Hampshire's PCC wants to recognise community champions
The county's Police and Crime Commissioner has opened up nominations
Hampshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, has set up a new awards scheme aimed at recognising local people for their efforts to keep communities safer.
As well as awards for officers and staff from within policing and partner organisations, there are also two categories open for public nominations.
The Community Volunteer of the Year prize is for someone who volunteers in their local area to help make people safer.
That could be a person who helps elderly neighbours to tend their garden to prevent them being identified as vulnerable or someone who runs a youth group to keep young people off the streets.
There's also a Safer Superhero award, aimed at young people who have proven themselves as brave, courageous or kind to others.
We can nominate anyone up to the age of 16 who has helped someone else to be safer.
Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, said:
“Volunteers and our partners make a huge and significant difference to policing and in helping to make communities safer. I have launched my new Police and Crime Commissioner Awards to recognise the enormous contribution they make and to say thank you.
“There are literally hundreds of thousands of local volunteers and staff supporting others and to make a difference in our local communities. I really want to receive nominations from the public for local volunteers and young people who they think deserve recognition for the positive impact they make.
“To name just a few, Police Specials, Neighbourhood Watch, Community Speedwatch, Independent Custody Visitors, Youth Commission members, Victim Care Service and business partners all support policing, criminal justice, the local community and importantly, victims when they need it most. I think that deserves recognition through my awards.”
Nominations can be made online by visiting the Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner's website.
The awards will be given out during a special ceremony in April 2022.