A Dalkeith police officer has been commended for his service to the African community at a national awards ceremony.
Detective Constable Cameron Walker picked up the Award for Crime Reduction and Community Support at the 2016 African Achievement Awards Scotland, held in Glasgow on Friday night (22 April).
DC Walker was nominated for his proficiency and dedication following a housebreaking in the town in March 2015. Whilst working in the Community Investigation Unit, he provided updates and information to the victims from the African community whose car was stolen – they have praised the way the investigation was handled and the swift action taken, and his thoroughness and the frequent feedback he provided.
They felt comforted and confident in the police response, which ultimately led to the car being returned and an arrest being made. DC Walker has been commended for his engagement with this community, who were reassured that officers were working hard to prevent and detect housebreakings in their area.
Chief Constable Phil Gormley attended the award ceremony and said:
“I am delighted the efforts our officers across Scotland – and the effort they put into keeping people safe and serving the country’s diverse communities – are being honoured at this year’s African Achievement Awards. It is an honour to have been present at the ceremony and celebrate alongside the winners.
“Detective Constable Cameron Walker has been honoured with the Award for Crime Reduction and Community Support for his work in J Division (Lothians and Scottish Borders). His efforts surrounding the theft of a car earned great praise from the African community in Dalkeith as a result of his professionalism and attention to detail, as well as the comfort and reassurance he gave not only to the victim, but the entire community in the local area.
“This kind of work hopefully ensures minority communities feel an increased confidence in the police, making them more likely to turn to the Force in times of need, and when they have assistance they can provide to officers. I very much hope his efforts, and the examples set by other officers in the Force, encourage more people from the African Diaspora to sign up and play a vital role in keeping people in Scotland safe.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
