A POLICE officer from Gravesend has been chosen to represent Kent Police in a prestigious national competition.

PC Suzy Clarke has completed 10 years’ service – but is best known for her high profile role as Gravesend town centre’s beat officer where her first 12 months have resulted in 141 arrests.

A police spokeswoman said: "Since taking up the town beat posting about a year ago, she was played a major part in turning around the people’s perceptions of policing in the town centre.

"As well as dealing effectively with criminality by confronting those involved in violent crimes, theft, drug dealing and anti-social behaviour, she has won the trust and respect of the many businesses and their staff."

PC Clarke was also the driving force behind getting an anti-social behaviour order imposed on one of Gravesend town centre’s most abusive and persistent shop-lifters – working for months behind the scenes to encourage and support businesses to put together a convincing evidential argument. He is now banned from the town centre.

It is this ground-breaking work which caught the attention of her inspector who decided she was the perfect candidate to represent Kent Police in the Jane’s Police Review, Community Police Officer of the Year competition. Her nomination was supported by letters from businesses in the town.

PC Clarke said: “It is an honour to have my work recognised like this after such a short time in the role, but I have always been determined to operate a zero tolerance approach to any unlawful behaviour.

“My policing style is robust and hands-on and I will always take action against those who think they can do as they please. I am here to serve the community and that’s exactly what I do.”

Also nominated to represent Kent Police is PCSO Sarah Grange. She is based at The Marlow Academy in Ramsgate where she has worked to set up anti-bullying and anti-smoking groups.

The awards ceremony will take place in November and will be attended by ACC Dave Ainsworth of Kent Police.

Commenting on the nominations, he said: “I am delighted that two of Kent Police’s officers, PC Suzy Clarke and PCSO Sarah Grange, have been nominated for the Jane’s Police Review awards.

“Their outstanding work has already been recognised within the force by fellow officers and colleagues. We are proud of their achievements and this acknowledgement has been enhanced by this national recognition.”