New Year Honour for ‘driving force’ behind projects making Cardiff communities safer

We’re very proud that one of our neighbourhood policing support officers has been awarded a BEM in the New Year Honours list.

Carly Hart, who works in the Llanishen, Llanedeyrn, Rumney and St Mellons areas of Cardiff, has been recognised for services to policing and to the local community.

And she admitted that when she received the notification, she assumed it was going to be about jury service, saying:

“I am so grateful to even have been considered for an honour at this level, never mind receive it.”

Neighbourhood policing support officers provide support to their local uniformed policing teams, allowing them – among other things – to police the streets more effectively, respond more efficiently to local concerns, and improve relations with local people.

Carly added:

“I’m still very much in disbelief about it all and for probably one of the first times in my life, very much lost for words.

“I couldn’t do the work that I do without the outstanding NPT (neighbourhood policing team) colleagues and partner agencies I get to work alongside. Neighbourhood policing is far from a solo venture, so I’d like to also pass a personal thank you to each and every colleague I’ve had the privilege to work with over the years.

“You’re only ever as good as those you work alongside.”

Superintendent Arabella Rees, from Cardiff and Vale BCU, said:

“I’m thrilled that Carly’s dedication to serving our communities in the east of Cardiff has been recognised in the New Year Honours list.

“Carly is renowned for her exceptional work ethic and innovative approach to community policing which sees her as the driving force behind a range of projects which have achieved success in making our communities safer.

“These have included working with local schools on a range of key issues such as anti-social behaviour, promoting the StreetSafe project to drive forward opportunities to prevent violence against women and girls and creating opportunities for young people alongside the Cardiff City FC Foundation. Her professionalism, commitment and enthusiasm has made and continues to make a real difference – something that is appreciated by her colleagues in policing and in our partner organisations alike.

“This honour is recognition of the perseverance and dedication to serving the community that policing involves and which Carly personifies. I am so very grateful for all that Carly does and so proud of all that she has achieved.

“On behalf of everyone within the wider Cardiff and Vale team, and South Wales Police as a whole, I want to send my warmest congratulations to Carly for this recognition.”