[A] Cumbria police officer has won a prestigious award recognising her efforts to tackle hate crime and discrimination.
PC Julie Dodd received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2018 Diverse Cumbria Awards, held at the Hallmark Hotel in Carlisle on Friday 18th May.
Julie was nominated for her 25-year-career as a police constable of which 15 years has been dedicated to community engagement including focused efforts in raising awareness of hate crime and tackling discrimination of any form.
Julie was also recognised for her work with the QuPiD Project (Queer Pathways into Diversity) which took her to Poland, Malta and Germany.
Her nomination was supported by volunteering work where she has been a Guide Leader with the 1st Houghton Rainbows for over 21 years. Julie is also the female representative on the committee of Carlisle-based amateur running club DH Runners and volunteers at both Carlisle parkrun and Carlisle Junior parkrun. Through her passion of running Julie has raised money for numerous charities including the Terrence Higgins Trust, the Heathlands Project and Carlisle MENCAP.
Speaking after receiving her award, Julie said: “I am honoured and delighted to receive this award. I would like to dedicate it to all the amazing individuals, many of whom are volunteers, who work so hard to address inequality and discrimination, and support those affected by hate crime in Cumbria.
“Through the hard work of numerous partner and voluntary agencies we have been able to make a big difference to the quality of life for people in this county.”
Superintendent Justin Bibby said: “I am pleased that Julie’s work has been recognised in such a way. Throughout her career she has been dedicated to raising awareness of hate crime and offering support to those who have been affected by it. She is a very deserving winner and is a role model to us all.”
Cumbria’s Police & Crime Commissioner Peter McCall said: “I am delighted that PC Julie Dodd has been recognised for the fantastic work she has been doing for many years to promote real diversity amongst the communities of Cumbria.
“Julie has been a ‘game changer’ in recognising the need for respect and acceptance of all groups whatever their background, beliefs or gender. Her work with vulnerable people has undoubtedly made Cumbria not just safer, but a better place for us all. This award is richly deserved, Julie is an example to us all, a star!”
