Western Daily Press readers are again being given the chance

to celebrate their favourite local policemen and women.

The hunt is now on to find the best of the best in Avon and

Somerset Constabulary, with the launch on September 1 of the

second annual Community Policing Awards.

The awards recognise outstanding work from the force's

neighbourhood beat managers, police community support officers

(PCSOs), special constables (volunteers) and neighbourhood

teams, as well as other members of staff who have shown

outstanding customer service in helping communities be and feel

safer.

Last year, the awards organised by the constabulary and

police authority and sponsored by the Daily Press were a huge

success, attracting more than 400 nominations. The proud

winners were also recognised at a gala dinner.

This year, the Daily Press will again be sponsoring the

Neighbourhood Team of The Year, which was won last year by the

excellent Taunton East team.

Members of the public should nominate the officer or member

of staff they feel goes that extra mile to reduce crime and

improve the quality of life for residents in the neigbourhoods

they serve.

Dr Moira Hamlin, chair of Avon and Somerset Police

Authority, said: "These awards have been organised to reward

our staff who have worked tirelessly to improve policing and

make our neighbourhoods safer and stronger.

"Thanks to the wonderful support of the public last year we

were able to honour some of the best officers and staff across

the force. We are asking for help again to try and find the

best of the best this year."

Chief Constable Colin Port said: "The roll-out of

neighbourhood policing is now complete and the teams are

working hard to form strong links with their communities and

partner agencies to tackle the things that really matter to

communities such as low-level crime and quality of life

issues.

"These awards are to acknowledge that hard work and

recognise the difference that is being made in our communities

every day.

"Right across the force, we have exceptional individuals and

teams that fit the criteria of the awards and we hope that

people will take this opportunity to give credit where it's due

as well as inspire fellow officers and staff to strive for the

same high standards."

The closing date for nominations is November 30. An

independent panel will select winners for each of the six

policing districts: Bristol; South Gloucestershire; Bath and

North East Somerset; North Somerset; Somerset West and

East.

An awards ceremony in March will see the overall winner for

each category declared.

To nominate, either fill in the coupon on this page, collect

a form from the Bristol News and Media reception on Temple Way,

Bristol, or visit www.westerndailypress.co.ukand download

one.