For the first time ever, the major police associations have come together to recognise and reward the UK's top police professionals for their leadership in developing policing practice.

The 02 Airwave Police Professional Awards, launched this month, are being organised by the publisher of Police Professional, in association with the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA), Association of Chief Police Officers of England, Wales and Northern Ireland (ACPO), Association of Chief Police Officers of Scotland (ACPOS) and the Association of Police Authorities (APA).

" The key element of the awards is to promote the ethos of sustainable improvement," says Paul Lander, managing editor of Police Professional. " The first ever O2 Airwave Police Professional Awards will recognise exceptional leadership in policing practices, and will offer the opportunity for police officers and staff to showcase their expertise and contribution in driving forward learning and development, systems and processes."

Representatives of the associated bodies are closely involved in the organising and judging.

"Supporting and developing advancements in leadership, investigation, crime reduction, public safety and individual career progression is precisely what the NPIA is here to achieve in order to improve the police service and ultimately benefit the public, says Peter Neyroud, chief executive of the NPIA, one of the judges and a member of the working panel.

" Self improvement lies at the heart of our agency and I am looking forward to what will undoubtedly be a challenging and exciting judging process that will recognise some of the best in our business."

The working panel also includes Ian Johnston, chair of ACPO crime business area and chief constable of British Transport Police; Dr Marie Dickie, chair of HR policy group, APA; Andrew Cameron, chair of ACPOS personnel and training portfolio and chief constable of Central Scotland Police; Cliff Dixon, former deputy chief constable, Bedfordshire Police; as well as Paul Lander.

" Organisational learning is one of the top criteria at these awards," says ACPO's president Ken Jones, also a judge, "and they will highlight and spread good practice in key areas, such as innovation, performance improvement, personnel development and crime investigation.

" I look forward to being able play a part in rewarding the commitment of innovators and leaders in policing."

APA's Dr Marie Dickie believes police authorities will warmly welcome the opportunity that these awards present. 'We know that the drive for an increasingly professional management and leadership in forces is the challenge for the future.  As Police Authority members we become aware of fine examples of both and this is a chance to celebrate that and encourage even greater success in meeting the challenge."

"I am delighted that the Association of Police Authorities is working in partnership with NPIA, ACPO, ACPOS and Police Professional in this exciting new venture.  I hope that those outside the service will also join us in celebrating the best of police professionalism."

Awards will be presented to individuals in the following categories:

# Organisational performance
# Community reassurance
# Investigating crime
# Personnel development
# Scientific development 
# Business area development

In addition, a career achievement award will be presented to an individual who is recognised as developing policing through leadership ability and commitment over a long period.

A panel of eminent judges from across the UK will shortlist and select the overall winners and the awards will be presented at a gala ceremony at the Church House Conference Centre, Dean's Yard, London SW1 (next to Westminster abbey) on October 18. (The closing date for nominations is June 30.)

O2 Airwave is the headline sponsor for the event and as an organisation was very keen to support the initiative. Richard Bobbett, CEO, said, 'I am delighted to be able to support the inaugural O2 Airwave Police Professional Awards recognising excellence in policing.'

Further information
Who can be nominated?
Anyone at any level or section working within the police service, agencies and partners, who is deemed to have initiated, influenced and led a change in performance in their particular field, and meets the criteria set out in this pack.
Who can nominate?
Nominations can be made by any organisation or individual in all police forces in the UK, the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), MoD and RAF Police, Home Office, Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA), police authorities, partners and agencies.
How do I make a nomination?
A call for entries is appearing in Police Professional and on the awards website www.policeprofessionalawards.co.uk. Invitations to nominate will be sent to all chief constables and communications teams, heads of agencies and police authorities throughout the UK over the next week as well as appearing on the ACPO intranet.
More details, nomination forms and criteria can be downloaded from the awards website at www.policeprofessional.com/awards.
For further information, contact Paul Lander at Clarity Publishing on 01296 468550 or paull@policeprofessional.com.