'Outstanding' Police Officers Recognised

A group of local police officers have picked up accolades at the annual Community Policing Awards.

In its sixth year, the NI Policing Board-backed event is designed to recognise and honour the commitment of officers and police staff.

Nine winners were recognised on Monday evening at Newcastle's Slieve Donard Hotel.

Newtownards constable Graham McMinn was named Probationer of the Year, while the Police Officer Part Time of the Year went to Constable Darren Pollock, who is stationed in Coleraine.

Portadown's Neighbourhood Team were named Neighbourhood Policing Team of the Year, with the Diversity in Action Award going to North Belfast's Community Safety Team

Partnership of the Year Award was lifted by the Annalong Network for their local initiative to reduce anti social behaviour.

Raymond Boyle, who is stationed in west Belfast was named Staff Member of the Year, while Police Officer of the Year went to Sergeant Russell Vogan from Armagh.

Susan Surgeoner picked up the Police Staff Lifetime Achievement accolade, with PJ Whyte, a Crime Prevention Officer, also recognised.

District Commanders, along with District Policing Partnerships, made the nominations this year and local communities were also able to recommend community officers and Neighbourhood Policing Teams who contributed significantly in their local areas.

Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland said: "My congratulations go to all the nominees and winners in each of the categories.

"Engaging with local communities is key to making Northern Ireland a safer place for everyone.

"Policing is about identifying local problems and working in partnership with local community groups and representatives to deliver proactive solutions."

Chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, Professor Sir Desmond Rea said: "Every day, across all our communities, police officers and staff continue to engage with and work with local people to deliver a Police Service which benefits our entire society.

"This kind of policing can only be achieved when the police and the community work in partnership and the Policing with the Community Awards is a vital way to recognise this kind of work."

(PR/BMcC)