Manager of Southwater Police Office recognised for volunteering

David Scott, 70, lives in Brighton but has managed the village police office since 1996, having previously lived in Southwater for eight years.

In a letter, David Cameron praised the ‘inspirational efforts’ of volunteers such as David.

David said: “I was dumbfounded. It was quite a shock - but I was very proud and privileged.

“They gave me the letter framed, I’m making a copy and hanging it in the office at Southwater.

“The police station in Southwater is extremely good, it has brought the crime rate right down.”

David’s volunteering with the police began when he became a special constable in 1972.

The police office is now open five days a week and is run by a team of 20 volunteers.

David added: “I don’t take any nonsense but everybody appreciates that - they all do their jobs well. We are a very close bunch.

“I will stay on as long as I can - Sussex Police is first and foremost.”

He has also been named as one of the UK’s ‘Points Of Light’, recognising outstanding individual volunteers.

ACC Robin Smith said: “David has forged strong links in the community with partner agencies enabling the Southwater team to send people to the right place for help, making a real difference to the quality of life of the people living in that community.”