Award for Sergeant who helps Polish 08.11.07
A Police officer has been recognised for his efforts to integrate the Polish community in Crewe, with a national award. Sergeant Brian Hughes, the Cheshire Police eastern area diversity officer, received the award for Outstanding Commitment to Diversity at the National Justice Awards this week.
It was presented by the Attorney General, Baroness Scotland, in recognition of the sergeant's work to educate Polish community leaders in English law and encourage migrants to come forward to report issues and crimes.
Sgt Hughes said: "The Polish community forms a substantial part of the population in Crewe and this award acknowledges the effort put in by a team from the police and partner agencies to integrate them. We appreciate there are considerable differences in social background and attitudes. There is a long way to go but we are making strides every day to achieve better understanding."
Sgt Hughes has worked on publicity to highlight differences in the law in Poland and England, in particular those relating to driving and carrying knives.
He has also introduced a system of "community observers", where Polish volunteers go out on patrol with police officers, he said:
"We are making a great deal of effort to persuade Polish people over here that things are very different, though it will take a lot more time and effort."
Another initiative led by Sgt Hughes is Blue Line - a dedicated phone line which enables Polish people to report incidents to the police, in Polish.
He has also worked with South Cheshire College to provide courses in English as an acquired language and has helped to secure a grant of more than £300,000 for a centre for the Polish community.
Source: Staffordshire Sentinel
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