Home affairs bags another DG gong

(CNS): A prison officer is the latest civil servant to acquire the accolade of the civil service employee of the month. Karen Dixon, is another member of staff from the home affairs ministry which has already bagged several of the government monthly awards. Dixon was said to have “enthusiastically embraced additional duties at the Prison Service as Acting Custodial Manager for Residential Services. But it was for her attributes as an exceptional officer and a “great leader” that she was named best employee for September. Officials said that Dixon isteadfastly respects the law but has been a strong advocate for prisoners, going above the call of duty to help them.

Dixon recently introduced a new service improvement programme titled Officer Advisor Scheme. It includes building awareness, engaging officers and prisoners, implementing procedures, providing support as well as evaluating and reporting on the progress. She is also implementing the new Self Harm Prison Service Instruction, which aims to protect inmates by preventing self-harm and suicide through early detection of warning signs and fast action by officers.

Officials said Dixon goes out of her way to encourage prisoners and staff to put in their best effort and raise their performance to the highest level. In turn, she is quick to support improvements, welcome ideas and suggestions and recognise model behaviour, good work and consistent efforts.

Handing over the award, Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, hailed her ability to give everyone an opportunity to be heard and be willing to listen, calm situations and demonstrate genuine compassion. “Also highly resourceful, I am told you help the prison service stretch the proverbial dollar and I commend you for your dedicated service,” he said.

Dixon attributed her accomplishments to the team spirit within the prison.

“This was a very pleasant surprise and I thank all who thought me deserving of this prestigious award,” she said.