Celebrating Public-Spiritedness
Celebrating the public spiritedness of so many in our communities is at the heart of our work. The High Sheriff presents various awards during the year to thank people for their contributions to the work of the justice system, to combat crime or to support people in the community.
Justice Awards
Justice awards are presented by the High Sheriff to people who have gone above and beyond to help bring someone to justice or assist a victim of crime. Judges trying cases in London’s Crown Courts have discretion to make these awards for the High Sheriff. People receiving these awards are often witnesses to the crime or who have intervened to prevent a crime or further harm to a victim and have given evidence to the police and in court. The victim in a case or someone who has given substantial help to a victim can also be made an award. The work of the Metropolitan Police depends on consensus and community support to help bring someone to justice and prevent crime. The High Sheriff is delighted to be able to recognise, through these awards, people who so often have put themselves at considerable risk in providing such support.
Two Justice award ceremonies are usually held each year to celebrate the award recipients.
Youth Awards
Recognising young people who have worked together to help combat crime in their community is core to the work of many High Sheriffs around the country. The National Crimebeat Awards are one avenue to show recognition for such work. The High Sheriff also presents Youth Awards to recognise the contribution made by young people in helping combat crime in their communities in Greater London. These are usually given at the same ceremonies as the Justice Awards.
Special Recognition Awards
Special Recognition Award certificates are usually presented by the High Sheriff to otherwise “unsung heroes” working in the back office at Courts, Prisons, etc on the occasion of a visit by the High Sheriff to these institutions. They may be given for particularly long service, or exceptionally high quality service delivery over a number of years according to assessment made by local management.