Yes, it was even shown proudly on the Chartered Institute of Public Relations website, but really what were these idiots thinking. With idiots higher up making these hare brained decisions, I do feel sorry for the rank and file that will almost certainly end up getting the brunt of the fallout - another nail in the coffin of police / public relations.
Quote:
'Sick' police force win PR award for the way they handled death of schoolgirl... killed by patrol car
A police force nominated themselves and won a public relations award for the way they handled a tragedy - of a schoolgirl knocked down and killed by a speeding patrol car.
The family of Hayley Adamson have reacted with anger that Northumbria Police put themselves forward for the prize after the horrifying smash.
Hayley, 16, was killed when a speeding patrol car with no blue light or sirens on smashed into her in May 2008.
After a five-day trial at Newcastle Crown Court, PC John Dougal was jailed for three years after being convicted of driving at 94mph moments before he ploughed into her in the late-night tragedy.
His flashing blue lights and siren were switched off as he followed what he thought was a stolen car in Newcastle's West End.
Hayley's mother Yvonne Adamson, of the Fenham area of the city branded the move as ‘sick’.
Police officers have since visited the family and apologised saying the nomination, for which the won a 'gold' award, was never intended to cause offence.
Tomorrow would have been Hayley's 18th birthday.
Her family will be in London handing over a petition at 10 Downing Street which calls for all emergency services to use their lights and sirens when breaking the speed limit.
Mrs Adamson said: ‘It's a complete joke. I can't believe they have nominated themselves for the award.
‘What about all the complaints that were put in against them when it happened? ‘Life is truly hell. This is an insult to her memory.
‘Don't get me wrong, there were some nice people around at the time. They have only taken their side of the story they should have asked me about it.
‘I can't understand why they received an award for it.
‘It's just a massive shock. It couldn't have come at a worse time for the family.’
The gold award was from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, the CIPR's PRide Awards 2009 which was presented to the force in November last year.
Judges for the award said they thought the ‘sensitive issue’ was dealt with in a ‘professional and caring way’.
They described the entry: ‘This was an extremely sensitive issue that the judges felt was handled in a very professional and caring way.
‘With a potentially explosive community reaction, they thought Northumbria Police diffused the issue in a calm and responsible manner.
‘An extremely well thought through entry that the judges felt demonstrated the skill and tact required in this sensitive case.’
Hayley's sister Sarah Ridley, 33, of Scotswood, said: ‘It makes me sick. Hayley is killed and they get an award for it.
‘The news comes at a time when it's her birthday. Part of me thinks they have done this on purpose.’
Northumbria Police's entry described how there were fears of rioting after Hayley's death.
The scene of her death, Scotswood, was the setting for significant rioting in 1991.
But the police said they were able to handle the community after her death to prevent any incidents occurring.
Under a list of 'communication objectives' Northumbria Police aimed to ‘minimise the risks to Northumbria's reputation.’
Other objectives included ‘To minimise any inappropriate, speculative, or inaccurate reporting,’ and ‘to demonstrate Northumbria's empathy with the victim's family and community.’
Deputy Chief Constable Sue Sim said: ‘This award was not intended in any way to minimise the impact of Hayley's death on family and friends and we are truly sorry if it has been perceived as such.
‘Our deepest sympathies remain with them. Following the tragic death of Hayley police officers and staff were involved in minimising inappropriate, speculative or inaccurate reporting, working with the family to try and limit the impact of constant harassment of the family by the media, and reassuring the local community.
‘This work was singled out for praise during the CIPR awards. We did not release this information.’
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Gordon Brown saying I got the country into it's current economic mess so I'll get us out of it is the same as Bomber Harris nipping over to Dresden and offering to repair a few windows.
Chaos, panic and disorder - my work here is done.
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