A POLICE officer is in the running to receive a prestigious award for outstanding work improving opportunities for young people across the North-East.

Inspector Rob Bosson who has worked within Northumbria Police for 17 years has been shortlisted for a Howard League Award in the criminal justice category.

This comes after he was recognised by Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness for his hard work leading on a number of innovative projects, which contribute to improving the opportunities for the communities he serves and reducing offending.

During his colourful 17-year career within the force, Insp Bosson has worked as a response officer, neighbourhood policing sergeant and also within the Intelligence Unit and Crime Investigation Department (CID).

He is now an integral part of the Northern Harm Reduction Unit whose focus is on protecting the vulnerable, mitigating and identifying risk and early intervention.

During his time within the Harm Reduction Unit, Insp Bosson has been a pioneer of several projects.

In one of his most influential pieces of work Insp Bosson, worked alongside Northumberland Youth Justice Service, and secured funding to implement an Out of Court Disposal Panel (OOCDP) process.

OOCDP’s are a multi-agency panel that makes a joint decision on how to intervene to best meet the needs of each young person.

Each intervention is specific to them and can include direct work with victims, helping to support the wider family or encourage the young person into education.

The OOCDP ensures a fair decision making response that withstands scrutiny and determines a decision based on an assessment of each young person’s circumstances.

His hard work was recognised by Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness who nominated him for the award.

She said: "I am delighted that Rob’s efforts have now been recognised on a national scale - he has been instrumental in improving the lives of young people across the region to prevent crime and improve their hope and aspirations."

The award ceremony will take place on Tuesday, October 20 where the winners for each category will be announced.