Police sergeant could win award

Sergeant Keates set up the county's first Safer Community Team

A Gloucester-based sergeant has been shortlisted for the Police Officer of the Year Award.

Jason Keates was responsible for setting up the county's first Safer Community Team, in Barton, Tredworth and White City in August 2004.

There has been a 40% drop in reported crime since the 35-year-old took over.

He said: "I feel honoured by this nomination, but I can't take all the credit for any developments in Barton and Tredworth, it was a team effort."

Chief Constable Dr Timothy Brain added: "I am delighted to endorse Jason's nomination as Community Beat Officer.

"He was a worthy winner of Gloucestershire's own Beat Officer of the Year award, having been instrumental in setting up one of the first and most consistently successful Safer Community Teams in the country."

If Sgt Keates wins the title he will receive a £3,000 bursary to study community policing abroad.

The awards are announced in London on 22 November.