Nominations open for Community Volunteer Awards

Do you know a person or group deserving of recognition for voluntary work they do to keep their community safe?

Devon and Cornwall Police Partnership is inviting the public to make nominations for the second annual Community Volunteer Awards.

The awards are recognition of the valuable contribution made by volunteers in support of policing services every day.

Last year, awards were given to community police cadets, Special Constables, police volunteers and community citizens.

Nominations are sought in these categories once again and, additionally in 2015 the following new categories have been added - Community Police Cadet Group of the Year and Community Group of the Year.

Devon and Cornwall Community Watch Association (DaCCWA) and Crimestoppers also continue to play an active part in the ceremony and they will celebrate the activities of watch schemes and their members, supportive staff, partner agencies and young citizens.

Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg said: “The inaugural awards were a great success and I am keen that they become bigger and gain more prominence in 2015.

“The chief constable and I share a desire to maximise the opportunities for volunteers to support local neighbourhoods and build strong and cohesive communities.

“Whether that is through partner volunteering groups or our own volunteering programmes, we recognise and value the contribution that volunteers can make to support the delivery of policing services.

“The Community Volunteer Awards is a great way to recognise what those who have already volunteered are achieving and to show those thinking of doing so in the future how highly they are regarded.”

Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer said: “This is an important time to recognise and celebrate the contribution made by all volunteers who support policing within Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

“It is also an opportunity to highlight and thank the truly exceptional volunteers by way of recognition and award.

“This is always a pleasure and a highly challenging task mindful of the outstanding contribution made by so many volunteers.

“I very much encourage the growth of volunteering and look forward to hearing the stories of all nominees and the eventual award winners.”

Julie Dowton, chair of DaCCWA, said: “All community watch schemes provide the police with a valuable volunteer and community resource to assist in reducing crime and ASB.

“As policing changes, volunteers will have a bigger role to play in policing, crime prevention, community resilience and strong communities.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to recognise the important and valuable contribution watch volunteers are making.”

The closing date for nominations is noon on Tuesday 26 May 2015.

For more information or to download a nomination form visit either the OPCC or police websites or email volawards@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk.

The awards will be presented in a ceremony at St Mellion International Resort, Saltash, on Sunday 12 July 2015.