Do you know a police officer who deserves public recognition for their outstanding work in the community?

They may have gone the extra mile to support you after you turned to them for help or may have been working hard in the background of your community for many years.

If so, Isle of Man Newspapers is offering readers the chance to give public recognition for their work.

Nominations have opened for Isle of Man Newspapers’ Community Police Officer of the Year award.

Deputy editor Jackie Darbyshire said: ’Each year we receive a high standard of nominations from residents, groups and schools across the island, which is testament to the dedication and commitment to police officers working here.

’We look forward to hearing more accounts of officers’ excellent work this year.’

We write a story in one of our titles about each officer nominated.

The officer who is awarded the title will receive a trophy at the Chief Constable’s annual awards ceremony, taking place in April.

Eight police officers were nominated last year and Constable Gemma Berry, who is based at Castletown, was chosen as the winner.

She was nominated by Port Erin resident Pauline Lunn to thank her for the support she had provided to her family during a difficult period and for her wider work in the community.

’She is an amazing lady, so good and patient,’ she said. ’You know she cares. She just embodies what community policing is all about.’

The deadline for nominations is March 4, after which a judging panel at Isle of Man Newspapers will choose the winner.

Officers can be of any rank and those nominated in previous years can be nominated again.

To nominate an officer send the name of your chosen officer and your reasons for choosing him or her by email to [email protected] or write to Community Police Officer of the Year Award, Isle of Man Newspapers, European House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5ED.

Please include your own full name, address and a phone number so we can contact you.