Police officer nominated for award
A police officer dedicated to raising awareness about and supporting rough sleepers narrowly missed out on on being recognised her for community service work at the National Women's Policing Awards this week.
PC Karena Evans, based at Shrewsbury police station, has worked hard and dedicated her time to support the Homeless Outreach Street Triage (HOST) which was set up in October 2016.
Nominating Karena for the award, Sergeant Richard Coles, said: "PC Evans is a caring and dedicated police officer and it is clearly evident that she wants the best for all our citizens.
"She has committed herself fully to this cause, working before 7am most days so that she can tour sleeping spots, and very often stays late and takes phone calls at weekends. She engages with the rough sleepers finding out what their needs are and what the blockages to them returning to accommodation are.
"She seeks to provide appropriate support swiftly, along with colleagues from Mental Health Team, Shrewsbury Ark and Shropshire Council colleagues who make up HOST.
"On more than one occasion she has found accommodation for individuals within just a few days of them arriving on the streets. She spends time with individuals helping them to complete housing applications, transporting them to view properties, keeping doctors appointments and reuniting them with family members who live out of area. In the face of setbacks Karena does not become disheartened and continues to fight to achieve her aims.
"She has worked extremely hard to break down the barriers of trust that many rough sleepers and local residents have had when talking to the police and, as a result, she has been a key individual in protecting those vulnerable individuals from harm."
PC Evans said: "It was a lovely surprise to be nominated for the award. I am very proud to be part of such a successful team which has helped a large number of people within Shropshire.
"Its been a pleasure working and developing the Homeless Outreach Street Triage, and this is where our success has been in achieving the best possible results for homeless individuals of all ages."
The National Women's Policing award took place in Lincolnshire on Tuesday and although PC Evans did not win, the force would like to congratulate her, for her continued hard work and dedication in protecting the community from harm.
