Inspector Roger Tolley, the Neighbourhood Inspector for the Burnham-On-Sea and Cheddar policing sector, was presented with a top award on Tuesday (November 1st) in recognition of his work in boosting community relations.
He was awarded the 2011 Ray Robinson Award during a ceremony held at Taunton Police Station.
The trophy is awarded annually to the police officer or group of officers whom it is judged have made the greatest contribution to community relations outside of the Bristol area.
Ray Robinson retired from Avon and Somerset Constabulary in 1978 due to ill health, but from his retirement until he passed away, Ray worked tirelessly within the community, especially with those who were mentally handicapped.
Inspector Tolley told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I am very surprised and honoured to receive this award today.”
“I believe it is a reflection of the dedicated, hard-working and outstanding police officers I have worked with across Somerset West.”
“Without these outstanding officers, at both Taunton and Burnham, I would not have been able to do my job or deliver the service that our local communities deserve.”
Inspector Tolley has been a neighbourhood Inspector for four years, initially at Taunton and now at Burnham-On-Sea.
Under his leadership, he and his staff have helped reduce crime by 17.3% at Taunton and 11.2% in Burnham-On-Sea.
This has subsequently increased the number of offenders brought to justice by 8.4% at Taunton and 12.3% at Burnham-On-Sea.
Championing a culture of citizen focused policing within his staff, Inspector Tolley and the Burnham policing team have also reduced the number of incidents of anti-social behaviour by over 37% during the last two years.
During the presentation, after a welcome speech made by Chief Constable Colin Port, Chief Superintendent Daimon Tilley, District Commander for Somerset West, read the citation before the trophy was presented to Inspector Tolley by Ray’s wife, Mrs Pat Robinson.
The citation also outlined some of Roger’s other notable achievements including providing leadership to a number of new initiatives such as developing and promoting the use of criminal justice panels, in order to bring effective outcomes for victims and communities.
He is also the lead manager in the High Contact Families project, which aims to help those families who struggle to access the support they need from public services, therefore improving their quality of lives and reducing demand upon those agencies.
Roger has significantly increased the number of police volunteers working at Burnham Police Station, using their support to help victims of crime and to combat anti-social behaviour in the area.
His inspirational management and guidance in respect of Neighbourhood Policing is best illustrated by the recognition given to his members of staff.
The recognition comes in a variety of formats but particularly in relation to his efforts in nominating his staff for awards.
Chief Superintendent Tilley added: “As his District Commander, I would describe Inspector Tolley as an ambassador for upholding standards and providing quality of service, which is illustrated in the way he tackles quality of investigation issues and community matters.”
“He has been a great team player, who always responds positively, offering sound views when asked for his opinion.”
“Roger’s degree of motivation, enthusiasm and sheer willingness to work tirelessly for his local communities is second to none.”
“He is just as keen and passionate now as he was when he joined the service over thirty years ago. He is a pleasure to work with and this award is richly deserved.”
