ONE of the privileges of being a borough commander in the Metropolitan Police is having the opportunity to recognise and acknowledge the fantastic work done by officers and staff.

Last Friday at the Church of St Alban's in North Harrow, I held my annual commendation ceremony where officers and staff were awarded for their bravery and hard work.

This was a family occasion, and I was delighted to have the opportunity to meet and chat with the officers, staff and their families. This has also been a week of recognising those who play a valuable part in our community.

I  was invited to attend and present awards at Harrow Council's Harrow's Heroes ceremony. A packed audience of over 300 local volunteers, young, old, from all walks of life, filled the room to share and hear of the fantastic contributions being made by our volunteers.

The entertainment for the evening was provided by The Harrow Youth Brass Band and a dance group from Hatch End High School's year 13, who performed an amazing dance routine which blew the entire audience away.

Teachers, Hayley Ransome and Marina Dunford are rightly proud of these amazingly  talented young students. 

Congratulations also to Hatch End High student Imogen Fowler, who reached the final nomination of the Youth Volunteer of the Year category.

Officers from the Greenhill Safer Neighbourhoods team have been out in the town centre this week, advising members of the public on crime prevention and keeping safe. They were joined by Sandra Broad, who was wearing her distinctive poppy dress, as she collected funds for the Royal British Legion. 

People, often too busy to stop and chat to police officers, were stopping to admire Sandra's amazing dress; this gave officers the opportunity to reinforce our crime prevention message on burglary.

For more Autumn nights crime prevention advice and to see our top ten tips go to www.met.police/harrow.uk

On Sunday, I attended the Remembrance Service at the war memorial outside the Civic Centre. I found the occasion extremely moving as we paid respect to our fallen servicemen and women.

I was joined by members of Harrow's Police Cadets and sisters, Kathryn and Kristina Lewis from Bentley Wood High School, as we laid the poppy wreath on behalf of the Metropolitan Police Service.

I met this week with members of Harrow's Youth Parliament and was impressed at how well informed they were on current issues. They did, however, express some frustration at the negative press young people often receive.  

I am a firm believer in seeing the positive in our young people and would encourage everyone to  'catch young people doing something positive'.

I had a positive meeting with Sergeant Faisal Irshad from the Safer Transport Team and Sergeant Muneeb Ishtiaq who is charge of Harrow's Special Constables. They are developing a training DVD that will help operational training of special constables and I look forward to seeing the final product.