An “amazing” police officer has been nominated for the Watford Observer Community Heroes Award.

Police Community Officer for Hertfordshire Constabulary, Sandra Smith, was put forward for the award by fellow nominee, Sian Henry.

Sian, who is the local coordinator for The Red Box Project in Watford – an organisation who provide collection points in schools and other public places where young girls can receive sanitary products - described Sandra as “absolutely amazing”, adding: “I nominate Sandra because of how much she cares and supports our community.

“She is passionate about a making a real difference, including ending period poverty and supporting disaffected BAME students and older vulnerable residents.

“You can ask her for support and she will come back with a solution that is beyond anything you could wish for.

“Sandra rightly deserves recognition for all her great work as a police officer and with our community - a very worthy winner.”

Sandra was born and raised in Birmingham. She lived in Ireland for 14 years before eventually settling in East Hertfordshire.

Currently, Sandra works for the Hertfordshire Constabulary as a community officer based in Watford. She is about to begin training to become a police constable.

Before starting her career with the police, she worked for various high street fashion brands for 30 years, specialising in large department stores and big teams.

Sandra attended Galway University where she graduated with a diploma in community studies and later attained a degree in family and community.

Speaking of life outside work, Sandra said: “I enjoy spending time with my five grandchildren. I love extreme sports and will try my hand at anything, within reason. I do some boxing and canoeing, and I love travelling when I can.

Hertfordshire Police is a wonderful environment to work in, it gives me the autonomy to get involved and champion causes like the Red Box Project in Watford.”

On receiving the nomination, Sandra said: “Being nominated for the Community Hero’s Award has left me feeling blessed and appreciative that my work in the Watford Community has been recognised.

“As part of my role in the Hertfordshire Police Women’s Network we champion the Red Box Project to ensure young women do not miss out on education because they cannot afford to buy sanitary products. I will continue to support communities in whatever capacity I can, to make a difference.”