Community Crime Fighter Award for Ghulam Rasul Shahzad

Ghulam Rasul Shahzad received a Community Crime Fighter (Exceptional Person) Award 2009 from Gordon Brown-Prime Minister, at a reception in 10 Downing Street, London for his contribution to reducing crime, anti-social behaviour and improving the environment in Rochdale.

Mr Shahzad said: “I am honoured to receive this award and the appreciation and recognition of the work which has been done in Rochdale. This puts Rochdale and people of Rochdale on the top of the agenda.

"I would like to share this award with people of Rochdale, Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council, Safer Communities Partnership, Magistrates, Crown Prosecution Service, Rochdale Police, Community Police Support Officers, organisations of which I am part of, individuals and my family who have always supported me. Without their support and co-operation, I would not have gained this award. My sincere thanks to all of them.”

The Government launched the Community Crime Fighters programme in 2008 as part of 'Justice Seen, Justice Done' to develop stronger links between crime fighting agencies and the communities they serve.

Community Crime Fighters are members of the public who are actively involved in the communities and want to do or know more, assisting in motivating a grass – roots push to drive-up service standards in policing and criminal justice. It aims to train 3,600 Community Fighters by the end of this year. Training and support covers the Police Pledge, tools/powers to tackle Anti Social Behaviour, Community Payback and help for victims and witnesses of crime and Anti Social Behaviour.