A police sergeant from Brighton has been recognised for his work with the homeless.
Sergeant Richard Siggs, from the Brighton Neighbourhood Policing Team, received a community award from the High Sheriff of East Sussex David Allam.
Mr Allam visited John Street Police Station in Brighton earlier this month to learn about Sussex Police’s joint partnership work aimed at tackling homelessness in Brighton and Hove.
He met Sergeant Siggs and his team along with representatives of partner agencies including St Patrick’s Hostel in Cambridge Road, Hove.
Mr Allam said: “Coming myself from a coastal town I am very aware of the growing number of people living on the streets in some parts of Sussex.
“I’d heard so many positive stories about Sergeant Richard Siggs and his team that I wanted to meet them and learn more about their work with the street community in Brighton and Hove.
“The visit also allowed me to meet representatives from the many organisations in Brighton and Hove that offer a range of services to the street community and how they in turn work with Sussex Police by sharing information and expertise.
“It was a most valuable day and although everyone is deserving of an award for the great work that they do I really felt it was right to recognise Sergeant Richard Siggs with a community award the following week.”
After receiving the award last week, Sergeant Siggs said: “I was not expecting to receive a community award from the High Sheriff and it came as a total surprise.
“Although presented to me, I accept it on behalf of the whole team who are as passionate about the work they do with the street community as I am.”
