They put themselves in harm's way to keep other people safe and now the bravery of police officers and staff is to be recognised as part of the Norfolk Safer Community Awards (NOSCAs).
Readers of the EDP and sister paper the Norwich Evening News have a chance to vote for the community officer of the year in both police officer and special officer categories.
Here is a look at the nominees in the police officer of the year category.
PC Andrew Menarry has been policing in the Thetford area for more than 25 years. He is described as a dedicated beat manager who has built a good rapport with local homeless people and will direct them to local charities for support.
PC Sean Phillips is beat manager for the Broadland Mental Health Hospital community and has already made his mark despite only taking up the role in December. He has taken innovative steps to reduce demand on the police service while improving the quality of contact with staff.
PC Nigel Robinson is one of the dedicated Great Yarmouth Town Centre Beat Managers establishing strong links with retail premises. Working in partnership with store detectives, street wardens, CCTV and shop staff, he has successfully managed to reduce retail theft offences in the town.
PC Richard Allan has been the Downham Market beat Manager for a number of years. He takes great pride in being the local face of policing and is nominated for his professionalism, commitment and dedication.
PC Graham Gower-Smith has been the Beat Manager at Holt for more than three years. His strength is in maintaining contact with the public through networks within the community.
PC Rebecca Barton is a committed Beat Manager and has built an excellent working relationship with partners and the community in Eaton. She has undertaken a number of operations to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour using the Special Constabulary to maximise visibility and provide community reassurance.
Acting Police Sergeant David Reeve, beat manager in Loddon, has shown himself to be an extremely hard working officer able to work on his own initiative with little supervision and whose work is always to a high standard.
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