POLICE officers from Essex have been nominated in three categories at an annual awards ceremony to honour outstanding achievement in policing.Jane's Police Review, the biggest selling weekly police magazine, will be holding its annual gala awards this week to honour the outstanding contribution made by officers across Britain.

POLICE officers from Essex have been nominated in three categories at an annual awards ceremony to honour outstanding achievement in policing.

Jane's Police Review, the biggest selling weekly police magazine, will be holding its annual gala awards this week to honour the outstanding contribution made by officers across Britain.

Pc Hayley Jenner, based in Chelmsford, is nominated for the community police officer of the year award for dealing with an impressive 124 offences last year, including 15 serious assaults.

Andy Bliss, Assistant Chief Constable of Essex Police, said she had made an “outstanding contribution” to the quality of life for local residents.

Nominated for the student police officer of the year award is Pc Craig Wiggins, also from Chelmsford, who earlier this year became a founding member of Essex Police's first neighbourhood policing team.

Mr Bliss said Pc Wiggins, who has already been recommended for the accelerated promotion scheme, had displayed a high level of initiative in all aspects of his work and training.

He added: “He has an impressive arrest record, is exceptionally well thought of by his peers, supervisors and members of the wider community.”

A former officer, Insp Kevin Jacobs, has been recognised by the magazine with a nomination for the lifetime achievement in policing award.

Mr Bliss said Mr Jacobs, who retired in September after 30 years' service, was an “outstanding officer whose extraordinary qualities and contribution to policing have been recognised year on year by his colleagues and the local community alike”.

He has been singled out for praise by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary for his leadership on the Maldon crime and disorder reduction partnership.

The ceremony will be held in London at The Brewery tonight, hosted by Crimewatch UK presenter of Crimewatch UK.