Dedicated PCSO wins award
Pete was awarded for his work in the community supporting people with neurodivergent conditions
A Cumbria PCSO who is part of the neighbourhood police team in Workington has been awarded for his work in the community supporting people with neurodivergent conditions.
Pete Nichol does so to prevent people becoming a victim of crime, so he can help others turn away from offending and to stop people getting into trouble in the first place.
Pete was nominated by the public for the Public Sector Champion Award at the Diverse Cumbria Awards.
He won his category at the event at Carlisle Racecourse on Saturday. The awards celebrate equality and diversity in Cumbria.
Pete has served the community working for Cumbria Police as a PCSO for 13 years and has been in the neighbourhood police team in Workington for six years.
The award has been described as a “testament to his dedication”, while Pete himself was keen to pay tribute to those he works with.
He said: “It was an honour to be nominated and to have won this award for the work we do in Cumberland around neurodiversity.
“This work is carried out with Shirley Murphy from Autism Support Allerdale and Copeland - but she could not be there on the night.
“Rachel Parkinson, who is the fund-raising consultant for the charity, stepped in and she is also the sister of a serving police officer in Cumbria police.
“It was such a privilege to be recognised for the work the neighbourhood policing team do with neurodiversity.”
Sergeant Neil McKinnell said: “Pete is a great example of a PCSO.
“He is out-and-about in the community developing relationships and has worked with support groups to ensure they have a link-in to the force and so we can help where we can to the best of our ability.
“Schools value his inputs and he is a great role model.
“He has been working over several years to provide support and diversion to people either diagnosed with, or suspected to have, neurodivergent conditions who are at risk of contact with the criminal justice system.
“This could be either as a victim or perpetrator of crime or anti-social behaviour.
“The aim is to provide support and information to help people understanding their behaviour. This allows them to divert themselves away from further police contact.
“To be recognised publicly for this work is an excellent achievement and a testament to his dedication.”