Justice Awards 2009
THE 2009 AVON AND SOMERSET JUSTICE AWARDS
The 2009 Avon and Somerset Justice Awards were held in Bath on Tuesday 1st December. The ceremony, held in the ballroom of the historic Assembly Rooms, saw senior staff from the Police, Probation, Her Majesty’s Prison Service, the Youth Offending Team, the Crown Prosecution Service, Her Majesty’s Court Service and Victim Support come together to honour those whose efforts have made a significant impact on the criminal justice system.
Nominations from colleagues and community members were received for staff and volunteers whose hard work and commitment had made a real difference to people’s lives. Avon and Somerset Criminal Justice Board would like to offer their congratulations to the winners but also to all of those who were nominated but not successful this year. Board members are now delighted to announce the winners in each category as follows:
To see a full copy of the press release, please click here. If you are a member of the Press and would like high resolution copies of any of the photographs emailed to you, please contact us at ascjboffice@avonandsomerset.police.uk
Outstanding Commitment and Dedication to the CJS
Winner: Neil Mattock, Avon and Somerset Constabulary (retired)
Award presented by: The High Sheriff of Somerset, Mr John Alvis M.B.E.
Recently retired, Neil Mattock has worked in various roles in the Avon and Somerset Constabulary, most recently in the Criminal Justice Support Unit. He received this award for the great contribution he has made through his career, as he has been able to advise Police Officers, CPS Lawyers and other colleagues on improvements in criminal justice processes.
Outstanding Commitment to Diversity
Winner: Equality and Diversity Team, HMP Bristol
Award presented by: The High Sheriff of Somerset, Mr John Alvis M.B.E.
HMP Bristol have been recognised for the improvements they have made to race equality and diversity issues within the prison over the last 18 months. The new team have created a culture which means that staff now have a shared vision of diversity and how their everyday work can really make a difference to both the prisoners and to themselves.
Contribution to Reducing Crime and / or Increasing Community Safety
Winner: Peter Withers, HMP Bristol
Award presented by: Deputy Lieutenant Moger Woolley, representing Lord Lieutenant Sir Henry Elwes.
Peter Withers from HMP Bristol is a Senior Officer in the Integrated Offender Management scheme. He has received this award for supporting partner agencies in their work with offenders, recognising what is needed to assist them lead positive lives in the future.His approach has led to a reduction in re-offending, ensuring greater safety for local communities.
Outstanding Contribution to Reducing Re-offending / Working with Offenders
Winner: Adriane Bof, HMP Bristol
Award presented by: Deputy Lieutenant Moger Woolley, representing Lord Lieutenant Sir Henry Elwes.
Adriane Bof from HMP Bristol has led on the delivery of the Enhance Family Man programme, a ground-breaking course which teaches prisoners about their responsibilities within the family to support them from on release. She has received this award for her tenacity and commitment to promoting positive opportunities for working with partner agencies, offenders and their families.
Innovation / Partnership award
Winner: Drug Strategy Team, HMP Bristol
Award presented by: Deputy Lieutenant Barry England, representing Lord Lieutenant Mrs Mary Prior.
The Drug Strategy Team at HMP Bristol has established a new integrated drug service. The team have received this award as their innovative approach to treatment and support has led to a reduction in incidents and assaults in the prison involving those with a drug problem.
Outstanding Contribution to Raising Public Confidence in the CJS
Winner: Marilyn Darg JP
Mrs Darg was unable to attend the award ceremony, so her award was presented at the North Somerset Court House Magistrates' Bench reception by Mr David Gentry, Area Director for HMCS South West - West Area.
Mrs Darg is a Magistrate who has been bench chair for North Somerset for three years. She received this award as she is an excellent role model to the courts, consistently projecting a positive image of the magistracy to all those who come through its doors. She is committed to upholding justice and volunteers to promote the public’s understanding of the criminal justice system.
