Who is your top cop?

NOMINATIONS for this year’s policing awards opened on Monday, writes Kate Nicholson.

For the last 18 years, Thames Valley Police have used the policing awards to celebrate the work of officers, staff and volunteers who have made the greatest contribution to their community over the last year.

Police Community Support officer (PCSO)

Ali Blood, Winner of Overall and Oxfordshire

PCSO 2018, on receiving the award, said: “I am completely overwhelmed to win this award, it still hasn’t sunk in.

“It is very humbling to know I have been nominated by members of the community and my own colleagues who feel I am making a difference. I feel very proud and honoured and for once it has left me a little lost for words.”

There are eight categories:

Community Police Officer – an officer who has made a difference to the community

Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) – a PCSO who has made a contribution to the community

Special Constable – a constable who has gone above and beyond to serve the community

Diversity Champion – someone who has helped to improve diversity in your community

Cadet – a cadet who supports fellow cadets, shows initiative, supports community events, is committed to and is an advocate for the police force

Volunteer – a volunteer who actively supports the police and volunteers to work within a team in Thames Valley Police

Community Volunteer – a volunteer who assists with community concerns and enforcing the law

Problem Solving Award – an individual or team who have worked collectively to solve a community issue connected to crime reduction, anti-social behaviour and/or vulnerability which has made a real difference to a community. This can include partners, third sector and community members, as well as police staff and police officers across all departments.

To nominate, visit the www.thamesvalley.police. uk website. Nominations close on Monday, February 25 and the winners will be announced in May.