Justice Awards 2009

 

 

 

 

 

The local Justice Awards for Staffordshire is part of a national scheme that recognises excellence in the Criminal Justice System.  Now in its sixth year, it gives staff and volunteers the opportunity to nominate colleagues and teams to help them receive the recognition they deserve for their achievements - those who ‘go the extra mile’ in their work with victims, witnesses, defendants or offenders.

Moat House Hotel, Acton Trussell, StaffordThe 2009 Justice Awards ceremony for Staffordshire took place on 6 November 2009 at the Moat House Hotel, Acton Trussell, Stafford - paying tribute and allowing nominators to celebrate the success of local winners.

In 2009 there were fifteen award categories for individuals and teams, winners were chosen by the Chief Officers from the seven Criminal Justice Agencies in Staffordshire.  The awards were presented by Douglas Paxton, Assistant Chief Constable, Staffordshire Police and Peter Lewis, Chief Executive, Crown Prosecution Service, Sponsor of Staffordshire Criminal Justice Board and National Criminal Justice Board member.

Peter Hammersley, Chair of Staffordshire Criminal Justice Board and Area Director, Her Majesty's Court Service for the Black Country, Staffordshire and West Mercia said: “Congratulations to all our winners, to see our staff recognised in our award scheme is a real tribute to the work that is being done across the Criminal Justice System in Staffordshire.  The Board’s priority is to increase public confidence in the system and rebalance it in favour of the law-abiding majority.  The winners will go a long way in demonstrating that our joined-up approach really can make a difference.” 

Winners were awarded from the following categories for both individual and team awards:

Individual Awards

  • For Outstanding Contribution to Caring for Victims & Witnesses

    • Paul Edwards - Police
      Paul recently dealt with a domestic violence case where the victim had been assaulted and receiving further threats from the offender.

      Paul quickly arranged for the family to be placed in a safe-house. Then working with agencies to fit an alarm and fire proof letter box, so that the family would feel better protected.  He then made extra effort to ensure the offender was charged and remanded in custody, as speedily as possible.  The family, who before meeting Paul had little faith in the Police, now have a great deal of confidence in the criminal justice system - due to the efforts made by Paul.  Click here to download the full citation. 
    • David Bennett - Police 
      Right click to save imageDavid retired in July this year but throughout his time with the police he has been a very knowledgeable and approachable mentor to staff, ensuring that his legacy of total witness focus will continue after his retirement.

      David championed the cause for Victims and Witnesses through many forums but also the Staffordshire Court Exit Survey.  It is through his hard work, perseverance and understanding of the Criminal Justice System that new service level agreements have been drawn up to ensure that victims and witnesses of domestic violence and other vulnerable people - have a bespoke service that prevents duplication of effort by agencies and gives the witness and victim a professional, tailored service.  Click here to download the full citation. 

  • For Outstanding Contribution to Tackling Youth Crime

    • Wayne George - Prisons
      Right click to save imageWayne is the Voluntary Sector Co-ordinator at the Werrington Young Offenders Institution, initiating several local community restorative justice opportunities for sentenced young people to attend - whilst on release on temporary licence.

      One such project was at Stoke Speedway where the track was vandalised to such an extent that there was a fear within the community that they may not be able to run future race meetings. Although they were not able to help the victims of their own crimes they were able to give something back to the community by repairing the damage caused.  Wayne also established a partnership with Swan Bank Methodist Church which has broken barriers that are often present between the elderly and young people.  Click here the download the full citation.
       
    • David Porter - Prisons
      Right click to save image of David Porter's certificate being collected by a Prison representativeDavid Porter is a Prison Officer based at Werrington Young Offenders Institution who as a Resettlement Caseworker had the idea to hold and organise a Resettlement Fair in 2008 for the young people at Werrington - incorporating housing, training and employment organisations. These organisations work very closely with young people on release from custody.  

      The day was a huge success, achieving its objectives of enabling young people to meet housing providers and find out what training courses and employment opportunities are available and how to meet their acceptance criteria.  Click here to download the full citation.
       
