More news of Queens New Year Honours 2010. 
Two police officers are recognised in the Queen’s New Years Honours list 2010.  PC Ahmed Sasso and Special Constable Warner Baker of Hampshire Constabulary will both receive an MBE for their services to policing and their work with the community.
 
PC Ahmed Sasso
 
Since joining the constabulary 18 years ago, PC Sasso has devoted his career to building public trust and confidence in the police.  The 54-year-old from Totton has served much of his time in Southampton and for the last two years has worked specifically in community engagement.
 
A practising Muslim, he has successfully established strong working relations between the police and the city’s faith and multi-ethnic communities.
 
In 2005 he was elected to the National Black Police Association as general secretary. He held the position for two years during which time he worked with the Home Office on national issues including counter terrorism and community tension.  Within the constabulary, PC Sasso advises officers and staff of all ranks up to the chief constable on matters of race and faith and is a recognised role model and mentor for individual members of black and ethnic minority staff.
 
Commenting on his MBE, PC Sasso said:

“When I received the letter, I thought it was a trick at first. But then I looked closer and thought it had to be genuine.
 
“When I look back over the last 18 years to see what I’d done to deserve an MBE, all I see is that I’ve done my job as a police officer in the community.
 
“There are lots of other people around me who are also deserving of such an honour. So it’s not just me, it’s everyone else I’ve worked with who’s had a hand in me receiving this award.
 
“My first few years in the job were spent on the beat around Newton, Nicholstown and Bevois Valley where I strengthened my idea of how to serve the community as a police officer, what’s important to the public and how we can deliver that service.
 
“Whatever community you’re from, when someone comes to the police they want to feel that we care about what they’re saying however big or small the matter.
 
“The most important thing for us is to be open and honest with them about what we can do, otherwise we break down that trust and confidence.
 
“In the UK we’re lucky to be able to police by consent, but in the 21st century I believe we also need to police with co-operation.
 
“One of the biggest challenges for the Muslim communities and the police is the feeling that they are being unduly highlighted in the media which creates a brick wall between us.
 
“In Southampton, we’ve built trust by being there to listen and being honest and transparent with our communities.
 
“The police service has moved on hugely since I joined in 1992.  If the service is to continue reflecting the communities we serve, we need to do more to encourage every section of our wider communities to look at the police as a viable career, especially where our minority ethnic communities are concerned.  I am proud of being a Muslin officer, serving all communities.”

Special Constable Warner Baker

Special Constable Warner Baker began his police career in 1976 at Bitterne police station.  At that time he wasn’t tall enough to join the regular constabulary, but he was undeterred and remained committed to policing as a volunteer.
 
He transferred to Hedge End police station in 1994 and took on extra administrative duties and the unofficial leadership of a team of specials.  In 2001 he was promoted to the rank of section officer with around 20 officers under his command.
 
Over the years SC Baker has supported many community events such as village carnivals, the Eastleigh 10k road race and the Romsey Show.  He works between 300 and 450 hours voluntary service each year, which equates to almost 10,000 hours dedicated to his local community over the last three decades.
 
He does all this alongside his regular full-time job with the South Central Strategic Health Authority.
 
SC Baker said:

“I’m privileged and humbled to receive an MBE. I see it as recognition for fulfilling a duty and working as part of a larger team.
 
“I joined the police in 1976 to complete the public service element of my Duke of Edinburgh’s gold award.
 
“The special constabulary has definitely evolved since then and I believe it’s now accepted as part of the wider police family.
 
“It’s a very rewarding and worthwhile career. For example, a number of my officers who’ve gone into the regular ranks have said the grounding they’ve had as a special was very useful.
 
“I quite often say to my recruits the only thing that can hold you back is your imagination. So while you may not be dealing with a major crime for example, you may be the first at the scene and can still play your part in the team.
 
“Policing is about getting involved with the community. You need to understand your limitations, but you don’t have to be hindered by them.”

Chief Constable Alex Marshall said:

“Hampshire Constabulary is extremely fortunate to have benefited from two such devoted and exemplary officers.
 
“Between them, they have served the two counties for a joint total of more than 50 years.
 
“PC Sasso has worked tirelessly to build bridges between the police and Southampton’s faith and multi-ethnic communities.
 
“That coupled with his work on national issues proves he is equally capable of talking to the man on the street as he is advising government ministers.
 
“Warner Baker has worked for Hampshire Constabulary for longer that many regular officers which in itself is worthy of recognition.
 
“That fact that he has done so voluntarily is an outstanding achievement and an example to everyone of the difference we can all make in our community.”