The exceptional efforts of Avon and Somerset’s specials and volunteers have been recognised at the Citizens in Policing Regional Awards 2020 – with work to tackle car meets in Cheddar Gorge amid Covid restrictions being highlighted.
The force won in three out of five award categories which recognise the invaluable contributions of volunteer officers across the South West: Special Constabulary Team of the Year, Police Support Volunteer of the Year, and Police Support Volunteer Team of the Year.
The winners were a police support volunteer who implemented a policing framework to support those in a particularly disadvantaged community; a volunteer team that has catapulted Avon and Somerset Police to the top of the list in terms of diversity, and a team of special constables that dealt with community tension at a time of high operational demand during COVID-19.
The Special Constabulary Team of the Year Award went to the West Somerset team of specials for playing a significant role in managing the ongoing and complex issue of car meets in Cheddar Gorge, pictured.
“Large-scale care meets have been increasing common at the gorge, attracting 300 to 500 people, which attract up to 500 vehicles (often high performance), at a time and cause significant disruption to local communities. Since the easing of lockdown measures, the west Somerset team has doubled efforts to tackle the issue independently managing operations, targeting those committing crimes and reassuring the public.”
“Their handling of the first weekend lockdown ended showcases the exemplary work of the team. An unexpected car meet with an excess of 400 vehicles arrived that weekend, at a time when operational demand was high, the neighbourhood team was stretched beyond capacity, and an influx of day-trippers were visiting the gorge.”
“The special independently managed the closure of the road, implemented dispersal orders, and successfully ensured all vehicles were removed safely. They also worked hard to diffuse tension in the community and keep a vast number of pedestrians safe.”
“The specials team have taken a proactive and front-seat approach to tackling the issue of car-meets head on and have played a key role in managing community tensions and improving confidence in policing.”
The Police Support Volunteer Team of the Year Award went to The Black Police Association Outreach Volunteers Team who were recognised for their ground-breaking work in building strong and lasting relationships with harder-to-reach communities.
And the Police Support Volunteer of the Year Award went to Bronwen Bishop, who was awarded for her role in spearheading positive socio-economic changes in one of the most deprived parts of the UK, in the Bournville and Oldmixon area.
Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “2020 has been a year of unprecedented challenges for policing, placing an exceptional demand on our services. The efforts of those who donate their free time to us as volunteers and special constables have been crucial to maintaining positive relationships with the communities we serve and keeping the communities of Avon and Somerset safe.”
“I’d like to offer my congratulations and thanks to our deserving regional winners, who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to policing under the toughest of circumstances, implementing pioneering initiatives, developing strategic operations, and executing demanding tasks.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens adds: “This much-deserved recognition of our policing volunteers at a regional level is testament to their enduring commitment and dedication to safeguarding our communities during these challenging times. I’d like to say a huge congratulations to our 2020 winners and to thank them for the inspirational work they do.”
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