POLICE officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty have been praised for their efforts.

Here we look at the winners of Thames Valley Police’s Community Policing Awards 2011. Now in their 10th year, the awards see nominations made by members of the public, community groups and police officers and staff.

PCSO OF THE YEAR

MAKING a difference is what PCSO Chris Cochrane loves about his job.

And the 26-year-old’s dedication paid off after he was named Thames Valley Police’s PCSO of the Year.

Mr Cochrane, pictured above, works for the neighbourhood teams in South Abingdon, and was nominated by his colleagues and members of the public.

They singled him out for what they described as his outstanding work, particularly with young people. Ray Ball, senior pastor at Abingdon Vineyard Church, said: “Around two years ago, Chris worked with the Church and the Preston Road Community Centre to set up a youth club for 12- to 17-year-olds in South Abingdon. The club runs twice a month during term time and over 160 young people have registered as members.

“Chris has turned up for almost every club session without fail, even during his off duty time.

“Chris’s efforts have removed a lot of conflict through the relationships he has built up with youngsters and their parents.”

Neighbourhood specialist officer Pc Simon Charlton said Mr Cochrane had recently run a litter pick scheme, which saw him and local youngsters clean up the area.Mr Charlton added: “This year Chris wrote a presentation to educate young people and their parents about the dangers of using the Internet. He presented this in many of our schools and was very well received.”

Mr Cochrane, who has been a PCSO for three years, said: “I am chuffed. It is nice to be recognised by the community and the hard work has paid off.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet.”

SPECIAL CONSTABLE

A SPECIAL constable who has made “a huge impact” since joining the police a year ago has been recognised for his work.

Simon Li was named Special Constable of the Year.

Since becoming a Special in the South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse area last May, his colleagues said he has made a big impression.

Special Sergeant Gemma Mitchell said: “During an operation to show a visible police presence in the South Abingdon neighbourhood, Simon turned in at late notice and made a big difference to the effectiveness of the operation.

“All this in his own time on a Saturday night!”

Nominating Mr Li for the award, Special Sergeant Dan Oglesby spoke about a time when he was first on the scene at domestic violence incident.

He said: “He calmed the female victim down and was able to obtain details of what happened. The woman was very grateful and asked if he could stay to keep her safe.

“Simon gives up lots of his free time and will always adapt his personal life to assist the regular officers.”.

Abingdon patrol officer PC Ian Dring added: “Simon is punctual, friendly, likeable and keen.

“He is popular among other officers and well received by members of the public.”

COMMUNITY OFFICER

NEIGHBOURHOOD officer Pc Richard Miller is described as inspirational in his work tackling antisocial behaviour.

He has been picked as Community Officer of the Year for 2011.

Pc Miller, Neighbourhood Officer for Banbury Rural South, was described as always going above and beyond in his duties.

Responding to concerns about antisocial behaviour, he has liaised with schools and local youngsters. He has set up regular surgeries at The Warriner School in Bloxham, where students can discuss issues ranging from crime to joining the police.

Bobbie Brown, of The Warriner School’s extended services department, said: “Before each surgery, Pc Miller and his colleague come to school during lunch to be on the playground talking to students.

“At first the students avoided them; now they crowd round bombarding them with questions.

“This initiative has been very successful in that the young people have developed positive relationships with the community police officers. The surgeries act as a preventative measure, where police are able to have open and honest conversations with young people around difficult subjects.”

VOLUNTEER

VOLUNTEER chaplain Graham Choldcroft, above, supports officers, staff and their families through difficult times.

Mr Choldcroft, who has been a volunteer police chaplain in Oxfordshire for the past five years, has been named Volunteer of the Year 2011.

His colleagues said he had supported officers, staff and their families in a wide range of situations, from informal chats to participating in debriefs on major incidents.

Mr Choldcroft helps not only during working hours but also in personal situations such as funerals, where he provides support to staff and family members.