It’s the only awards scheme where nominations are submitted by local people across Avon and Somerset, to recognise those who have made a real impact in their area.

Local people are asked to recognise the outstanding work by their Neighbourhood Policing Teams in the following award categories; Neighbourhood Beat Team of the Year, Neighbourhood Beat Manager of the Year, PCSO of the Year, Special Constable of the Year, Outstanding Customer Service Award, Volunteer Police Cadets and Volunteer of the Year.

In addition, Response Officers are recognised with the Public Recognition Award from letters of thanks submitted by local people throughout the year.

The event, completely funded through sponsorship, is attended by over 200 people including nominees and their guests along with dignitaries including Lord Lieutenants, High Sheriffs, MPs, local Authority leaders from across the area.

After ten years of the event, with minimal changes, we wanted to ensure that the Neighbourhood Policing Awards still fit the current model of policing, is what officers, staff and volunteers want from an awards scheme and fully recognises all those who contribute to neighbourhood policing.

With that in mind, earlier this year, we asked officers and staff to share their views on the annual Neighbourhood Policing Awards and more generally what policing award schemes mean to them. Of those who responded, 96% think that outstanding work should be recognised by a formal awards process and 74% wanted the annual awards to continue.

The awards survey also highlighted that the existing Neighbourhood Policing Awards scheme doesn’t fit with the current model of policing and that officers, staff and volunteers feel an awards scheme should be inclusive of everyone who contributes to the Avon and Somerset policing effort.

We have listened to this and have used the feedback to create a new awards scheme recognising all those who go above and beyond in policing.

The awards have been extended and now recognise all those involved in fighting crime, supporting victims and bringing offenders to justice.

The Be Proud Awards aim to highlight the very best of Avon and Somerset Constabulary, acknowledging and rewarding our dedicated officers, staff and volunteers for all your hard work in ensuring the communities of Avon and Somerset are safe and feel safe.

Find out more about the new Award Categories here: beproudawards.com/awards

Nominate now! beproudawards.com/nominate

The closing date for nominations is January 27, 2017. Hardcopy nomination forms are also available in police stations, local community buildings and on request, please call 01278 646188.