A police community support officer in Birmingham, hailed as a 'memory man', has reached an astonishing professional milestone by identifying and helping to catch 3,000 wanted criminals across the West Midlands region.
The Super Recogniser on the Beat
PCSO Andy Pope, who serves with the Safer Travel police team, possesses a rare and innate talent for remembering faces. This ability has earned him the nickname 'super recogniser' among his colleagues. The 47-year-old officer, who is award-winning, marked his 3,000th suspect identification earlier this year, cementing his reputation as a significant deterrent to offenders attempting to evade justice.
He diligently maintains his edge by constantly updating his knowledge of wanted individuals. His sources include studying CCTV footage, video stills, and intelligence from police briefings. Remarkably, his skill is so potent that he can often pick out suspects in densely crowded areas, leading the force to declare there is effectively "no hiding place for criminals" on his watch.
A Talent That Defies Even Masks
Pope's exceptional visual memory proved invaluable even under the most challenging circumstances. During the coronavirus pandemic, when face coverings became commonplace, he still managed to successfully identify individuals wanted by the police. This demonstrated the depth and adaptability of his recognition skills beyond ordinary facial features.
When asked about his gift, the modest officer admits he has no simple explanation. "I've been asked many times over the years how I remember so many faces, but even now I couldn't give you the answer," PCSO Pope said. "It's just something that happens, and I feel extremely fortunate I'm able to assist in keeping the streets of the West Midlands safe."
Setting Sights on a New Target
Far from resting on his laurels, the dedicated Safer Travel officer is already looking ahead. Having celebrated the 3,000 milestone, he has now set his sights on capturing even more suspects, with 3,500 as his next goal.
"It was a proud moment to reach the 3,000 milestone but, if anything, it has just made me even more determined to spot more," Andy added, showcasing his unwavering commitment. "I will be keeping a close eye out in 2026." His continued vigilance promises to make public transport networks and the wider community a safer place for all residents and visitors.
