Volunteers have kept Southwater's police office open since 1996. Five of the longest-serving received Chief Constable awards at a ceremony on 18 September.

Southwater’s community police office has been run entirely by volunteers for 30 years. Its longest-serving members were given awards at a ceremony on Friday 18 September, Sussex Police said on 25 September (Sussex Police).

The office opened in September 1996, when the village’s former police house was due to close. Karen Haynes, then the Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator, set out to keep a police point of contact in Southwater staffed by volunteers. Sussex Police agreed to pay the rent. An advert in a local magazine brought 14 people forward, and the scheme started.

Who was recognised

Chief Constable awards went to five people, as named by the force:

  • David Scott, 30 years
  • Anthony Biggs, 28 years
  • Esther Clark, 27 years
  • Nancy Brock, 27 years
  • Karen Haynes, the founder in 1996

David Scott joined at the start as volunteer deputy manager, after 30 years with Surrey Police. He still runs the office today as volunteer office manager.

David Scott holding his Chief Constable's Commendation certificate and medal, standing between Assistant Chief Constable Rosie Ross and the High Sheriff of West Sussex.
David Scott, a volunteer since the office opened in 1996, with his Chief Constable's Commendation. Photo: Sussex Police

Twelve more volunteers received certificates of recognition. Two others could not attend.

The ceremony was attended by the High Sheriff of West Sussex, Gary Shipton, Assistant Chief Constable Rosie Ross, and the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne. Chief Inspector Daniel Eagle was master of ceremonies.

Thirty years, and one grenade

The office has been recognised nationally before. It received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2006. In 2023 the Home Office gave it the Lord Ferrers Award for police support team of the year.

Chief Inspector Eagle said the current team between them had given “more than 190 years of volunteering service”.

He also recalled one visitor. “On one occasion a member of the public walked into the office carrying what turned out to be a live First World War hand grenade in a shopping bag,” he said. The volunteer on duty followed procedure, the area was evacuated and bomb disposal experts were called. “It was certainly not your average day in the office.”

Assistant Chief Constable Ross said the volunteers had “provided a place for the public to report concerns, report crime, seek advice and seek support from the police or partner agencies”.

What it means for you

Southwater still has a police office staffed in person on weekday mornings and afternoons. It is at Beeson House, Lintot Square, RH13 9LA (Southwater Parish Council). The parish council lists these details:

  • Open: Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 5pm
  • Phone: 01403 734417
  • Email: southwater@sussex.pnn.police.uk

It is a place to report non-urgent crime and concerns in person, or to get advice. In an emergency, call 999.

The Police and Crime Commissioner said she hoped “others will be inspired to get involved”. If you are interested in volunteering, the office can tell you more.

For the district’s recorded crime figures, see our Horsham crime and antisocial behaviour report.

Sources