A COLCHESTER police officer has been shortlisted for a public hero award.

PC Michael Lee organises the Homeguard project in the town and works with accredited volunteers who have visited 10,000 homes spreading crime reduction messages.

He is one of ten officers or members of staff in Essex to make the shortlist.

His nominator said: “PC Lee continues to encourage Homeguard volunteers to visit vulnerable neighbourhoods to reassure residents, give advice and gather information on local crime trends. He is well-appreciated in the community.”

The public hero award is a new addition to the Essex Police annual awards and members of the public have been given the chance to vote.

A spokesman for the force said: “We received many nominations which have been whittled down to a shortlist of ten by a panel of judges and are now giving you the chance to decide on the winner by voting in our online poll.

“Among those shortlisted are police officers and members of police staff who you feel deserve recognition for dedication to the community they serve, bravery or going that extra mile to do something really special.”

Operation Homeguard is one of the most successful volunteer schemes in the country.

The idea is volunteers join police officers and staff in areas where there have been crime sprees or problems in order to increase awareness and offer advice.

Volunteers engage with residents, informing them of crime issues in their area and giving crime prevention information. Volunteers also seek intelligence which can lead to the detection of crime.

The poll will remain open until midday on September 8, and the winner will be announced following the awards ceremony on October 11. Visit essex.police.uk to vote.