Avon and Somerset Police Citizens in Policing Award winners revealed

The Black Police Association Outreach Volunteers Team was awarded for their ground-breaking work in building strong and lasting relationships with harder-to-reach communities.

Through a wide range of outreach initiatives the team has played a central role in helping to create a more diverse and representative police force.

They have worked tirelessly, giving up their time to promote our force values, breaking down barriers and myths, and building confidence in the police.

They have achieved this by engaging with young people from different backgrounds, assisting in the launch of the interactive ‘knife workshops’, and attending community events at colleges and universities to secure the interest of future officers and staff.

Bronwen Bishop was awarded for her role in spearheading positive socio-economic changes in one of the most deprived parts of the UK.

Bronwen is a One Team Strategic Support Volunteers for the Bournville and Oldmixon One Team. When she joined the force in 2017, Bronwen conducted a review of the way the team was engaging with key stakeholders and managing vulnerability in the community.

Bronwen went on to develop and deliver an effective multiagency approach to solve complex societal issues, which has led to a reduction of repeat referrals, an increase in local community engagement, and the introduction of a dental hygiene programme for children.

Brownen has driven pioneering work in this area, working tirelessly to provide a strategic direction for the team, and engaging in a positive way with local partners and residents.

Acting special sergeant Joel Bowd was awarded for his remarkable dedication to his role, infectious attitude and work ethic, and commitment to promoting our force values.

In two years Joel has volunteered thousands of hours, has given up his free time to complete additional training, and has developed exemplary relationships with all his colleagues. Colleagues have said that Joel shows an unrivalled level of compassion and empathy when dealing with members of the public, including those who are most vulnerable.

Joel is an invaluable addition to the force, a brilliant leader, and someone who goes above and beyond basic requirement to deliver an outstanding service to his community.

The West Somerset team of specials for playing a significant role in managing the ongoing and complex issue of car meets in Cheddar Gorge.

Large-scale care meets have been increasing common at the gorge, attracting 300 to 500 people, causing significant disruption to local communities with anti-social behaviour, noise and road traffic accidents. Since the easing of lockdown measures, the west Somerset team has doubled efforts to tackle the issue independently managing operations, targeting those committing crimes and reassuring the public.

Their handling of the first weekend lockdown ended showcases the exemplary work of the team. An unexpected car meet with an excess of 400 vehicles arrived that weekend, at a time when operational demand was high, the neighbourhood team was stretched beyond capacity, and an influx of day-trippers were visiting the gorge.

The special independently managed the closure of the road, implemented dispersal orders, and successfully ensured all vehicles were removed safely. They also worked hard to diffuse tension in the community and keep a vast number of pedestrians safe.

The specials team have taken a proactive and front-seat approach to tackling the issue of car-meets head on and have played a key role in managing community tensions and improving confidence in policing.