PC Murphy treats citizens like family

A LONDONDERRY policewoman who ‘aims to look after members of the community like they are members of her own family’ has received a special service award.

Constable Clodagh Murphy of Foyle Response Policing Team was awarded the Personal Policing Service Award at the City Hotel last week.

The PSNI said Constable Murphy has worked consistently to develop new relationships with many communities in Londonderry.

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“Her personal style and sense of ownership in relation to community issues has ensured community participation in a series of novel interventions that have resulted in successful partnerships between police and local communities across the city.

“Constable Murphy sets very high standards for herself and aims to look after members of the community like they were a member of her own family,” the police said.

Police from across G District came together in the Londonderry venue for the local Policing With the Community Awards.

The awards scheme, now in its ninth year, recognises the outstanding work of officers and staff in eight different categories.

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The local awards were made up of nominees put forward by their colleagues or by members of the community they serve. The winner of each category will now go forward to the province wide Policing With the Community Awards.

The Problem Solving Award was won by Limavady Neighbourhood Policing Teams, Urban and Rural for their work in developing community projects for young people.

Building on the success of the ‘Changes in a Flash’ programme where both young and old people came together to understand the impact of anti-social behaviour on communities, Limavady Police have established two new forums where local people can engage with Police on local issues.

They continue to strive to ensure Limavady is a safer place for all.

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The Operational Policing Team in Magherafelt, took the Protective Policing Service Award for their work in helping to reduce rural crime in their area. Over the past year they made a significant contribution to tackling burglars, drug dealers and other criminals.

Their outstanding proactive work also led to a substantial amount of drugs being seized, making Magherafelt a safer place to live.

The Diversity in Action Award went to Foyle Response Unit 4, who together are as diverse as the community they serve.

This team respond to calls from the community with an understanding of the necessity of protecting the most vulnerable in our society.

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They recognise the importance of building trust in all communities and and take every opportunity to change perceptions of policing. Personal engagement is key for them to understanding the issues that matter most and subsequently work to tackle the issues that matter most to local residents and businesses.

Neighbourhood Policing Team of the Year was awarded to Magherafelt Neighbourhood Policing Team who have excelled in the delivery of personal, professional and protective policing.

As a result of the team’s efforts, confidence in policing has greatly improved and antisocial behaviour and fear of crime has reduced. The team have worked with the local community to tackle real issues such as the night time economy or drugs via operations, searches, arrests and proactive policing.

Constable Lyndsey Cunningham, Magherafelt Neighbourhood Police Officer, was named G District’s Police Officer of the Year.

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Constable Cunningham is an officer who epitomises Policing with the Community. She has developed a number of innovative initiatives that have both helped to address community concerns and build confidence in policing.

Constable Cunningham has an outstanding level of enthusiasm to understand problems and find solutions. She has pioneered many local initiatives to engage young people such as the sports project, ‘Games on the Green’ organised in partnership with the PCSP and local Neighbourhood Watch group, which reduced anti-social behaviour in Magherafelt.

All category winners will now represent the district at the Policing with the Community Awards in Belfast.

Chief Superintendent Stephen Martin said: “These awards gave us the opportunity to say thank you to our officers and staff and recognise the outstanding contribution they are making to policing in G District.

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“So often our officers deal with the most difficult and challenging aspects of society and it is right that we should take the time to stop and appreciate the difference they are making in communities across Derry, Limavady, Magherafelt and Strabane.”

Officers from across G District were also awarded certificates of recognition for outstanding policing.