Bus company wins Westminster "policing" award

A BUS company who transported special constables into troubled areas have been recognised for their contribution to policing.
By Admin
Published 20th Oct 2015, 16:58 BST
Updated 9th Jan 2017, 23:24 BST

First South Yorkshire’s partnership with South Yorkshire Police won the Employer Supported Policing category at this year's Lord Ferrers Awards, which recognise the outstanding contributions of volunteers in policing. 

The award was presented at a special ceremony at the House of Commons in Westminster attended by Home Secretary Theresa May MP. 

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Superintendent Neil Thomas said: "First South Yorkshire is an exemplar of the virtues of Employer Supported Policing. 

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“Across the county, community police teams have been faced with an operational challenge to remedy patterns of offending behaviour and without First's partnership approach this problem could not have been so effectively targeted. 

“Not only have offenders and offending groups been challenged, but the positive media coverage which has been generated has led to good news for the bus company, the force and the Special Constabulary beyond the immediate areas of concern." 

One of the keys to success was the use of First South Yorkshire buses being used for 'Trojan' bus operations, with Special Constables in plain clothes being driven through high-risk areas. 

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In addition to reducing anti-social behaviour on buses, the partnership worked closely to tackle issues of fraud with the support of two First South Yorkshire drivers who are also Police Special Constables, Chris Byne and Gareth Weatherall. 

Superintendent Thomas added: "Without the use of the company's buses the Trojan bus operations could not have been achieved. This has been an area of pride and acclaim for our Specials. 

“It has been an area of business to call their own, providing practical and meaningful support to regular colleagues, which literally would not or could not have been so effectively provided in any other way." 

First South Yorkshire's Business Manager Paul Flanagan said: "This is fantastic recognition of the work that our staff do in partnership with South Yorkshire Police in keeping bus travel safe for the communities we serve across South Yorkshire."