Southend-on-Sea City Council’s Community Safety Unit (CSU) was recognised for its outstanding work at the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) Network and Awards Day.
Held recently at Essex Police Headquarters, the event celebrated the important contributions of CSAS organisations across the county, with Southend CSU receiving notable recognition in several categories. The CSAS grants specific police powers to accredited non-police staff to support community safety, including issuing fixed penalty notices for littering, addressing anti-social behaviour, and confiscating alcohol and tobacco from young people.
Southend CSU was honoured to be awarded Organisation of the Year, marking a significant achievement as it took home a decorative glass plaque and a shield to commemorate the occasion.
In addition to this, Southend was recognised with a Long Service Award for over 10 years of CSAS accreditation, further highlighting the long-standing commitment of the council to community safety.
Although Southend CSU was nominated for Team of the Year and Accredited Person of the Year (with Daniel DeBond, Community Safety Manager, as the nominee), the team was proud to be acknowledged as runners-up in both categories, receiving certificates and Essex Police challenge coins as a token of recognition.
Cllr Martin Terry, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: "This is a fantastic achievement for our Community Safety Unit and a reflection of their dedication to making Southend a safe place to live, work, and visit. Winning Organisation of the Year and receiving long service recognition demonstrates how valued and respected our team is across Essex. I'd like to congratulate the entire CSU team for their hard work and commitment to community safety."
Simon Ford, Head of Community Safety, added: "I'm incredibly proud of the team. These awards demonstrate the strength of our partnership with Essex Police and the value of the work we do in Southend. It's great to see our efforts recognised by our colleagues across the county."
The CSAS Network and Awards Day offers an opportunity for CSAS-accredited organisations to celebrate their achievements while learning from others in the field, helping to strengthen community safety efforts across Essex.