Pc Brian Varney is the first officer to be put forward for the title of Leicestershire's Beat Bobby of the Year.
More commonly known as "Reg", Pc Varney is a member of Leicester's Spinney Hills beat, which includes the St Matthews estate.
He knows all about the competition. He has been nominated several times and won it in 2002.
A few years ago, members of the St Matthews Somali community showed their affection and respect for the 6ft 5ins officer by coining a nickname for him – Ali Dheere, literally "the tall man".
Pc Varney, who joined Leicestershire Police in 1995, says he is very much a member of a team effort which has seen crime levels in his areas tumble in the past few years.
He said: "You have to put yourself out there and win people's trust.
"That's the key to good community policing as far as I'm concerned.
"Trust can't be bought, but it can be lost very quickly.
"It's lovely to be nominated. It's a reflection of all the hard work that a lot of people are doing to make this area safer for everyone."
Pc Varney's supervisor, Sgt Matt Painter, of Spinney Hill Park police station, paid tribute to his officer, who joined the force in 1995.
Sgt Painter said: "Reg is everything a beat bobby should be.
"He has massive local knowledge and understands the community is so well-known among people on his beat, from the young people to the elderly."
The search for Leicestershire's Beat Bobby of the Year competition was launched earlier this month.
Leicestershire's Chief Constable Simon Cole has urged people across the city and county to send in nominations.
The winner will receive the Guy Swatland Memorial Shield – named in memory of the Leicestershire officer and former beat bobby of the year who died in a road collision while cycling in the countryside in June 2009.
They will also be presented with a crystal rosebowl, a signed certificate and a cheque from the chief constable.
To ensure your beat bobby gets the recognition he or she deserves, send in a detailed, written nomination stating the officer's full name, the area they cover and why you think they deserve the title.
Also include your name, full address and a daytime phone number.
Send your nomination to:
Ciaran Fagan, Leicester Mercury, Mercury Place, St George Street, Leicester, LE1 9FQ
or, e-mail:
ciaranfagan@leicestermercury.co.uk
