Page 15 - Demo

15Safer communities are important to all of us. This year, we celebrate 10 years of managing the Essex Police Proceeds of Crime Matched Funding Scheme (POCA).In 2004, Essex Police set up the Proceeds of Crime Scheme to incentivise local giving and increase support for local charities and voluntary groups whose work is contributing to safer communities.Since then, Essex Police has donated %u00a3750,000 from the sale of criminals%u2019 assets to the Scheme which is unique in the UK. We have used the monies to match fund eligible donations and establish funds that currently have a combined value of %u00a31.5 million. %u2022 %u00a3750,000 donated from the sale of criminals%u2019 assets %u2022 %u00a31.5 million of funds established with matched funding%u2022 %u00a3360,000 awarded in grantsA decade of investment in safer communitiesIt is amazing to see the difference that the Scheme has made in just 10 years and because the funds set up with ECF are invested, they will grow and continue to give money away in the future.I am so proud that we can contribute to Essex communities in this way and that criminals%u2019 assets are being turned into something positive. Essex Police is committed to supporting local charities and voluntary groups, and working in partnership with them, wherever possible, to make our county a better and safer place to live.B-J Harrington, Chief Constable at Essex PoliceWe are extremely grateful to Essex Police for making this money available to us and to those who have set up community safety focused funds. Keeping people of all ages safe in their homes and their communities is an important aspect of many charities work and the Proceeds of Crime Scheme has significantly increased the amount of money that we have been able to give away.Caroline Taylor, Chief ExecutiveHigh Sheriffs%u2019 FundEach year, the High Sheriff of Essex undertakes fundraising for the High Sheriffs%u2019 Fund. All donations to the Fund benefit from the Proceeds of Crime matched funding. This year, trophies, certificates and %u00a338,000 in grants were presented by the 843rd High Sheriff of Essex for 2023-24, Charles Bishop DL, who is also one of our Trustees. The event was supported by Essex County Council, Chelmsford City Council and the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner. BBC Essex also broadcast live from the venue, giving a wider platform where groups could share their brilliant work.Charles handed over to David Hurst in April 2024. The Awards event provides a wonderful opportunity to recognise the significant contribution these organisations make in our communities. It is a privilege to be able to reward their outstanding work, and that of the wider voluntary sector, being undertaken in Essex that is helping to build and sustain safer communities.Charles Bishop DLCharles Bishop, High Sheriff, presenting the High Sheriffs%u2019 Shield to YMCA Essex for their work helping young people aged 16-25, to develop their skills, potential and life chances.%u2018%u2018%u2018%u2018%u2018%u2018Chief Constable B-J Harrington speaking at the High Sheriffs%u2019 Awards.UTurn4Support received %u00a37,458 and educates young people on knife awareness, county lines and other related youth violence.