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Police Authority's community commendation

17 November 2008

South Yorkshire Police Authority has been highly commended for its work with the local community after being shortlisted for a national award.

The Authority's ‘ "This is a great achievement by the Police Authority and a credit to everyone who worked on the Feel Safe event.

"South Yorkshire was the only Authority from the Yorkshire and Humber region to be nominated at the awards, beating more than 100 projects from across the country. Innovative community engagement sees Police Authorities at their best, working hand in hand with local people to develop key policing priorities and improve community safety.

"The Feel Safe event enabled the Authority to consult with members of the community about their views on policing in South Yorkshire."

All the Police Authorities shortlisted for the awards were invited to share their work at the APA conference in Gateshead.

Bob Jones, Association of Police Authorities chairman, added: "This is the first time that the APA has held the Recognising Excellence Awards, but the interest, enthusiasm and general high calibre of the nominations by police authorities has been overwhelming.

"The APA would like to take this opportunity to thank all the police authorities that submitted nominations and we look forward to repeating the process in 2009."

The APA Recognising Excellence Awards rewards excellence in Police Authorities on a national level, helps good practice and ensures lessons learnt are shared with others around the country.

‘Feel safe: know your community' was held in September at St Marie's Cathedral, Sheffield and is believed to be the first of its kind, offering newcomers face-to-face advice about services in the region.

More than 400 people attended including a special appearance from Kevin Aiston an Englishman turned Poland-based celebratory fire fighter.

Following the awards, Authorities in other areas of the country are now looking to follow South Yorkshire's lead and stage their own Feel Safe event for the Eastern European members of the community.

Categories: South Yorkshire Police Authority