Distington policeman in line for national award
Last updated 20:20, Thursday, 30 October 2008
A DISTINGTON policeman is in the running for a national community officer of the year award.
PC Adrian Braniff has played a central role in tackling anti-social behaviour in the village, establishing community policing and a shopwatch radio system.
He also arranged for classical music to be played outside the Co-op on Main Street to stop youngsters congregating.
The Jane’s Police Review Gala Awards will be held in London on November 13. They are the most high-profile awards of their kind for recognising excellence in police forces across the UK.
Cumbria Chief Constable Craig Mackey said: “Adrian has made a real difference to the people of Distington.
“It has evolved from an area that had suffered high levels of anti-social behaviour to an area that people can be proud of.”
PC Braniff works with Distington Rural Safety Group, which has also won an award for cutting rowdy behaviour in the village.
He, with Sergeant Richard Farnworth, was asked to give a presentation to anti-social behaviour co-ordinators and officers from around the country.
The group works with youngsters in the village to promote the message of respect in the community.
A competition was run to find a logo for the group and a free games area was built.
The struggling youth club was completely refurbished and now caters for a wider age range.
A shared CCTV system was installed in the village and youths were involved in community clean-ups and other initiatives.
PC Arthur Carter has been nominated for student officer of the year just 18 months after joining up. Based in Workington, he completed a drug search of a car despite a 30-strong hostile crowd gathering around him.
Mr Mackey said: “His performance in various areas puts him in the top five per cent in his division.
“His willingness to go the extra mile has paid dividends.”
