Cops to celebrate own service at gala awards

(CNS): As part of the front line fight when crime is on the increase police officers often become the target of criticism as a result of the frustrations in the community over what is perceived as the breakdown of law and order. However, at the 4th national police awards next month those that are going above and beyond the call of duty will be recognised for the work they are doing to keep up the battle against crime and keep people safe. Awards include police officer of the year, support staff member of the year, special constable of the year, the diversity award and the police welfare award.

The Outstanding Service Awards Gala takes place on Friday, May 9, 2014 at The Ritz-Carlton in Grand Cayman.  Designed and created by the Police Commissioner and the Welfare Committee the objectives are to foster good working relationships, as well as reward and recognize officers and maintain morale within the organization.

After receiving an unprecedented number of nominations this year, six awards will be presented at the awards gala. The selection of officers and support staff for the individual categories will be judged at the district and departmental levels coupled with combining of the Uniform and CID Specialist units. The final selection panel will be comprised of the Commissioner of Police or his designate, the Human Resource Manager, a member of the Special Constabulary and a Welfare Committee Member. The panel will then make recommendations to the Governor for final approval.

The awards also include a community category where a civilian is celebrated for their contribution to the crime fight.

The RCIPS Outstanding Service Awards Gala, which receives no government funds is the primary fundraiser for the Police Welfare Fund. This fund came into being in 1969 following the death of an officer in a road accident, which left the officer’s children in financial distress and without formal support. While the original focus of the Police Welfare Fund was to assist children of police officers who died while employed with the RCIPS, today the fund has expanded to cover a wider range of circumstances. 

These include providing financial assistance to families and spouses of police members unable to continue service because of a medical condition, injury, or death in the line of duty , rewarding meritorious acts in the line of duty, maintaining police group life insurance, sponsoring sport and recreation activities aimed at promoting the general health and well-being of RCIPS members and scholarships for children of police officers

Organisers are also seeking sponsors for the event and anyone who can help or to purchase tickets for the gala can contact Julia Simmons at julia.simmons@cfp.ky or at 815-0027. Ticket prices start at $150 per ticket or $1,500 for a table of ten.