Bay of Plenty police constable wins national service award

A Bay of Plenty police constable has received a distinguished service award, which includes the chance to travel and study internationally.

Constable Jason Herring was one of 14 police staff across the country who received a Sir Woolf Fisher Trust Police Fellowship award in Wellington on Wednesday night.

"Fellows come from all walks of life and all parts of policing," Police Commissioner Mike Bush said, in his written statement.

"The Fellows are front-line officers as well as those who work behind the scenes to serve their communities. What they all have in common is their dedication and commitment to policing, " he said.

As well as rewarding hardworking police staff, the fellowships also acknowledged the invaluable support of partners and families who enable Police to give their best to the job," Bush said.

The award was established by the Woolf Fisher Family Foundation in September 2017, with this year's recipients being the second ever to receive the prize.

Each fellowship recipient will receive funding for 6 to 8 weeks of international travel for themselves and a partner.

The trip allows the recipient to complete an agreed study schedule, along with some time-off to holiday.

The programme aims to recognise excellence and outstanding service by police staff, along with encouraging the positive development of policing in New Zealand.