PCSO awards for outstanding work
TWO Police Community Support Officers from Clevedon and Portishead have been named the best in North Somerset.
More than 600 members of the public voted in the community policing awards that honour beat managers, PCSOs, special constables and neighbourhood policing teams for their work.
Caroline Harris, who works in Clevedon, was named North Somerset PCSO of the year, and Debbie Charman, who works in Portishead, won the North Somerset outstanding customer service award.
Both women will now represent North Somerset at a ceremony for the whole Avon and Somerset police force next month.
Caroline was nominated by her beat manager PC Dave Hughes. He said: "Since becoming a PCSO in May 2008, Caroline has made a huge impact on the Clevedon community.
"Her organisation, dedication, determination and enthusiasm are second to none and she has quickly become very well-known and respected by local residents, especially by the younger members of our community due to the excellent work she carries out with Clevedon Community School.
"Caroline has tackled anti-social behaviour issues head-on, and has been involved in various diversionary activities including go-karting, laser quest and raft building.
"Anti-social behaviour calls to the centre of Clevedon and the seafront have dropped significantly and there is no doubt that Caroline's work is one of the main reasons for this." Talking about her award Caroline, who has been a PCSO for more than 18 months, said: "I was quite surprised to win but was very pleased, it was lovely.
"I love my job and always endeavour to do everything to the best of my ability, so it was nice to be recognised for that."
Debbie received seven nominations from local residents, thanking her for the "tireless outstanding work that she does for the community" and thanking her for her friendly manner and "can-do attitude".
Another comment said: "Last January PCSO Charman and her colleagues organised a supper for 200 elderly people who live in Portishead. We are lucky to have a member of the police force who really does seem to care about the older residents who can easily be forgotten or overlooked."
Neighbourhood inspector Jon Owen said: "I am proud to see the hard work and dedication of Caroline and Debbie recognised by the public. These nominations go to show what a difference they make to their communities and this feedback really is really appreciated."
2 Comments
by Annette Hennessy, Portishead
Tuesday, March 02 2010, 3:03PM
“Our local PCSOs are very visible and have earnt respect and confidence for the work they do within the restrictions imposed on them. I feel Portishead has gained much by their presence, but of course more police manpower resources would always be welcomed when funding allows.”
by Taxpayer, Clevedon
Monday, March 01 2010, 3:51PM
“I work in Nailsea town centre and live in the centre of Clevedon, and I think that these PCSO's received an award for being seen! Both towns have a lack of police at the best of time and I can honestly say that since they were part of the force I have only ever seen one PCSO in either town. We need real police personnel with powers to deal with the problems in our towns, PCSO's have their place but are not deterrents, and also give no peace of mind to local residents.”