Thames Valley Police has launched the 2026 Community Policing Awards as the scheme reaches its 25th anniversary, opening nominations across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. The awards recognise officers, staff, volunteers and community members, with the anniversary year set to revisit past and present winners.
Christian Bunt, the Assistant Chief Constable, said: "Community policing is built on strong relationships, trust and shared purpose. For 25 years, these awards have recognised the incredible people and partnerships that make that possible." He added: "This anniversary gives us a chance not only to reflect on what has been achieved, but also to celebrate those who continue to make a difference every day across our communities."
25th anniversary launch
The awards were introduced in 2001 and have highlighted thousands of inspiring stories since then. Thames Valley Police said this year's theme is "celebrating the past, inspiring the future," and the anniversary plan includes showcasing past and present winners during the year.
The programme is built around community nominations, and Thames Valley Police has renewed its focus on encouraging entries from the workforce, partner agencies and the public. Bunt said: "These awards are about recognising the people who make a difference locally - often quietly and without expectation."
Recognising Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
The awards cover Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, and Thames Valley Police invited members of the public, partners and the workforce to help recognise people making a difference in those areas. The structure also includes a Police Community Support Officer category and an internal Lifetime Achievement Award, giving the programme both public and internal recognition routes.
Bunt said: "We want to hear from as many people as possible about those who have gone above and beyond." For readers with someone in mind, the practical step is straightforward: submit a nomination while entries are open, because the anniversary year is designed to turn local recognition into the record of the programme's 25 years.
Community Policing Awards and
The unanswered operational point is how many categories are in the 2026 Community Policing Awards and when winners will be announced. Thames Valley Police has already put the nominations window in place, so the current opportunity is to put forward people whose work would otherwise stay out of sight.
