Award for Skegness officer's campaign to keep children safe.

A police sergeant in Skegness has been commended for her campaign to keep children safe along the Skegness coast.
Sgt Amy Searby was among officers awarded for their work at a ceremony at Police Headquarters in Nettleham. ANL-181115-163404001Sgt Amy Searby was among officers awarded for their work at a ceremony at Police Headquarters in Nettleham. ANL-181115-163404001
Sgt Amy Searby was among officers awarded for their work at a ceremony at Police Headquarters in Nettleham. ANL-181115-163404001

Sgt Amy Searby received Certificate of Chief Constable’s Commendation at an awards ceremony held at Police Headquarters in Nettleham.

Nine awards were presented to officers by the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Mr Ian Walter.

PCSO Michelle Collins at a Sandi Starfish meeting point on Skegness beach. ANL-181115-163309001PCSO Michelle Collins at a Sandi Starfish meeting point on Skegness beach. ANL-181115-163309001
PCSO Michelle Collins at a Sandi Starfish meeting point on Skegness beach. ANL-181115-163309001
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In 2015, Sgt Dearby worked with Norfolk Police to develop a recognised character as a focal point for missing children which was named “Sandi Starfish” in Skegness.

The Skegness Lifeboat Station and Fantasy Island staff engaged with Sergeant Searby and are the focal meeting points for the children displayed by the flags.

A wristband was created for parents to put their mobile number on so that if a child goes missing they are easily contactable, causing less stress to both the child and the parents.

She has worked with local councils and businesses across the coast to fund the cost of numerous wristbands and the Sandi Starfish flags.

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This initiative has been well received from council members and by the visitors who have come to the coast and will now be adopted in the Mablethorpe area.

It has ensured children are reunited with their parents quickly and often without the need to call the police.