Police Partnership launches community awards

The Devon & Cornwall Police Partnership Community Volunteer Awards 2014 will reward and recognise those who give their time to support local neighbourhoods to build strong and cohesive communities.

Previously DaCCWA held an awards ceremony each autumn to acknowledge and celebrate the activities of watch schemes, supportive staff and partner agencies. Crimestoppers was also integral to these events and sponsored a young citizen award for several years.

Now, in conjunction with and supported by both DaCCWA and Crimestoppers, the new partnership wants to recognise and value the contribution that volunteers can make to support the delivery of policing services.

This year the awards ceremony will be expanded to include community police cadets, Special Constables and all police volunteers. There is also an additional category of Community Citizen of the Year.

“Greater public involvement in policing is a top priority for the Police and Crime Commissioner. The volunteer awards help us to recognise the hard work, commitment and positive impact volunteers make in policing and improving community safety,” said Justin Wiggin, OPCC volunteer and public engagement manager.

“We want to ensure that volunteers who deliver exceptional quality of service and make a tangible difference to the safety and well being of communities are recognised and rewarded.

“Perhaps you know someone in your community who regularly gives their time in a voluntary capacity and who has made a significant impact who is deserving of recognition.

Bex Hooper, force police volunteer programme co-ordinator, said: “We’re hoping many people will take the time to nominate that person who they know is always going that extra mile to support their communities.

“We really want the volunteer awards to reflect and promote the fantastic activities our wonderful volunteers carry out on a regular basis.”

Julie Dowton, chair of DaCCWA said: “We are delighted to be part of a wider volunteer recognition event in partnership with the police and OPCC.”

The awards will also recognise police officers and staff who have enabled and supported volunteering.

The closing date for nominations is Friday 11 July 2014.

The awards ceremony will take place at Sandy Park, Exeter, on Friday 26 September.

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