Young person praised for work on police group

A YOUNG woman who joined a group to help forge better relations between the police and youth has been praised for her dedication and commitment.

Pamela Masha, 23, joined the Ealing Independent Advisory Group last year.

The group has volunteers from all walks of life who advise and sometimes challenge the police when faced with major incidents such as the 2011 riots.

She has been nominated by its chairman, Barbara von Grundherr; Andrew Deane, acting chief inspector for criminal justice and who used to work with Acton’s Safer Neighbourhood Team; and Margaret Noel, founder of the Descendants, a black youth group, for her work on its management committee.

Barbara said: “Pamela truly deserves this award. She’s the best youth representative we’ve ever had on the IAG.

“Her input on the committee has been invaluable. She seems to have no fears when speaking up, regardless of her audience.

“Her commitment is amazing, turns up to meetings, answers emails.

“She is an inspirational young person, a true role model for young people.”

Andrew said: “Pamela’s inaugural meeting with the group was an extraordinary one that was called shortly after the violent disorder across London in August 2011.

“Pamela was asked for her views and provided an intelligent and clear analysis on what had happened.

“It gave local context based on her knowledge of the area and the fact that her friends and family were affected by the situation. Moreover it focused attention on what the concerns of young people were likely to be.

“Since then Pamela has been an active member of the group who has given up her time to become involved in scrutinising the work that the police in Ealing undertake.

“Her criticism is intelligent, fair-minded and helps to ensure that we do the best job that we can.”

Pamela, from Acton, also won a national best newcomer V (volunteering) award for her work on the Descendants’ management committee.

Its founder, Margaret Noel, said: “She has gone into youth offending teams, speaking to young offenders with the police, giving a voice to young people.”

Pamela, who works for a small charity and helps teenagers prepare for confirmation at her church, said: “The IAG is very worthwhile.

“The relationship between young people and the police is critical.

“I would like to think I could help bridge the gap between the police and young people.

“I would like to do more.”