Have your say in hunt for Lothians’ top cop

THEY are often the unsung heroes of their community and now the public are being asked to help celebrate the achievements of their local bobbies.

Nominations for the Community Policing Award, which is again being backed by the Evening News, opened today, and local residents are being invited to nominate their top cop for a gong.

Lothian and Borders Police are asking the force area’s residents to help them recognise community officers who are considered exceptional by members of the public.

The awards were set up to offer local communities the chance to highlight an officer or a community team who they believe goes above and beyond the call of duty in improving their area.

Lothian and Borders Police are now appealing for members of the public to come forward to let them know about those officers who show continued dedication to their communities through worthwhile initiatives, partnership working, and outstanding service.

All community policing teams, community officers, and special constables throughout Lothian and Borders are eligible for the award.

Nominations will close at midnight on Monday, March 19, and the winner will be announced on April 25 at the annual Force Excellence Awards.

Last year’s winner, Sergeant Scott Meechan, was honoured for his tireless efforts policing Dalkeith, in particular his support for New Youth Cafe – a teenage hang-out which he has helped to advertise, fund and promote.

He said: “Winning the Force Community Policing Award last year was an honour and it was great to know I was valued by my community.

“I thoroughly enjoyed working within the community as it gave me the opportunity to meet members of the public and work with them and partner agencies on a daily basis.

“The initiatives I introduced, including Seed to Soup, the Pathhead Project, On The Beat community radio show as well as rural and urban street surgeries, allowed me to work with local communities to make their neighbourhood areas even safer and more enjoyable places to live.”

Nominations can be made by completing an online form, available at www.lbp.police.uk, and the website will also have the terms and conditions.

Alternatively you can request a paper copy of the form by contacting 0131-311 3948.