    • Andrew Whitehall - Police
      Right click to save imageIn 2008, Andy set up 'The Right Stuff Club' in Stone - a boxing club which any young person can join but is aimed particularly at young people at risk of committing anti-social behaviour or minor crime.  Participants sign a contract agreeing to behave acceptably and undertake community projects, which have included litter picking, gardening for the elderly, graffiti removal and raising money for local charities. Health and diet advice is also provided.

      In return all sections of the local community have rallied around to support the Club, which has helped strengthen community relationships.  Andy devotes his own time to running the club and is in the process of setting up the same in Stafford.  Click here to download the full citation. 

  • For Outstanding Contribution to Working with Offenders

    • Jayne Beeston - Prisons
      Right click to save image of Julie Jones collecting Jayne Beeston's certificateThe regime at Drake Hall Prison is based on a resettlement ethos which encourages prisoners to take responsibility for themselves.  Jayne manages a contract packing workshop, employing up to 35 women.  She encourages and praises good work, tailoring jobs to their individual needs if possible.

      Jayne encourages them to participate and complete the tasks, when in some cases the only means of communication has been visual or hand signals due to language barriers. She also encourages the women to attend education to improve their key skills and ensures that language difficulties are resolved.  Click here to download the full citation.
       
    • Paul Johnson - Probation
      Paul worked for the Probation Service and spent much of his working week in a Community Payback Workshop setting.  Paul worked closely with the offenders, teaching them woodworking skills to construct items such as bird boxes and garden furniture.  He encouraged them to take pride in their work and ensure that the items produced were of good quality which the public are prepared to buy. These items are then donated to various charities who gain financially from selling them on.

      Paul was a firm but fair Supervisor who abided by the rules of the Community Payback Scheme which he enforced consistently to all offenders in his charge. His enthusiasm clearly had an impact on those offenders as he regularly received positive comments via the exit questionnaire that the offenders complete on termination of their Order.  Click here to download the full citation.
       
    • Keith Lutwyche - Prisons
      Right click to save imageAs a Resettlement and Diversity Officer, Keith is widely involved with partner agencies, all of which can verify that he has been involved in successfully resettling female offenders back in their own community. Keith's energy and efforts in this area have developed, strengthened and maintained partnership with Samaritans, Alcoholics Anonymous, Hibiscus, Stafford Women's group, Women in Prisons Group, Age Concern, Housing, Employment Advisors and many other agencies.

      Determination to support female offenders has contributed greatly to Drake Hall's Reducing Re-offending action plan and has impacted positively not only on our community image and reputation but also on the lives of prisoners and their families.   Click here to download the full citation.
       
    • Joan Southorn - Prisons
      Joan is a Deputy Safey Custody Coordinator at Featherstone Prison representing the Industries Department for many years.  She has been particularly passionate in supporting prisoners who find it difficult to work and engage with others, so developed a programme to engage these offenders on an individual basis, and eventually in group sessions - in order to re-build their confidence.
       
      She classes all of those she has contact with as her colleagues, be they prisoners or staff - this comes across in all of her dealings at Featherstone. She is a valued member of the team who tries on a daily basis to improve the lives of those around her.  Click here to download the full citation.
       
    • Doug Till - Probation
      Right click to save imageDoug and his team of offenders installed in excess of 70 ornamental gates and metal fence panels. Some of these gates were single pedestrian gates and others double gates to allow vehicle access. During this project through Doug's guidance offenders have gained new skills which will make them more employable.

      Doug is a positive role model for offenders. His methods and style of working with offenders has earned Doug their respect and trust. Many of the offenders acknowledged this through the Offender Exit Questionnaires completed at the end of their Orders.  Click here to download the full citation. 

  • For Outstanding Contribution to Engaging Communities

    • Ellie Beaumount - Police
      Right click to save imageEllie was one of the first PCSO’s to be appointed in Staffordshire and has worked in the Stapenhill area of Burton since 2004. She quickly gained a reputation in the community for her reliability and genuine interest in community issues. 

