Nick Semper has been nominated for this award by Dan Guerche Chairman of the Hereford Pubwatch Scheme.
Nick has been a Police officer for 29 years and is currently a Police Inspector for Hereford City Centre. One of his responsibilities is to deal with the licensing issues relating to a diverse range of pubs, clubs and off-licences. He has been praised for his efforts to promote and support the work of the local Pubwatch scheme.
Dan says:
“Nick really understands the licensed trade and the difficulties involved in running pubs and clubs. It is his understanding of the trade and realisation that pubs and clubs don’t commit the crimes themselves but are just trying to run a business and in fact suffer crime committed against the venues, customers and staff.
During the years I have known Nick, in my capacity as Pubwatch Chairman; he has been supportive in my endeavours and was brave enough to pilot an ‘alcohol awareness referral scheme’ for persons who might otherwise be excluded from entering licensed premises. With his help and guidance the scheme has proved a great success in the City and has attracted a great deal of interest across the country.
He has also taken the lead for bringing the street pastors to Hereford, but not just any old street pastor’s – he has taken the principles of Christian good will and injected a good shot of Whiskey to them! Due to Nicks hard work Hereford Street pastors have a tailor made venue to look after the lost souls of Herefords Night Time economy which has its own triage area. One of the first of its kind in the UK where our A&E department will actually send minor injuries to the Street Pastors to look after!
Nick has also worked hard on the “Safe Here” project where some venues in the Night Time Economy are now refuge spots for people who may be in distress and need basic assistance.
He has also taken the lead on Operation Castlemain – which focused on day time street drinker’s, alcohol related Anti Social Behaviour, aggressive begging as well as the life threatening situations faced by some of these people. He was instrumental in changing the way Hereford looked after vulnerable alcoholics in the day time.
As a Nightclub Manager of 20 years he finds Nick to be the most forward thinking and inspirational Police officer he has ever worked with; whose dynamic thinking and problem solving initiatives are a constant and pleasant surprise”.
His nomination was supported by Paul Neades General Manager of Yates Hereford who said:
“Nick has been instrumental in driving new ideas within the city and has taken partnership working to the next level. His enthusiasm has created bonds across the city which has helped Hereford prepare for growth in a safe and secure environment”.
Andy Walsh a local door supervisor said:
“A man whose vision and enthusiasm for a better and safer night time economy has inspired and given confidence to those that work alongside him to achieve the same goal. He always has time to answer questions, give guidance and advice”.
And lastly Steve Scully the Street Pastor Coordinator said:
“Working in consultation with many partners in the Night Time Economy Nick’s impact in making Hereford a safe place to be has been huge. Holistic in approach Nick was instrumental on bringing Street Pastors to Hereford and has been unwavering in his support over the last three years. Nick is an Inspector who is able to visualise and deliver the bigger picture to the benefit of all”.
