THERE are now less than four weeks left to nominate your local policing heroes.

The Be Proud Awards reward officers, staff and volunteers within Avon and Somerset Constabulary for their hard work in ensuring our communities are safe.

To make sure your local neighbourhood officer, response officer, special constable, police staff member, investigator, volunteer or policing team are in with a chance of picking up an award at the ceremony in June, visit www.beproudawards.com and make a nomination before January 27, 2019.

Sue Mountstevens, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “It’s important we take the time to acknowledge the outstanding work of individual members and teams within the Constabulary who go the extra mile to ensure communities within Avon and Somerset are safe.

“Many local people have already submitted nominations for their policing heroes and it’s always exciting to hear examples of extraordinary work of officers, staff and volunteers who have supported your local community.

"It really means a lot to those you put forward, so please do keep sending us your nominations.”

Chief Constable Andy Marsh added: “The Be Proud Awards are a great opportunity to publically recognise the outstanding work that goes on around the clock in the Constabulary.

"I’m delighted that so many local people have taken the time to submit nominations and the entries we have already received highlight the dedication of our members of staff, volunteers and policing teams.

“There’s still time to recognise an individual or team who have made a difference, so please keep those nominations coming in.”

The closing date for nominations is January 27, 2019. After this date, an independent panel will select winners across the policing areas and an awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday June 12, 2019 at Cadbury House Hotel, where an overall winner for each category will be announced.

More information about 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.