It was only in September, in fact, that Wilson Chowdhry – who runs the multi-award winning security solutions provider AA Security – was last seen rubbing shoulders with the political elite at No10 Downing Street.
On that occasion, the proud practitioner was invited to a reception hosted by Prime Minister Gordon Brown in honour of business heroes. Why? Simple, really. His Essex-based, Approved Contractor Scheme-registered company has continued to thrive during the recession thanks to sound commercial planning and not a little fortitude in approach.
This time around, as you can see from the pictures, Wilson was presented with a special Community Crime Fighter Award by the embattled PM, Home Secretary Alan Johnson and Louise Casey, the director general of the Crime and Justice Department.
Chowdhry is chairman of a number of community organisations, and has helped several residents in relation to incidents including racial attacks, fly-tipping and general anti social behaviour. He has also arranged public meetings with a range of agencies, attended by over 200 people, and a petition boasting more than 800 signatures resulting in the installation of a safe ground level crossing so people could avoid using the subways where racial attacks and muggings had taken place. Wilson has also been instrumental in tackling crime locally, helping to make the area of Ilford a safer place in which to live.
“Winning a Community Crime Fighter Award was a thrilling experience,” Wilson told me. “My community work has always been a primary function, and one that I’m both committed to and very proud of indeed.”
Strong social function for the business
As a director at AA Security, Ilford resident Wilson has always espoused a strong social function for the business, much of which is exemplified in the accreditation of the company for inclusion within the Security Industry Authority’s Approved Contractor Scheme and, in particular, the attainment of a score of +92 in its most recent assessment by the Regulator.
“Our high score easily places us in the Top 10% of security firms that have achieved this sought-after acknowledgement,” added Chowdhry. “Moreover, we’re fully aware that the proven social and environmental practices we employ have contributed significantly towards this vaunted position.”
The Community Crime Fighters programme was announced in September 2008. It aims to develop stronger links between crime-fighting agencies and the communities they serve. Community Crime Fighters are members of the public who are already actively involved in their communities and want to do or know more about what they can do to help tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
Bespoke crime fighter training affords them the knowledge, skills and confidence to act as advocates for their communities in relation to the police and criminal justice agencies.
Could you become a community crime fighter?
A community crime fighter will be a member of the public who is already active in their community, perhaps through Neighbourhood Watch, as a tenants’ or residents’ representative or through their own community activity.
Through attending training, they will remain an active member of the community, of course, but also become one who knows more and is more confident in asking for what they and their communities need.
The programme will provide information and training on services individuals should expect. For example promises from the police under the new national Policing Pledge, as well as what they can do if they see problems in their neighbourhood. This will help them work with services to tackle crime and, will also assist in filtering information to others in the community.
This scheme does not confer additional status, any formal role or authority on those who participate. However, what it does do is recognise that those who are committed – and, in many cases, brave enough – to help their area and play their role in tackling crime deserve encouragement, support and help in enabling them to be as successful as possible.
Continually striving to improve
The Community Crime Fighter Awards are part of the Government’s ‘Justice Seen, Justice Done’ programme which is all about engaging the public in the fight against crime, informing the public of their rights on crime and justice and giving them the best possible local services. There are two categories:
On the day, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: “I’m proud that these brave and resilient people, who have taken a stand against crime and anti-social behaviour in their communities, have been recognised. Britain is a fairer and more responsible place thanks to their efforts, and I am determined that community heroes like them will be given more control over crime fighting and justice through initiatives like neighbourhood policing and community payback.”
Home Secretary Alan Johnson added: “These awards build on all of the action we are taking to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. They provide a chance for us to recognise the unsung heroes in our communities who make a big impact in their areas. I am pleased that their relentless hard work and dedication in helping to make local areas safe is being recognised.”
Personal recognition as a crime fighter
For his part, Chowdhry added: “As a company we’re always striving to improve. Obviously, I’m delighted that I have been personally recognised as a community crime fighter.”
He concluded: “Besides, what else could highlight AA Security’s strong emphasis for providing elite security services any better than recognition that a director of our firm, which is now regarded as a member of the extended policing family, has received an award from the Prime Minister, Home Secretary and the director general of the Crime and Justice Department for crime fighting abilities and a willingness to safeguard the local community which it serves?”
Agreed, Wilson. Agreed!