      Ellie has also been instrumental in the setting up of a Youth Drop-In Centre for teenagers and acts as volunteer in her own time, on two evenings a week.  This has allowed youths to come off the street and be distracted from engaging anti-social behaviour and petty crime. In this safe environment youngsters can socialise and be supervised at the same time. This has prevented under-age drinking, which has been prevalent in the area.  Click here to download the full citation.
       
    • Steward Bishop - Police
      Right click to save imagePolice Officer Stewart Bishop re-opened an old site for use as community allotments. In his own time he attends the allotments and works alongside ex-offenders, helping to integrate them back into society.

      The new allotment site has made a big difference as before the area was run down, overgrown, with broken-down sheds that known drug users were using and in which people were sleeping rough.  The allotments are now used by local residents, school, church and also the youth club – bringing all ages of the community back together. Not surprisingly the success of these activities has resulted in a reduction in anti-social behaviour.  Click here to download the full citation.
       
    • John Cartlidge - Probation
      Right click to save imageFor many years John has ensured that the Community Payback Scheme in Staffordshire is very much at the centre in meeting community needs, via enabling the public to identify essential projects that improve the environment. 

      John is also the lead presenter for Probation in the Local Crime & Community Sentencing (Mock Trial) events which are run together with the local Magistrates' Association. This form of community engagement has received very positive feedback over the last two years, with audiences indicating an increased confidence in community sentencing as a means to reduce re-offending and protect the public.  Click here to download the full citation.
       
    • Anne Hunt - Probation
      Anne has supervised groups of offenders on a variety of community based projects in the Lichfield and Tamworth area. Much of this work has involved engaging with communities and working within housing complexes - where elderly and vulnerable people reside. 

      Many of the Community Payback projects on which Anne has worked have been identified by local communities through Joint Operational Group meetings with the Police, Youth Offending Service, Local Authorities, Fire and Rescue and Housing Associations - who work in partnership to reduce crime, the fear of crime and improve the local environment.  Click here to download the full citation. 

  • Long Service Award for Continued Commitment and Dedication

    • Paul Gallagher - Police 
      Right click to save imageSuperintendent Gallagher became the Head of the Criminal Justice Administration Department for Staffordshire Police in 2003, in addition to providing exemplary leadership for the officers and staff within his department, Paul went on to become a highly influential figure across a range of activities associated with the Criminal Justice Board.

      Paul was Chair of the Enforcement Working Group and became a truly respected individual who could drive performance improvements across the Criminal Justice System.  His hunger for service improvement encouraged and inspired many other partners and the work developed under his leadership set the standard for many other areas of Criminal Justice activity.  Click here to download the full citation.
       
    • John Ikin - Police
      Right click to save imageJohn joined Staffordshire Police in May 1966.  During his service he became a well known figure in the community spending much of his own time working with local youths on the ‘Space’ project.  Upon his retirement after 30 years service as a Police Officer John became a Police Staff member, where he began in his role as a Trials-Unit File Builder.

      To-date John continues to support front line officers in their preparation of court files in his role as an Evidential Review Officer. He is well known for his knowledge of criminal investigations relating to committal files, and officers are keen to seek him out for advice.  He actively shares his knowledge and understanding of the justice system to guarantee officers secure the best evidence, and therefore ensure the best possible outcome for victims of crime.  Click here to download the full citation. 

Team Awards

  • For Outstanding Contribution to Caring for Victims:

    • Victim Care Officers – Victim Support Team:
      Right click to save imageKathy Bryers, Cheryl Harding, Emily Pettingale, Candy Porter, Joanne Roberts, Amanda Rushton, Amy Shenton and Hazel.Tatlow - all from Victim Support Staffordshire.

      The team has created a new and improved service, working hard since April 2008 to ensure victims get a better quality service from Victim Support.  This involves commissioning practical services by liaising with suppliers and contractors, providing information on policing, insurance and compensation claims or through offering emotional support through the team of dedicated volunteers.

      The feedback from the Quality reviews has shown that victims are 97% satisfied. They now receive a more rapid and pro-active telephone contact, with a full needs assessment whilst recording their requests. This more 'in depth' service allows a better working relationship with partners whilst also acting as a 'critical friend' and flagging up any issues arising from the needs assessment or quality review.  Click here to download the full citation.
       

