Wins coveted award for Community Officer of the Year

Danny Williams recently won a much-coveted accolade as the Jane's Police Review award for Police Community Officer of the Year in the Met. However, this hasn't gone to his head. The first thing he tell us is that he is firmly of the opinion that the award is for the South Acton Safer Neighbourhood Team and not just for him.

Danny's team is currently made up of 2 Police Constables: Beth Adams and James Clarke, and three Police Constable Special Officers (PCSOs): Colin Moore, Ricky Smith and Ross Smith. He pays tribute to all of them.

The nominations for the award (Danny was nominated by Inspector Martin Barry - until recently Acton Area inspector) came from all the forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland - 46 in all. Danny came third place nationally, but out of all 32 boroughs in the Met, he is number 1.

He received his award at a gala dinner hosted by Janes for 700 people at the Park Lane Hilton.

We asked him whether he is expecting promotion as a result of this accolade. "No. I'm staying put in South Acton."

He goes on to tell us that his priorities at the moment are: "Drugs and Anti-Social Behaviour, Crown Street and the South Acton Estate."

Danny says he keeps a regular eye on the ActonW3.com discussion forum - and is quick to post when he feels he can clarify a situation or answer a question. "It's useful and you do pick up bits and pieces on there. We are keen to hear about genuine problems."

Foremost in his mind at the moment are the recently installed CCTV cameras in Crown Street which are monitored by police much of the time. Another camera is due to be installed in Woodlands Park to deal with anti-social behaviour there. Money for this is apparently coming from the High Street regeneration fund.

We also discussed problems with parking in South Acton which have been often discussed in recent months. Danny says: "There is an issue with parking in Church Road. There is friction between people who use the Ragley Close residents' car park when they are worshipping in the Annoor Centre. The Council is planning a parking permit scheme to ease this."

"The South Acton Estate seems much improved since 2007 - although we are aware of continuing issues. We are actively working on several areas at the moment."

Danny tell us that there are scheduled meetings between the police and Ealing Homes every 5 weeks. This is part of an on-going project to target crime, anti-social behaviour and sustainability. Recently, this process has needed to be reviewed but Danny hopes that it will be pursued "with vigour" in the new year.

He is pleased that there are now 15 Neighbourhood Watch schemes in the area. When he joined South Acton Ward in early 2007 there were just 2 schemes in place.

Danny is obviously devoted to his job, his team and to the area he works in.

November 27, 2009