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Awards to honour exceptional local people tackling crime and anti-social behaviour
An awards scheme to recognise people who have been at the forefront of tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in their communities was launched today by the Government’s Crime and Justice Adviser Louise Casey and Policing Minister David Hanson MP, building on the success of the previous Home Office Taking A Stand Awards.
The Community Crime Fighter awards are part of the Government’s
Justice Seen, Justice Done programme which is all about engaging
the public in the fight against crime, informing the public of
their rights on crime and justice and giving them the best
possible local services. Community Crime Fighters are experienced
local volunteers who are given the skills and training to work
alongside police and local authorities to help make their areas
safer. The Government pledged to have 3,600 trained by the end of
2009 and is on target with more than 2000 trained so far.
The awards have two categories:
- people who have taken a stand against anti-social behaviour or supported those affected by it. This will include newly trained Community Crime Fighters who have made a significant contribution to support crime reduction in their neighbourhoods; and
- local workers, nominated by Community Crime Fighters, for delivering a high quality, responsive local service such as police and housing officers.
Louise Casey said:
“The public are our best weapon in
fighting crime – they know what is really going on in their
neighbourhood, what the real problems are and where residents’
concerns lie. Community Crime Fighters are playing a vital role in
strengthening the links between the public and the police and it
is time that their relentless hard work and dedication in helping
to make local areas safer is recognised.”
Policing Minister
David Hanson MP said:
“These awards build on the work
that has been taking place across government to tackle crime and
anti-social behaviour. Community Crime Fighters provide police
with a great way of engaging with the public, working together to
keep our streets safe. The awards are a chance for us to recognise
the unsung heroes in our communities who make a difference to
everyday lives and it is right that their dedication to fighting
crime is rewarded.”
Each category will have one overall winner who will receive £10,000 each to invest in a local community project or initiative. All winners will receive a personalised certificate recognising their achievement.
Notes to Editors
1. To find out more about the Community Crime Fighter Awards, the different categories and how to nominate go to www.communitycrimefighters.org.uk/awards Nominations must be received by Friday 25 September 2009 and the results will be announced in December 2009.
2. Louise Casey’s Review “Engaging Communities in the Fight against Crime” was published on 18 June 2008. The press notice can be viewed at: http://press.homeoffice.gov.uk/press-releases/Crime-Communities. The Review made a number of recommendations to better engage communities in the fight against crime, including Community Crime Fighters.
159/2009
Contacts:
Home Office Press Office
Phone: 020 7035 3535
NDS.HO@coi.gsi.gov.uk
