David Thomas, the founder of Safe Communities Algarve, received a British Empire Medal* from the British Ambassador to Portugal, Kirsty Hayes, for his voluntary work with the Algarve’s international population in working with local security forces to reduce crime.
The event at the Ambassador’s Residence in Lisbon was attended by representatives of many of the agencies David Thomas works with, including the GNR, PSP, SEF, PJ, the National Civil Protection Authority, AMAL and the Algarve Tourism authority.
The practical result of Safe Communities Algarve, now Safe Communities Portugal, has been a significant decrease in serious crimes against the foreign population in the region and a substantial increase in the perception of safety among the international community.
David Thomas commented "We launched the Safe Comunnities Algarve initiative to help police in the area because at the time (2011) there was a lot of serious crime targeting foreigners, particularly in more isolated areas. Naturally, the international community was concerned, the Civil Governor (Isilda Gomes) was extremely worried and the GNR was open to ideas that could help solve the problem."
The success was such that Safe Communities Algarve grew and changed its name to Safe Communities Portugal, extending its activities to various parts of the country in 2014.
"We have extended our areas of work to include cyber crime, which is a serious matter, and civil protection, in particular the issue of fires," said David Thomas in an interview with Sul Informação.
The president of Safe Communities Portugal said that his 30 years in the police service have given him much relevant experience "I had the opportunity to talk to police forces of many countries."
Of the medal, Thomas said, It’s not just me and the other members of the association, is also for the police and all the other bodies that work with us. To be recognised by the Queen is undoubtedly great for all of us."
Safe Communities Portugal:
http://www.safecommunitiesportugal.com/
The British Empire Medal, which may be awarded posthumously, is granted in recognition of meritorious civil or military service. Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "BEM".
The honour is divided into civil and military medals in a similar way to the Order of the British Empire itself. Like the ribbons used for other classes of the Order of the British Empire, the ribbon of the British Empire Medal is rose-pink with pearl-grey edges, with the addition of a pearl-grey central stripe for the military division. While recipients are not technically counted as members of the Order, these medals are nevertheless affiliated with it.
Between 1993 and 2012, the British Empire Medal was not awarded to subjects of the United Kingdom, although it continued to be awarded in some Commonwealth realms during that time.
The practice of awarding the British Empire Medal to subjects of the United Kingdom was resumed in June 2012, to coincide with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, although only in the civil division.
