Recognising those who go above and beyond in policing is the focus of a new awards scheme jointly hosted by Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens and Chief Constable Andy Marsh.
The awards highlight the very best of Avon and Somerset Constabulary, acknowledging and rewarding the dedicated officers, staff and volunteers for their hard work in ensuring the communities of Avon and Somerset are safe and feel safe.
The Be Proud Awards, formerly known as the Neighbourhood Policing Awards, have been extended to recognise all those involved in fighting crime, supporting victims and bringing offenders to justice.
Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “I am delighted to launch the new Be Proud Awards. Awards like these mean so much to the officers, staff and volunteers who work hard to keep us safe, as they are essentially a huge well done and thank you from the people they serve.
“The new categories aim to recognise everyone who supports policing and I look forward to reading about how each of the individuals and teams have helped and supported keeping you safe, supporting victims and taking offenders off our streets.
“We are looking for submissions that highlight the very best examples of policing and I hope that you will take the time to nominate because without your nominations we cannot recognise those people making a difference where you live.”
The awards recognise the outstanding work of police officers, staff and volunteers in the following categories:
Neighbourhood Officer of the Year; Response Officer of the Year; Investigator of the Year; Police Staff Member of the Year; Police Support Volunteer of the Year; Special Constable of the Year; Policing Team of the Year and the Specialist Operations Award.
Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “A simple thank you for a job well done has always been worth a great deal to me, as it is to my officers and staff. For the public to recognise the efforts of those who make up our policing service, means so much for those who work hard day after day, or as they tell me ‘just doing their job’.
“Pride in what we do, and in our people striving for the best is really important to us. So to hear that our local communities feel safe is welcome recognition of their continued hard work and commitment to the public we serve. I hope that local people see these awards and take the time to nominate.”
To nominate visit beproudawards.com – 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.
After this date an independent panel will select winners across the policing areas and an awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at Cadbury House Hotel, where an overall winner for each category will be announced.
The Be Proud Awards are only possible thanks to the support of our proud partners Double Tree Hilton Cadbury Hotel and the Bristol Post.
More about the award categories:
Neighbourhood Officer of the Year
Offering visible reassurance in the community and improving the quality of life of local people is at the heart of neighbourhood policing. We are looking for a neighbourhood officer who personifies neighbourhood policing.
Response Officer of the Year
Response officers are often the first on the scene at an emergency, offering that initial vital support to someone in their greatest time of need. We are looking for an officer who makes a real difference at that first point of contact.
Investigator of the Year
The investigation and detection of crime is at the heart of police activity. Investigators collate information (evidence), identify suspects and achieve justice for victims by preparing complex casefiles for the courts, while supporting victims.
Police Staff Member of the Year
Giving a high quality professional service instils confidence in our communities and encourages involvement and engagement. We are looking for a member of police staff who consistently provides the highest levels of professionalism.
Police Support Volunteer of the Year
Volunteers assist officers, staff and other volunteers to address policing issues that matter most to local people. They bring a wide range of skills and experience from all sorts of backgrounds, making life better for the communities of Avon and Somerset.
Special Constable of the Year
Special Constables give up their time on a voluntary basis to support the work of their colleagues in making local communities feel safe and be safe. We are looking for a Special Constable who, as part of the team, has made a real difference in reducing crime and improving the quality of life for all the community.
Specialist Operations Award
Specialist operations operate across Avon and Somerset, supporting their colleagues when their specialist skills are required. We are looking for an individual who carries out their role above and beyond what is expected of them and working effectively as part of a team.
Policing Team of the Year
Teamwork is the glue that binds the joint efforts of individuals together and is fundamental to the success of our collaborative efforts.