Award for Special Constable who works with schools

A SPECIAL Constable for the past eight years in Wiveliscombe was one of this year’s winners of the Avon and Somerset Local Justice Awards.
Tony Alderman collected an award in the ‘Volunteer of the Year’ category for his important work to support the criminal justice system at a presentation held yesterday in Rookery Manor near Weston-super-Mare.
Mr Alderman works full-time as a schools liaison officer in Wiveliscombe, Wellington, and Taunton trying to develop better relationships between young people and the police.
His work focuses on building strong relationships with young people, helping them to understand important legal and moral issues about crime, drugs, and the law.
Mr Alderman presently works with 11 schools in the area, ensuring young people of different backgrounds have access to the service.
Chief Constable Colin Port, who is chairman of the criminal justice board, said: “Tony has fulfilled his role with amazing energy and commitment and truly deserves to be recognised for his important contribution."

• Our photograph shows Tony Alderman receiving his award from High Sheriff of Somerset, Anne Maw. Photo submitted.

Award recognises church group's work to reduce re-offending

A CHURCH project working with criminals in West Somerset to help reduce re-offending rates is one of the winners of the 2008 Avon and Somerset Local Justice Awards.
The Hope Centre, based in the Baptist Church, Parks Lane, Minehead (pictured), received the Avon and Somerset Criminal Justice Board award at a presentation held yesterday in Rookery Manor near Weston-super-Mare.
It won the category for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Reducing Re-Offending’ for its work to support the homeless, drug and alcohol abusers, and people involved in criminal activities.
Volunteers working at the centre provide advice and support as well as hot meals and facilities in a bid to reduce re-offending and help put people’s lives back on track.
They also help to make doctors appointments and speak to housing officers and source furniture for those who have made a fresh start in accommodation of their own.
Those who attend the centre are also able to take part in constructive activities, such as crafts, games, and trips out.
The annual Local Justice Awards are nominated by criminal justice staff and members of the public.
Avon and Somerset Chief Constable Colin Port, who is chairman of the criminal justice board, said: “The impact that The Hope Centre has on the Minehead community has been huge.
“Not only do many of their visitors now enjoy a better quality of life, but the level of calls received by the police in relation to these people has dropped considerably.
“Every day, thousands of people across the criminal justice system do an amazing job and their dedication makes a dramatic difference to people’s lives.
“The awards are held each year to honour individuals and recognise exceptional achievement.
“I congratulate the winners, all of whom have gone further than what is expected of them to improve the criminal justice system for the people of Avon and Somerset.
“They truly are heroes of the criminal justice system.”

• Our photograph shows members of The Hope Centre receiving their award certificate from Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Somerset Alison Cromme. Photo submitted.

Expect the worst if you drink and drive this Christmas, say police

EXPECT to be stopped, expect to be breathalysed, and, if you are over the limit, expect to lose your licence - is the robust message police are sending out to motorists who drink and drive.
As officers launch their annual Christmas drink-drive crackdown today, they are sending out a clear message:

• If you drive on the roads of Avon and Somerset this Christmas and you have had a drink, expect to get stopped, expect to be breathalysed, and if you are over the limit, expect to lose your licence, possibly your job, and in some cases your liberty.


• Ask yourself, is it really worth it?

With young men making up the bulk of drink-drive offenders, police are seeking to drive home the message that unless they resist the temptation to drink, or make other arrangements to go home safely, they risk wrecking their future for the sake of one night out.
Supt Andy Pullan, the officer in charge of the force’s road policing unit, said: “Although drink-driving is a year-round problem we tackle day-in, day-out, the temptations of Christmas parties and impromptu drinks after work can mean people who might otherwise be more organised and make arrangements to get home are tempted to get behind the wheel when they should not.
“Rather than getting hung up on ‘safe limits’, our advice is that if you are driving, do not drink at all.
“One drink alone is enough to have an effect on your reactions and perceptions and put your own and other, innocent, people’s lives at risk.”
Police plan to stop and check an estimated 10,000 motorists during the festive period and will take the opportunity to speak to each one about the dangers of drink-driving and provide general crime reduction and personal safety advice.
Last Christmas, a total of 216 motorists were arrested for drink-driving across the force and 549 of those breathalysed were involved in a collision.
Supt Pullan said: “A really important part of this campaign is our appeal to members of the public to do their bit by telling us about people they suspect regularly or intend to drink and drive.
“If people do not feel confident to challenge the driver themselves, then it is imperative they contact us so we can take action.
“Nobody should risk having the death of somebody on their conscience for the sake of a phone call.”
Anybody with information about drink-drivers should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where they do not have to give their name and they could receive a reward.
In urgent cases where it is suspected somebody is driving or about to drive while drunk, thereby putting life at risk, people should dial 999.
Anybody caught driving over the limit faces a minimum punishment of:

• A conviction in court


• A driving ban of at least 12 months


• An endorsement of their driving licence for 11 years - meaning it will be 11 years before their licence is ‘clean’ again


• A criminal record


• They could also face a fine of up to £5,000 and a six-month prison sentence