THE Daily Echo and the police team behind our successful Call Time on Glass campaign were recognised at this year's Dorset Justice Awards.

Bournemouth's alcohol licensing enforcement (ALE) team and the Echo picked up an award in the category of innovation in working with communities to tackle crime or the fear of crime.

With an average of more than 40 glass-related assaults over the past three years inside venues in Bournemouth town centre, the ALE team set about encouraging venues to change from glass to polycarbonate plastic.

In April, the Echo launched its Call Time on Glass Campaign to encourage venues to make the switch to polycarbonate following a number of serious glassing attacks.

Since then 24 venues have change to polycarbonate and these venues represent in excess of 25,000 "vertical drinking spaces" - over half the town's capacity.

Dorset Police's money laundering and financial investigation team picked up an award for outstanding project implementation following the success of collecting £973,179 from criminals in illegal earnings under the Proceeds of Crime Act. This has ranked Dorset ninth, based on the ratio of assets seized per head of population, and second based upon value of cash forfeitures against targets.

The prosecution team involved in the David Scott sex case won an award for outstanding achievement in caring for victims. It recognises their efforts in looking after the victims and bringing Scott to justice. The policeman was jailed for 12 years after being convicted of numerous indecent assault charges on a 15-year-old girl and a 23-year-old woman.

Crime investigation technician Peter Coombes was recognised for his long service with Dorset Police after 48-and-a-half years. He has been a member of the crime scene investigation unit for 38 years and has been involved in investigating 30-40 murders.

Other award winners included:

Dorset HM Court Service family justice team for delivering exemplary service to the public The award for outstanding contribution to tackling youth crime went to youth offender panel member Seona Angell, Project Blitz in Weymouth - who also won a special outstanding achievement 2006 award - and Dorset Youth Offending Team's Cycle Project.

Awards for outstanding contribution to working with offenders went to Allan Grinter, community service supervisor, Dorset Probation's accredited programmes team, Liz Thomas, custody diversion and HM YOI Portland for its enhanced thinking skills scheme.

Both Senior Crown Prosecutor Tessa Cordy and Bournemouth Crown Court listings officer Kim Bloyce won an award for outstanding contribution to a criminal justice authority.

Joyce Steel, witness care officer, and Jose Hedley, witness service volunteer, received an award for outstanding caring for witnesses.

The Townsend Priority Policing Area Project and community service team from Turlin Moor Action Group were recognised for outstanding contribution to engaging local communities.

Bournemouth Forum and Dorset People First, who speak up for people with learning disabilities, won the outstanding commitment to diversity award.

And Dorset Probation, Dorset Police and Family Matters Bournemouth won the partnership of the year award for the programme Integrated Domestic Abuse.

The awards were announced at a special ceremony held at Bovington Tank Museum on Tuesday.