JOHN JAY'S SHIELD AWARD

It was August 31st that I was awarded the John Jay Shield for Community Safety, at "Streetwise" the interactive safety centre for children. This Shield is presented every year to a person or organisation for their efforts in the prevention of crime in the Borough of Poole and is considered to be the highest accolade.

It first came into being when it was presented to Supt. Paul Bompas, then Divisional Commander of Poole Police in May 1996 in appreciation of his work while seconded to the John Jay College of Criminal Justice at the City University of New York as a visiting professor. It says on the shield, "Gerald W. Lynch, President John Jay College of Criminal Justice. The City University of New York to the Borough of Poole. In recognition of your outstanding contribution in the prevention of crime.
The notification of my award came through the post one morning in August. Would I please arrange a time, date and venue to suit all, and that I would be presented with it by Poole's Mayor Joyce James and Divisional Commander Poole Superintendent Chris Dennis.

Final arrangements were made to suit all, and I felt very proud and honoured to be recognised in such a way. I prepared a big speech of thanks and waited eagerly for this day. The day arrived 31st Aug, waiting at 'Streetwise' for the reception with Tea, Coffee and biscuits. Receiving all my congratulations I thought "Good God" where did all these people come from, just to see me.

Presentation time came, photographers, press, police, Council dignitaries etc. (JUST FOR ME). Now it was my turn with my prepared speech, I opened my mouth and all I could utter was "thank you" with tears in my eyes. I felt so proud and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for coming.

Don't forget CRIME, TOGETHER WE WILL CRACK IT.

Denis Phillips

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