  • For Outstanding Contribution to Tackling Youth Crime:

    • Werrington YOI Safeguarding Team:
      Right click to save imageMark Hilditch, Nick Loveday, John McGowan, Gemma Moore, Marilyn Welsh and John Wilson – all from Her Majesty's Prison Service - Werrington Young Offenders Institution.

      The Werrington Safeguarding Team work with young people who have been involved in gang life and gang violence.  The caring approach that they team use encourages the young people to discuss very worrying and personal issues that otherwise would not be raised. This provides an increased level of awareness about the impact of gang life but also provides the young people with the confidence and empowerment to make an informed decision to leave gang life.

      The forum has since been praised by Authorities including Prison Service Inspectors resulting in the allocation of funding to produce a DVD, designed to raise young peoples’ awareness of the issues of being part of a gang.  Click here to download the full citation.
       

  • For Outstanding Contribution to Engaging Local Communities:

    • Community Resilience North Team:
      Right click to save imageMark Barlow, Scott McGrath, Saima Ismail and Nigel Sutton - all from Staffordshire Police.

      The Community Resilience Team North was established to help reduce the risks posed from violent extremism and with the use of overt policing measures has gradually gained the trust and confidence of some of the hardest to reach communities within North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.  Officers within the team, by a process of regular visits, engagement and offering support now have valuable and much trusted community contacts, who feel at ease reporting concerns about violent extremism but also about issues concerning anti-social behaviour and low level criminality.

      Such activity has also contributed to the reduction of tensions within local communities and assisted with major incidents and the establishment of over a 100 new community contacts and partners.  Click here to download the full citation. 
       
    • Physical Education Department Team:
      Right click to save imageSimon Baylis, Keith Benton, Kerry Jones and Joanne Lovatt - all from Her Majesty's Prison Service, Drake Hall. 

      Collectively the Physical Education Team at Drake Hall Prison have contributed 66 years of public service to Correctional Services. Their team spirit and dedication to work is a credit to the establishment and their involvement in the health and welfare of both prisoners and staff far exceeds what is required.  The team have also sought to encourage prisoners to address their offending behaviour in order to see the benefits of contributing to the community - which is also leading to a sense of purpose and wellbeing.

      The team contribute to the Health and Wellbeing programme for staff, running clinics which have led to an increase in the success of staff fitness testing and creating a healthy community atmosphere.  What is clear is that the success of the PE team is down to them going the Extra Mile, even giving up lunch breaks, evenings and weekends to ensure that everyone has access to facilities.  Click here to download the full citation.
       
    • Stoke-on-Trent Media & Communications Team:
      Right click to save imageDavid Bailey, Faye Casey and Alisa Thorley - all from Staffordshire Police. 

      The team have provided the public with information about the ongoing work of Operation Nemesis, the Staffordshire Police Award Winning Drugs Enforcement Operation.   Using a variety of emerging communications channels such as Bluetooth Broadcasting the team ensure local residents hear about the work being done to tackle drug crime on a weekly basis.  Promotional activities include sending Crimestoppers details to resident’s mobile phones, projecting films of local police drug raids onto key buildings in the city, and highly targeted leaflet drops - used to reassure residents about the results of action taken. 

      Calls to Crimestoppers have increased by 30% generating intelligence that has resulted in one or more drugs raids taking place in the city per day. Local residents now understand and recognise the brand of Operation Nemesis which has increased confidence in the action the Police are taking to tackle the drugs issues that affect them.  Feedback to PCSOs and police officers about Nemesis raids and local media reporting are extremely positive.  Click here to download the full citation.
       

