Residents are invited to nominate officers for the award, which recognises outstanding acts of courtesy, courage or kindness in the course of police duty during 2009.

St Marys police officers will also nominate colleagues for a peer award.

``It is important the community recognise the work police do,'' St Marys Rotary Club director Ted Byers said.

``Any time there's a bit of bad publicity, they cop it, but it's not usually noted when police do a good job.''

St Marys police commander Ray Filewood said the awards were a great opportunity for deserving officers to be recognised.

``Good work is being done, day in and day out, by the men and women of our command,'' Superintendent Filewood said.

``It is most pleasing to be involved in such a great initiative with an organisation like Rotary International.''

Mr Byers said: ``We have 136 officers in our command but there's never been a Police Officer of the Year Award here.''

He also called on local businesses to sponsor the award.

``Commonwealth, Westpac, St George and a few local businesspeople have already, but we need more,'' he said.

``We estimate maybe $3000-$4000 will cover it.''

Nominations will shortly open and forms will be available from St Marys police station. Phone: 96777499.

The awards will be presented on June 15.