A well-known person often found funding the streets of Newtown talking to people and keeping an eye out on combatting anti-social and criminal behaviour is among just five Dyfed Powys Police officers selected for a new We Care Award.
PCSO Graham Jennings has been nominated for his community spirit, approachability and professionalism.
Five officers have been shortlisted for the first public-chosen Dyfed-Powys Police #WeCare Award, demonstrating their commitment to the people they serve.
From ensuring the safety of a woman in need, helping a teenager who was being bullied and showing compassion to a bereaved family, to working with youngsters and being a reassuring face around town, these officers have been singled out for their efforts by their communities.
The #WeCare Award is the first of its kind for Dyfed-Powys Police, with nominees put forward and voted for by the public, and will be presented to the winner at the force awards ceremony on March 30.
PCSO Graham is a well known sight on the town’s streets and is often seen taking to residents, businesses and others.
His nominee said: “I think PCSO Graham Jennings in Newtown deserves an award due to the way he builds relationships with people around the town. He is especially good with the children, making sure that they are comfortable talking to him.
“He makes people feel safe and he is very respected, many people look up to him. Graham is a welcome sight walking around the town dealing with local issues.”
Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Constable Mark Collins said: “We were overwhelmed with the number of nominations we received for the first #WeCare Award, which shows the dedication and commitment of our officers to the people we serve.
“Some of the stories shared were truly touching, and the fact our officers stand out in the minds of people they have helped for many years speaks volumes for their compassion, enthusiasm and professionalism.
“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to nominate a member of the force for this award, and I look forward to presenting it to the winner on March 30.”
Voting is now open at: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ZWL3RYN
PCSO Jennings said: “I feel very privileged to be nominated for this award, especially as a member of the public had recommended me for it. I thoroughly enjoy my job as a PCSO because I am also part of the community I serve.
"I realise that at my age that I can’t change the world, but I, and hopefully like-minded people, can definitely make a difference to how we improve the quality of life of the community, and provide them with the confidence and satisfaction the police service strives to achieve.”
So let’s get voting for Graham. Want to know a bit more about him? Check out a fact-file below:
Graham was a serving police officer for twelve years with the South Wales Police. In 2004 he became a CDO at Newtown police station in 2004, and a PCSO in 2006. He lives in Newtown with his wife Karen, a nursing sister, and has two daughters - Charlotte, a serving police officer with the Metropolitan Police in London, and Isabella, who is studying law at Aberystwyth University.
In 2006 Graham received a divisional commander’s commendation relating to a serious firearms incident, and in 2016 received a Chief Constable’s commendation for acting as a first responder to a fatality in Newtown.
Graham is the Powys SPOC for the Muslim community, and has recently been part of the Syrian Refugee Focus group. He has also been a school Governor at the Newtown High School for eight years, and is the main point of contact for local police-run surgeries at the Newtown Market Hall, and the Ponthafren resource in Newtown for vulnerable adults.
Outside work, Graham is a senior instructor with the Newtown Shotokan Karate Club. He has been training in karate for over 40 years and holds the rank of black belt Fifth Dan.