  • Partnership of the Year – Best Example of Joint Working Across The CJS in Staffordshire:

    • Domestic Abuse Partnership Team:
      Right click to save imageMartin Adams - Police, Charlotte Almond - Stafford Borough Council, Susan Coleman - Police, Kate Colllier – Staffordshire Women’s Aid, Helen Cooksey – NHS, Lynne Elliott – Probation, Dawn Franks - Police, Anne Gloyne – Preventing Abuse in Relationships Forum, Jane Hewett - Police, Robert Longmore - Police, Debbie Matthews - Police, Jane Millington – Stafford Borough Council, Janine Plant - Staffordshire Women’s Aid, Jenny Smith - Stafford Borough Council, Diane Yates – Cannock Chase District Council, Anita Yates - Police, Nichola Whelan – Staffordshire County Council and Fiona Wynne – Victim Support.

      The Partnership was established May 2008 by a commitment and ‘leap of faith’ from all partners to make a real difference to reduce the impact and devastation of domestic abuse.   The Partnership includes statutory and voluntary agencies involved in the delivery of services to victims and their families and perpetrators of domestic abuse. It adopts a holistic approach focused on protection, justice and support and provides further integration of services by aligning resources across three districts.

      By 2009 some 74% of defendants were successfully prosecuted in the Stafford and Cannock Specialist Domestic Violence Courts. There were fewer unsuccessful outcomes due to victim retractions than in the previous year and in particular, there has been a significant reduction in victim non-attendance at court.  Click here to download the full citation.  
       
    • Fraud and Special Team:
      Right click to save imageSandra Booth - Police, Simon Cartwright - Police, Peter Clarke - Police, Paul Cooke - Police, Nigel Cotton - Staffordshire County Council, Rose Ferneyhough - Staffordshire County Council, Jon Glover - Hill Dickinson Solicitors, Timothy Heap - Police, Sean Hinsley - Police, Steven Howells - Police, Mark Jones - Police, Nicholas Mahon – Staffordshire County Council, Helen Mitchell - Police, Stephen Morrey – Police, Michael Percival - Police, Robert Pilling - Police, David Rushton - Police, Adrian Sinclair - Police, Andrew Smith - Police, Simon Smith - Police, Andrew Tunney - Police and Jeffrey Wharton - Staffordshire County Council.

      The partnership work between Staffordshire's Police and Trading Standards’ Fraud and Special Investigations teams has combated Rogue Traders, Doorstep Crime and Counterfeiting on a county-wide scale.  This work has been completed through national and regional initiatives such as Rogue Trader Day, Traffic Stops and Operation Mimic - a local operation combating Counterfeiting on Staffordshire's Car Boots markets.

      The team also has involvement in one of the country’s largest music events ‘The V Festival’ where ticket touts, counterfeiters and traders are apprehended.  The impact of this work has saved the economy millions of pounds in lost revenue and has contributed to the collation of vital intelligence in the continued fight against Staffordshire’s known criminals.  Click here to download the full citation. 
       
    • Chase Court and North Walls Drug Reduction Team:
      Right click to save imagePaul Beardmore, Gill Blakemore, Martin Davies, Tricia Drury, Barry Flynn, Joanne Goldie, Tarnia Hewston, Samantha Hine, Herminder Hira, Verney Howieson, Natasha Johnstone, Nancy Kucharik, Emma Penton, Nicola Perrin, Lynda Rutty and Robert Stourbutts - all from Staffordshire Probation Service.

      The Chase Court Team together with the North Walls Drug Reduction Team consists of both Probation and Nursing staff who have worked successfully on speeding up the referral process of offenders in court who need to receive treatment.  

      Rather than waiting for the report writer to meet the offender and then make a referral to the Drug Team, the court team staff make their referral directly from a court location.  This has speeded up what was a lengthy process and has had an excellent impact on the overall number of referrals to the scheme.  Click here to download the full citation.

       

To see the list of winners of the national awards honoured at a ceremony on 20 October 2009 visit: www.justiceawards.cjsonline.gov.uk

If you have any queries about the national awards please contact the Justice Awards Team:
By email - justiceawards@cjs.gov.uk
By phone - Suzi Carberry on 0207 035 3633 or Natasha Holligan on 0207 035 4961

If you have any queries concerning the local awards please see contact details below: 
By email - martine.redpath@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk
By phone - 01785 238353

 

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