Outstanding Achievement in Caring for Victims and/or Witnesses
Winner: DC Mark Fudge, Avon and Somerset Constabulary
Award presented by: Deputy Lieutenant Barry England, representing Lord Lieutenant Mrs Mary Prior.
Mark Fudge is a Detective Constable at Taunton serving in the Child Abuse Investigations Team. He received this award for the support he gave vulnerable and frightened victims in a serious abuse case, showing compassion and dedication throughout the trial process.
Outstanding Contribution to Tackling Youth Crime
Winner: Bristol District Youth Team, Avon and Somerset Constabulary
Award presented by: Roger Stratton, winner in the 'Tackling Youth Crime' category at the Avon and Somerset Justice Awards 2008 and joint winner at the National Justice Awards in October 2009.
The Bristol District Youth Team, based at Newfoundland Road Police Station, help to prevent and deter young people from becoming involved in crime and anti social behaviour. They have received this award for contributing to reducing young entrants into the criminal justice system in Bristol by 30% in 12 months.
Young Person’s Contribution to the Criminal Justice System
Winner: Clevedon Community School 6th Form Media Studies Group
Award presented by: Amy Hillier, winner of the 'Young Persons Contribution to the CJS' category at the Avon and Somerset Justice Awards 2008 and winnerof the Justice Shield at the National Awards in October 2009.
The sixth form media studies group reviewed leaflets which are given to all young offenders entering the criminal justice process. Their review and findings have been recognised by the National Prosecutions Team and they received this award for providing such a useful insight into the views of young people on criminal justice literature.
Outstanding Contribution to Engaging Local Communities .jpg)
Winner: PC Keith Openshaw, Avon and Somerset Constabulary - accepted by Amanda Frame on his behalf
Award presented by: Amy Hillier, winner of the 'Young Persons Contribution to the CJS' category at the Avon and Somerset Justice Awards 2008 and winnerof the Justice Shield at the National Awards in October 2009.
Keith works with the Community Safety Team at Newfoundland Road Police Station. He received this award for dealing sensitively and compassionately with the community on an incident which involved plans for a terrorist attack in Bristol. He kept the community well-informed, was available to answer any queries and was highly praised by all those involved in the case.
Contribution to Bringing Offenders to Justice
Winner: Visual Investigation Unit, Avon and Somerset Constabulary
Award presented by: Lord Lieutenant Lady Gass
The Visual Investigation Unit, Barney Smith and PC Andy Cockle, support 1000 police officers by retrieving and processing CCTV evidence for use throughout the criminal justice system. They have received this award for contributing to a number of high-profile investigations, as well as leading directly to over 500 arrests in the last two years.
Volunteer of the Year
Winner: Barry Peel
Award presented by: Roger Stratton, winner in the 'Tackling Youth Crime' category at the Avon and Somerset Justice Awards 2008 and joint winner at the National Justice Awards in October 2009.
Barry has been a volunteer for Victim Support for five years, based in Somerset. He has received this award both for his dedication and commitment to providing support to numerous victims of crime, as well as for acting as a mentor to new volunteers.
Ambassador of the Criminal Justice System
Winner: Rose Farmer, Crown Prosecution Service
Award presented by: Lord Lieutenant Lady Gass
Rose works for the Crown Prosecution Service and has been instrumental in the set-up of Specialist Domestic Violence Courts in Avon and Somerset, and has contributed to an increase in the number of domestic violence prosecutions in the area. She received this award as her work is a credit to the criminal justice system.
Chief Constable Colin Port, who chairs the Avon and Somerset Criminal Justice Board said:
“There are many individuals who everyday go above and beyond in their contribution to the criminal justice system, both from the agencies themselves and from the community. The Avon and Somerset Justice Awards are there to thank these staff and volunteers for their exceptional work, ensuring the outstanding performers get the recognition they deserve.
“The efforts of these winners deserves to be honoured and I am delighted to be able to open these awards and give my personal congratulations to all those who were successful. I would like to again pass on my thanks to all those who were nominated by their colleagues, community members, volunteers and schools for their commitment and dedication to the criminal justice system.”