Commissioner Excellence in Total Policing Awards 2012

For the first time the Metropolitan Police Service is opening up a category of its Excellence Awards to a public vote.

The Commissioner's Excellence in Total Policing Awards recognise the breadth of bravery and professionalism across the MPS. The awards categories are wide ranging and will be given to officers, special constables, volunteers and staff. They also give a chance to celebrate the excellent work during the policing of this summer's events.

Voting kicked off on 9 November. You can cast your vote via our website until 7 December. Four neighbourhood teams who have all made an outstanding difference to their community have been shortlisted:

- Turkey Street Safer Neighbourhoods Team:

The team, based in Enfield, saved the life of a suspect who suffered a life threatening injury after being hit by a machete. The man had pulled a gun on a gang and was then himself attacked in the incident in July last year. The officers immediately gave first aid. He was later convicted and sentenced to eighteen months. Last year, the team arrested over 200 people and reduced crime by 12%.

- New Cross Safer Neighbourhoods Team:

Based in Lewisham, they have significantly reduced crime on their ward during 2012. They often use innovative tactics, like posing as homeless people in order to blend in and catch criminals. They have rigorously enforced the controlled drinking zone with a zero tolerance approach, confiscating 179 items of alcohol and making 35 arrests.

- Enfield Lock Safer Neighbourhoods Team:

The team made it their mission to crack down on drug dealing in 2011. Their strategy was simple - to disrupt activity with raids and targeted intelligence led street stops. This resulted in 42 arrests for drug offences. The team are also committed to reducing serious youth violence carried out by gang members in Enfield. They have arrested 38 known gang members and also work with parents to support and educate them about the dangers of their children being involved.

- Herne Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Team:

The team, based in Lambeth, is led by a Sergeant who has significantly improved intelligence led policing within his team. The team have carried out numerous covert operations to tackle priority crimes and have planned a number of decoy operations. One operation resulted in fifteen stolen phones being seized. Another intelligence led operation led to an illegal DVD factory being closed and 30,000 DVDs being seized.

All Excellence Award winners will be announced at a ceremony in Westminster on 17 December.

To view the winners of the last Commissioner's Excellence in Total Policing Awards please visit the website
http://content.met.police.uk/Site/sntoftheyear2012