Police officer praised for child protection work

HE LAUNCHED CAMPAIGN TO RAISE PUBLIC AWARENESS

- CARL EVE

A PLYMOUTH police officer has been recognised for his work in protecting vulnerable young people across the city.

Pc Mike Smith, who works in the neighbourhood team in Plymouth city centre, received a 'We See You, We Hear You' award from the National Safeguarding Adults Board (NSAB) for his work in preventing crime.

In September this year, Pc Smith launched a two-week campaign, named Operation Makesafe, to raise awareness of exploitation with the general public, highlighting the signs to spot, and how to report it to the police.

The operation included plain clothes police officers attending hotels in city with young police cadets to see if employees were aware of the signs of potential exploitation and how to respond to an adult guest trying to rent a room with a child.