THE search is on for the "top of the cops" in York and North Yorkshire.

Local people and organisations are being asked to put forward nominations for North Yorkshire's Community Police Officer of the Year for 2003.

The county's force and its police authority want to identify the officers who have contributed most to life in the county's local communities.

The competition is being organised on a local basis, so that each of the county's eight districts will select a winner to go forward to a grand final awards ceremony. The overall winner will represent the force at a subsequent national event.

Last year the overall title was won by Acomb-based officer PC Dave White.

The district winners will be selected by the relevant Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and Community and Police Group, but it is stressed that anyone can make a nomination.

The criteria for selection includes personal skills and problem solving, local initiatives, and close involvement in working in the community. Jane Kenyon, police authority chairwoman, said: "More than ever, community policing is the cornerstone of the police service in this county. This is an excellent opportunity for members of the public or representative organisations to show their appreciation for the work being done by local police officers on their behalf."

Chief Constable Della Cannings added: "We are looking at community policing in its widest sense. We want to recognise those officers who present the visible, front end of the police service on a daily basis, which means it is not only community constables who can be nominated. Town sergeants and local inspectors for example, can also be included if they are providing a significant contribution to local communities."

The closing date for nominations is July 31. Nomination forms are available from North Yorkshire Police Authority, PO Box 106, Ripon HG4 5WA, or the authority's website at www.nypa.org.uk

Updated: 10:51 Friday, May 30, 2003