Police Inspector Julie Fry and a Special Constable Richard Owen have been awarded MBEs in the New Year’s Honours 2013.
Inspector Julie Fry has been recognised for her work in ensuring increased reporting of hate crime and improved confidence in local policing from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.
Inspector Fry was a member of the Gay Police Association and through that recognised the need to form a local group supporting LGBT staff working for Hampshire Constabulary.
She also identified the need to offer support to members of the LGBT community and as a result of her work, victims of crime from these communities are offered support from specially trained Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officers (LAGLO).
Inspector Fry has continued with this work for the last ten years, ensuring increased reporting of hate crime and improved confidence in local policing from the LGBT community.
Through her leadership and drive, Inspector Fry has canvassed tirelessly to ensure the group is represented on strategic diversity forums and to have the specific needs of LGBT staff recognised. This has included arranging regular social events to form support networks; devising a confidential mailing list to safely keep staff in touch; delivering training to raise the LGBT profile in partnership with local LGBT organisations she had formed relationships with; reviewing and challenging force policies to ensure the inclusion of LGBT staff and setting up a bespoke mentoring service. She has also assisted other emergency and criminal justice organisations in developing and improving their response to LGBT issues.
Inspector Fry’s work has also been recognised nationally as the group has performed consistently well in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, being a top 10 finalist for the past five years. In 2009 and 2010, the group came second overall and was recognised as the top performing Public Sector entrant.
This work has been done in addition to her role as a police officer and she has given up countless hours of her own time over a sustained period.
As a result of her leadership, Hampshire Constabulary has been recognised locally and nationally as a flagship service committed to diversity and supportive of it staff. This has led to increased recruitment of LGBT staff who are engaged and content, as demonstrated by the annual staff survey and a community with increased trust in its police service.
Chief Constable Alex Marshall said: “I am absolutely delighted to see Inspector Julie Fry recognised in this way. She has been absolutely tireless in her efforts to ensure fairness and equality in policing.
“In Hampshire she has shown huge leadership in challenging us to improve the service we provide to all communities. Her championing of lesbian, gay and bisexual issues is one of the reasons we have consistently been the top police force in Stonewall Awards.
“Julie will be shocked by this honour. Everyone who knows her will celebrate this public recognition.”
Richard Owen has been with Hampshire Constabulary as a member of police staff for 19 years and currently works in the Criminal Justice Department.
He joined the Special Constabulary in 1993 and currently serves Havant as Deputy Divisional Officer. His special constable duties included a community beat function in Emsworth where he is very well known to local residents. He is a constant presence providing reassurance and acting as a link between the village and constabulary. He demonstrates true leadership as a special constable encouraging and supporting others volunteers during official engagements, and engaging with local organisers to ensure the smooth running of official events, such as the Remembrance Day parade
Richard was the winner of the Hampshire Special Constable of the year award in 2007 devoting significantly more hours to his role than is required or expected. In 2012 he completed 428 hours in addition to his full time role as a member of police staff.
In his spare time he is a life long Portsmouth Football Club supporter and the voluntary club historian. During a career break he wrote two books connected to this interest and continued his duties as a special constable throughout.
In 1988 he was diagnosed with and treated for oral cancer but, despite this, he remained dedicated to his duties as a special constable.
A special constable who nominated Richard Owen recently stated “Richard has a deserved reputation for being friendly, approachable and committed to those under his command. As a serving special constable I can honestly say I would not have lasted nearly seven years without him.”
Chief Constable Alex Marshall said: “Richard Owen is one of those unassuming characters who delivers success from behind the scenes. He is a long serving and loyal police staff member of Hampshire Constabulary.
“When he finishes work he changes into uniform and performs hundreds of hours each year as a Special Constable. If he ever gets a day off he acts as a volunteer in the Portsmouth area.
“I have met him many times and he is always modest, polite and slightly embarrassed to receive praise. He is one of the reasons we now have a large and active Special Constabulary in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. It’s hard to imagine a more deserving recipient of an MBE.”
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