A COLCHESTER policeman has been hailed as the county’s top community officer.

PC Dave Underwood, who has just taken on the role of a Neighbourhood Specialist Officer on Colchester Town’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, received the accolade at Essex Police’s annual awards ceremony.

The glitzy event saw new Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle present the Action Awards and Essex Police trophies.

PC Underwood was named Essex Community Police Officer of the Year, in recognition of his achievements, dedication and commitment to both policing and the community.

The citation read: “PC Underwood is dedicated to his role and has achieved a great deal in terms of arrests and detections, as well as making a significant contribution to developing colleagues who are less experienced and members of the Special Constabulary.

“He inspires the highest standards and is an excellent role model with his positive attitude, willingness to take on work, and determination to confront antisocial behaviour.

PC Underwood will now go forward to the Jane’s Police Review awards gala at the London Hilton, in Park Lane, on October 28.