On Thursday (26 February), Chief Constable Jo Farrell KPM hosted an incredibly inspiring and humbling event at the Police Scotland Headquarters; the Chief Constable’s Bravery and Excellence awards.
Held every year, these awards recognise and celebrate the very best of policing from across the Service and in the community, including work and contribution from officers, staff, volunteers and members of the public.
A police officer who, alongside colleagues, successfully brought an incident where a man was holding a 9-week-old baby hostage, with a knife, to a safe conclusion was one of the many officers, staff, partners and members of the public recognised.
PC Alana Whitby, based in Edinburgh, was recognised alongside other colleagues with a Bravery Award for her outstanding role as negotiator.
Alana and her colleagues worked tirelessly alongside Armed Response Police and Counter Terrorism Specialist Firearms Unit to engage with the man and, with success, persuaded him to release the baby and surrender himself.
Alana said: “I am deeply honoured to be nominated for an award following a hostage situation that tested my resolve in ways I could have never imagined.
“In a moment defined by fear and uncertainty, my focus was on remaining calm, protecting life, and working alongside an amazing team to help achieve the safest outcome.
“None of this was done alone – it was very much a team effort, and the support, trust and courage shown by everyone involved made all the difference.
“I never expected recognition, but this nomination means a lot, and I am proud to be able to say it reflects the work I do as Police Negotiator alongside an outstanding team.”
Bravery Award winners also included PC Kevin McGhee who, with another colleague, attended an incident to trace a male suspected of stabbing his partner.
On arrival they noted thick black smoke coming from the top floor flat and the suspect refusing to leave. Kevin made the brave and courageous decision to force entry to the property and were met with billowing smoke, intense heat and extremely reduced visibility.
Sergeant Paul Tomkinson, who is based in Ayrshire, won an Excellence Award after devising and securing funding for Cut and Connect, a free-to-use mobile hairdressing service that also provides wellbeing checks, non-judgemental conversations and links to vital services including support in recovery, domestic abuse and financial matters.
This service has, without doubt, changed lives.
Other Excellence Award winners included PC Scott McCulloch who was named police officer of the year. Livingston-based, Scott was recognised for his genuine commitment and support for those experiencing domestic abuse.
Scott developed a powerful domestic abuse lesson-pack that focusses on prevention and education which he has personally delivered to more than 4,000 S4 to S6 pupils in West Lothian. Building on this success, he is now training officers in neighbouring divisions to allow them to bring this initiative to other parts of Scotland.
The Chief Constable also recognised the contribution police animals make to keeping people safe.
Police Horse Cathcart was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award having built a distinguished operational record at Police Scotland for over 13 years, with unwavering courage, reliability, and character.
Chief Constable Jo Farrell KPM said: “In a relentless and challenging job like no other, accounts of how our people show up and stand up for, and with, our communities can be a source of energy and pride for policing in Scotland.
“We police with, and for, the people of Scotland and rely on their support and assistance to build and maintain safe, secure, and resilient communities where everyone can thrive.
“We also recognise acts of courage by members of the public, which go beyond what can be expected of an ordinary citizen, to help others and assist the police.
“I want to congratulate all the nominees and winners for their dedication to keeping Scotland safe.”
Kerry McMahon-White, Managing Director of Police Mutual & Forces Mutual, the Bravery and Excellence Awards’ sponsor said: “Police Mutual is very proud to again be sponsoring the Chief Constable’s Bravery and Excellence Awards, celebrating the very best of Policing and recognising the outstanding achievements by officers and staff from across the Service, the Scottish Police Authority and other partners.
“All nominees are an inspiration and a credit to the Service and all at Police Mutual would like to offer our thanks to those who were nominated for your achievements as well as congratulations to the winners.”
EXCELLENCE WINNERS:
This is not the list of awards and winners in full. Some winners have chosen not to have their names published publicly.
Community Engagement Award
Constable Guy Jenner
Innovation Award
Donna Sharp and Michelle Bain from Digital Evidence Sharing Capability Project
Police Officer Award
Constable Scott McCulloch
Policing Partner Award
Jamie Blythe and Sergeant Craig McNeill, Brake Road Safety Charity
Policing Together Award
Sergeant Paul Tomkinson
Probationary Constable Award
Constable Melissa Jack
Team Award
Arbroath Group 3 Team
BRAVERY WINNERS
This is not the list of awards and winners in full. Some winners have chosen not to have their names published publicly.
Life saving
Constable’s Jacob Ashmead and Lauren McGregor – Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Division
Crisis Intervention
Constable Russell Duffy – Operational Support Division
Inspector Becky Lidster, Detective Sergeant Isla Craigie, Constable Alana Whitby – Edinburgh City Division
Rescue
Constable Sally Nicol – Operational Support Division
Constable’s Cammy Miller and Kevin McGhee – Lanarkshire Division
Armed/ Violent Attacker
Sergeant’s Scott McElroy, Niall MacKinnon, Anthony O’Reilly, Constable’s Tony Thompson, Stewart Murdoch, and Katie Hunter – Forth Valley Division
Cheryl Gourlay, member of the public
Above and Beyond
Constable Luke Richardson – Greater Glasgow Division
Donald McNeil, member of the public
Police Animal Lifetime Achievement
Police Dog Tora and Handler Sergeant Amy Burns – Operational Support Division
Police Horse Cathcart – Operational Support Division.