High Sheriff Venetia Wrigley presents commendations to “outstanding” Ryedale police officers

In her final duty as High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, Venetia Wrigley was proud to present two very deserving Ryedale police officers with commendations for their “great and valuable services to the community”.

High Sheriff Wrigley, who is also a Deputy Lord Lieutenant for the county, attended the ceremony at Ryedale House in Malton on Tuesday (5 April 2022).

The recipients were Sergeant Paul Gibson-Hodges and PC Jane Jones from the Ryedale Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Sgt Gibson-Hodges’ work in co-ordinating the safeguarding of vulnerable men was highlighted in the commendation.

This involves the multi-agency efforts of the Ryedale Community Safety Hub to secure help and support for individuals who are struggling with life.

 

 

PC Jones’ development and promotion of the “Mini Police” initiative with local primary schools was also commended by the High Sheriff.

 

With the support of school staff, the youngsters get to dress up in their Mini Police uniforms and learn about policing issues, staying safe and undertaking some volunteering activity in support of a local policing priorities such as road safety.

As well as benefitting the community, this positive community engagement also helps with the personal development of the youngsters and establishes important trust and confidence in the police service from an early age.

 

St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School in Malton

 

Malton Primary School

 

Norton Primary School

 

High Sheriff Wrigley said: “Both Paul and Jane really deserve all the credit and praise I can give them for their work in the community - they are total superstars.”

 

Chief Inspector Martin Dennison, Operational Commander for Scarborough and Ryedale Police, said: “I’m delighted that the work of the officers has been recognised in such a way.

“The contribution they have made in supporting, safeguarding and improving life chances for all in Ryedale has been outstanding.

“Paul and Jane are a credit to all of us involved and working within the Ryedale Community Safety Hub.”

Sgt Gibson-Hodges said: “The Ryedale Community Safety Hub is a multi-agency approach to the issues in Ryedale and I am pleased to see this has had a positive impact.

“It is an honour working with and supporting both police and other agencies to try and resolve local issues, and the Safety Hub has worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to help those who have struggled, liaising with professional and volunteer services to deliver a gold standard.

“I thank the High Sheriff for recognising this.”

PC Jones said: “I thank the High Sheriff for this award - I feel really honoured.

“I first got involved with Mini Police back in 2019, running the programme in Malton and Norton Primary School. 

“We do a 10-week programme educating the children on different subjects.

“I thank the primary schools for allowing us to visit, because Mini Police wouldn't run without their support.”

For more information about the work of the High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, please go to  www.highsheriffs.com/north-yorkshire/