Within my role as Neighbourhood Inspector on Bristol East, I have the privilege to be part of a special team where a PCSO could be helping a stranger rebuild their life, a Beat Manager might be dealing with a crisis and, at times, everyone can be responding to danger.

It is a special vocation and the police family go that extra mile in changing people’s lives. It’s my duty to recognise contribution and a ‘thank you’ might include a straight forward email, a coffee with the team, a request to the Senior Leadership Team to highlight a significant event or nominating an individual or team for the Be Proud Awards.

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

Last year I nominated Operation Blueline for Policing Team of the Year, recognising their hard work and dedication in tackling drugs supply and misuse in east Bristol. The innovative Operation has been recognised on a national level as documented on the BBC. The nomination was very straight forward with a punchy paragraph that I completed in ten minutes and I was updated through the shortlisting process.

The award ceremony, which I attended with the team, was a very special night and it was immensely satisfying to see Operation Blueline win the Policing Team of the Year award. The whole team were so proud and it was wonderful to share this moment with them.

I would recommend supervisors, peers or someone in the local community to nominate an officer, volunteer, staff member or team for a Be Proud Award. Everyone enjoys receiving recognition for their hard work, especially in our difficult and challenging arena. The whole experience was an energiser for the wider team so I would say go for it – nominate someone for a Be Proud Award now!