Community Awards Evening 2011
Police Honour Community Members for Their Support During the Disorder
ON Thursday 8 December 145 officers, police staff, partners and members of the community were presented with a special award from West Midlands Police and the Police Authority for their outstanding contribution during the summer disturbances across parts of the West Midlands.
The recipients were presented with their awards at a special ceremony held to mark the event at the Great Hall in Birmingham University.
Receiving awards were officers and police staff, partners who worked closely with us, businesses who gave huge support to the force and members of the community who went ‘above and beyond’.
Police presented with community award:
- During the evening, Tariq Jahan (the father of Haroon Jahan, one of the three men murdered on Dudley Road) presented a plaque to Chief Constable Chris Sims on behalf of the community for the work the police did during and after the disorder.
The officers honoured included:
- A female member of the Operational Support Unit who was injured by a brick thrown by a crowd in Handsworth, but continued her duties despite considerable pain and only took one day off before returning to full duties
- Two PCs in Coventry who were confronted by more than 50 youths armed with petrol bombs, bricks and masonry. A passing car was petrol bombed and burst into flames, trapping the driver inside. The officers helped the driver out of the car and extinguished the flames, despite the extreme danger to themselves
- Three officers from the Jewellery Quarter who, despite being outnumbered by a large group of youths armed with sticks, metal bars and bricks, confronted them and managed to arrest three of the offenders
- A Sandwell officer who sustained severe bruising and a fractured rib but returned to full duties only a few hours after being released from hospital, acting as a tactical advisor and working long hours
Members of the public who received awards included:
- A Coventry student who alerted the police via Twitter after she discovered several petrol bombs, showing great community spirit
- A Sandwell church which delivered numerous hampers of goodies to local officers during the disorder to show their support and thanks
- A Birmingham shopkeeper who showed great bravery when his store was attacked while he was inside, protecting his store from looters
- A voluntary force chaplain from Birmingham who supported police officers and staff and the local community
A Wolverhampton minister who organised a clean-up of local streets and encouraged others to help
- Street Wardens in Birmingham who offered reassurance and support to police, local businesses and the community
The evening was hosted by Heart FM presenter Julian Jones and awards were presented by Chief Constable Chris Sims and the chair of the Police Authority, Bishop Derek Webley. Recipients were joined by family members or colleagues and were presented with a certificate and gift.
Julian Jones said "Heart FM is really proud to be involved with the Community Awards. There are some great examples of work done by the police in our communities, and some amazing stories involving members of the public. These awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate these remarkable people."
Members of Birmingham Gospel Choir greeted guests, and the ceremony started with a one minute silence as a mark of respect to the three young men who lost their lives in the disturbances – Shazad Ali, Abdul Musavir and Haroon Jahan.
“Many of those receiving awards played a huge and important part in the successful outcome during those turbulent few days and many displayed exceptional courage and bravery,” said Chief Constable Chris Sims.
“We felt that it was only right and proper to record our thanks – and the thanks of many members of the community – in such a way.”
During the evening, a variety of awards were presented:
West Midlands Police Awards:
- Chief Constable's Commendation, for exceptional courage or bravery – 16 people
- Chief Constable’s Award, for exceptional contribution to serving and protecting our communities deserving of the Chief Constable’s recognition – Individual 27, Team 12
- Chief Officer’s Award, for significant contribution to serving and protecting our communities deserving of Chief Officer’s recognition - Individual 27, Team 21
West Midlands Police Authority Awards
- Police Authority Good Citizens Award, awarded to members of the public who have been involved, in some way, in assisting the police or the community – 5 people
- Police Authority Community Service Award, awarded to members of the public who have assisted the police by providing assistance through Local Crime Prevention Panels/Neighbourhood Watch etc – 56 people
- Police Authority Young Person’s Award, awarded to young people who have been involved, in some way, in assisting the police – 1 person
The awards have been sponsored by over 50 local businesses
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