A local Policewoman has received an award for her constant and selfless work to make this island a safer and better place.

P.c. Michelle Simons was selected to receive the International Recognition and Scholarship Award from the International Association of Women Police (IAWP).

The award is given annually to an outstanding officer employed anywhere outside of North America.

The IAWP was founded in 1915 and strives to increase professionalism, further the use of women in law enforcement and provide a forum for sharing developments in Police administration.

"I was shocked, definitely shocked,'' she said. "I never thought that with all of the people out there in the world, they would choose me.'' P.c. Simons, along with her husband and mother flew to Birmingham, England, earlier this month, to accept her award at the week long IAWP annual conference.

It was the first time that the IAWP conference had been held outside of North America and was staged in conjunction with the European Network for Policewomen. The conference also boosted a strong representation from African countries.

As the first Bermudian to win the award, P.c Simons said she did not feel pressure to maintain her stature as `the best'.

"I don't feel pressure to keep it ( her performance) up,'' she said. "I just did the normal things that I do. I did nothing out of the ordinary.'' But what she deems "normal'', many -- including the IAWP -- would describe as going beyond the call of duty, for P.c Simons throughout her career has continuously attempted to make her community a better place.

In his letter to the IAWP committee, Chief Insp. Larry Smith outlined why P.c.

Simons deserved the Police Woman of the Year Award: Last year she produced a pamphlet called Peers Against Speeding and Stealing (PASS). And she made presentations to schools, youth and community organisations about the PASS pamphlet, policing, safety in the home and what to do when stopped by the Police.

For the third year in a row, she attended the annual training conference of the National Black Police Association to receive FBI training in Mentoring Youth at Risk, at her own expense and during her vacation time.

She organised, at her own expense, a visit to Bermuda by Leslie Seymore, chairperson of the National Black Police Association to conduct workshops,in a bid to unite all those in the criminal justice system.

She established her own parish office so members of the community could visit and discuss any business with her.

She received a Commendation from the Commissioner of Police for her observations and actions during her day off which resulted in the arrest and conviction of two handbag snatchers.

She organised the Police Women's Recognition Awards which were issued by Mount Zion AME Church.

She organised a charity memorial soccer game between the Police and North Village Community Club in honour of the late P.c Troy James.

She established and is editor of a newsletter called "Parish Post'' which is distributed to parish officers in all three divisions.

She completed a two-year programme at the Bermuda College to receive her certificate in Supervisory Management Studies from the Institute of Supervisory Management.

As a role model P.c. Simons said she always tries to encourage other women to do their best.

"I just encourage others to do the best they can, in their own way. What necessarily works for me won't work for them. Stick with what you believe in.

Don't be afraid to try things that you think will bring about a solution.'' And she advised other women to join the Police service.

"It's a job that's secure and full of rewards.'' The mother of two, who has been married for more than 13 years, added that this year, as a parish constable, had been her best one on the Police force.

"I'm back among the people. Sometimes I don't even want to knock off. The best part is the community support we've got down in Warwick. It's great.'' SUPERWOMAN -- P.c Michelle Simons shows off the plaque which was presented to her for outstanding service.