon 22hr shift after their arrest, 25 charges were eventually brought against the couple. These were unopposed and resulted in 6-year jail sentences.

2019 Certificate of Recognition -

• In recognition of exceptional contribution to Community First, preventing crime and securing significant convictions of prolific offenders.

2019 Community First Award for Team of The Year-

• Awarded for a combination of good work in securing convictions against criminals in a wide variety of circumstances for which the whole team contributed.

2020 Community First Awards Nomination for Team of The Year-

• "For their work in developing operation Vulture, and working in partnership with Liverpool Football Club, to tackle the sale of fraudulent tickets to foreign visitors." This nomination recognized the planning and leadership of a very successful local police operation targeting crime groups and career criminals involved in acquisitive and violent crime. This concluded in Operation Vulture targeting fraudsters operating a counterfeit ticketing ring at high value sporting events and resulted in the arrest of 30 individuals, and recovering over £250,000 of counterfeit tickets. The operation called for a large number of plain clothes officers over a 6 month period to pose as buyers, supported by an arrest team, CCTV operator, interview officers, and case builders. The arrests also uncovered a number of additional unrelated offences, allowed for the imposition of long-term banning orders, and provided positive media coverage.

2020 Certificate of Loyal Service-

• In appreciation and recognition of 22 years and 10 months of loyal and devoted service to the community.

2023 Directors Commendation -

• "Awarded for the officers keen observation, caring communication, and skillful coordination of additional resources to prevent a man jumping from a university parking structure." This commendation was awarded following the discovery of a male in the university parking structure displaying all the signs of suicide ideation. After overhearing the male communicating his intentions to his mother by phone and and make preparatory actions to take his own life, the officer kept the male engaged in conversation and focused on the officer, whilst coordinating the arrival of additional patrols to cover possible exit strategies until the arrival of police.

• BSIS Guard Registration permit number G6460074 Exp 09/30/2027
• BSIS Permit For Exposed Firearm permit number FQ2673773 Exp 05/31/27
• Concealed Carry Firearm permit number DDDM4UGFE Exp 05/08/2026
• American Red Cross First Aid /CPR/AED Exp 31/10/27
• FEMA Courses in Incident Management ICS100, ICS200, CS700, ICS800, ICS2200

Hobbies and Interests:

• Experienced Scuba Diver and educator since 1992 becoming a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (64005), BSAC Advanced Instructor (1883), SAA Club Instructor, boat skipper & Dive Center Manager with Ocean Blue Diving London, S'Algar Diving Spain, Aquaventurers Liverpool. This life changing experience was instrumental in developing skills in many areas but in particular Leadership, Communication, Critical Incident Management, Decision Making, Planning, and Risk Management.
• Other Interests include Sailing (Licensed), Snow Skiing, Amateur Radio (Licensed), Photography, and Motorcycling, all in their own way providing a set of transferable skills for a lifetime of work.