Police praise extra effort (From Witney Gazette)

Police praise extra effort

2:36pm Tuesday 21st March 2006 in Headlines

POLICE in West Oxfordshire gave themselves, council staff and community activists a pat on the back at an award ceremony on March 20.

Chief Inspector Dennis Evernden, police area commander for West Oxfordshire, honoured officers, district council staff, and members of the public who have displayed 'exceptional initiative, professionalism, and commitment', at a presentation at Witney Police Station.

He said: "It always gives me great pleasure to praise the outstanding work and commitment of those contributing to making West Oxfordshire a safer place to work, visit, and live."

He commended Bill Oddy and Monica Downton, of the district council community safety team, for developing and promoting neighbourhood management.

Neighbourhood management is a new approach to community safety, and is being gradually rolled out across the Thames Valley.

The initiative aims to encourage better communication between police, other agencies responsible for community safety, and the communities they work with.

The aim is to respond to the issues which directly affect residents to reduce fear of crime.

Elaine Wernsing, of RAF Brize Norton, was praised for support and enthusiasm for the Bampton, Carterton, and Burford Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG).

She championed the cause of the Royal Air Force residents within the wider community, and helped to ensure the continued success of the neighbourhood management in her area.

Corporal Adrian Coomber, of RAF Brize Norton, was also commended for being chairman of NAG.

Ron Hollis, Eynsham station duty officer, was honoured for his willingness to help with any event and for his dedication for going around rural offices helping volunteers.

Witney officer PC Pam Delahay was commended for her role as neighbourhood co-ordinator, and for her sense of duty and service as a school governor.

PC Ray Hamilton, based at Carterton, was praised for his work as wildlife officer. Chief Insp Evernden said he was well known and respected, and his sense of humour lightened the load for his colleagues and his community.

PC Steve Patrick, now at Carterton, was the area beat officer for Bampton for the past 19 years. He has shown tremendous commitment to the area, and is known by almost all the community.

Volunteer special constable SO Elaine Hardy, of Witney, was commended for her consistent support of her regular officer colleagues.

Amanda Smale, station duty officer, was given an award for being flexible and willing to change her duties at the drop of a hat and for working at the sports and social club with no financial reward.

PC Simon Towers, a schools and youth officer at Chipping Norton, was given a commendation for being nominated for the Thames Valley Police Community Officer of the Year award and achieving joint BCU runner-up.