Sponsored by
COMMUNITY COMMITMENT AWARD
FINALIST
GLEN SIVES | DALKEITH A former officer who returned to service after retirement and raised thousands of pounds for charity has been nominated almost a year after his death. Glen Sives will “forever leave a positive impact” on the Midlothian town of Dalkeith, his colleagues said. After his retirement, Glen returned to Dalkeith to work as a public enquiry station assistant. He frequently raised money for charity, including the Edinburgh Sick Kids Hospital, until his untimely death in November last year. Colleagues said the post-humous award would be a comfort to his wife Angela and daughter Holly, as well as a fitting commemoration of his service to the force. Glen held a number of roles within Police Scotland and the legacy Lothian and Borders force, including special constable, ICT training staff, police constable and detective constable.
WINNER
PC LAURA EVANS | ARGYLL AND WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE – DUNOON She spends time visiting care homes to raise awareness of fraud, and travels across all of Argyll and Bute to ensure community safety messages are communicated to the entire geographical area. INSP Bart Simonis, who nominated her, said: “Laura has a real passion for the community where she lives and works. She is creative and bases initiatives on emerging trends and, more importantly, on the needs of her local community. “She is a great role model and is continually looking to her next project. I can only imagine the hours she spends, through choice, working and planning initiatives.”
A constable who relocated to a rural community after being injured in a car crash now devotes her time to helping elderly and vulnerable people in her new patch. PC Laura Evans even took a demotion in order to move to Dunoon, having previously served as an inspector for Police Scotland. Since moving, she has undertaken a range of new initiatives to help rural communities, with her nominator highlighting that “every single day, without question, Laura goes over and above what is expected of her”. She has helped train more than 60 local officers in how to work more closely with mental health services, secured funding for “dementia tags” to protect those living with the illness in remote communities, and arranged for vulnerable people in the area to get callblocking devices to safeguard them from scams.
CS Lynn Ratcliff, of the Argyll and West Dunbartonshire division, said: “We are all very proud of her achievements and grateful for everything she contributes to policing right across the division. “Laura has been responsible for introducing schemes which are now being introduced more widely across the country.” Lorna Gibson, Superintendent Partnerships for Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, Argyll and West Dunbartonshire, said: “Constable Laura Evans is one of the most enthusiastic and passionate officers I have worked with, she consistently goes above and beyond to deliver for those living in the remote and rural communities of Argyll and Bute.” Anne-Marie King, Alzheimer Scotland’s advisor for Argyll and Bute, said: “The impact and benefits of her initiatives on the lives of those living with dementia, and their families, cannot be underestimated in terms of promoting safety, confidence and independence.”
David MacMillan, who made the nomination, said: “I would have loved for Glen to have won this award when he was still alive as this would have been truly fitting and rightful recognition of the significant positive impact Glen had on others. “In truth, there was nothing normal about Glen and his work ethic, range of experience and infectious personality that would forever leave a positive impact on the community. “Glen was the friendliest, most enthusiastic and forever kind and helpful officer I have had the absolute pleasure to know and call a friend. “This sentiment is echoed by the hundreds of officers and support staff Glen helped throughout his extensive and experienced service.”
FINALIST
PC ANDREW LEISHMAN | DRUMCHAPEL A policeman who has worked in the same area of Glasgow for more than a decade has been described as the “quintessential community officer”. PC Andrew Leishman is so established in the Drumchapel community that officers said if he doesn’t recognise a person, then they almost certainly don’t live there. His commitment to getting to the bottom of every case has been praised by colleagues, as well as his determination to improve the community he serves. SGT Neil Reilly, who nominated PC Leishman, said his dedication to the area deserved to be rewarded. “His commitment to policing and his community has never wavered,” he said: “PC Leishman is the quintessential community officer, and the reason it works. “There’s no such thing as a lost cause to him. He will always push an enquiry to the end degree in order to get a satisfactory conclusion. “Officers like PC Leishman are the reason communities allow us to police by consent.”
COPS’ COP OF THE YEAR AWARD
FINALIST
DC CHRISTINE MCLANACHAN | LANARKSHIRE A detective constable in Lanarkshire with 22 years of service displays the same enthusiasm as a “full intake of probationary officers”. DC Christine McLanachan has shown such commitment to her role that it is considered “normal service” for her to “go above and beyond”. Colleagues said she was always first to volunteer to take on extra tasks and routinely stayed at work late to allow others to go home or take care of other engagements. One colleague also noted that, when her shoulder number is read across the airwaves, officers and staff immediately recognise it because she is held in such high regard. DI Jamie Campbell, who nominated her, said: “Her work is driven by an enthusiasm for policing which is infectious and would rival that of a full intake of probationary officers. “I cannot convey the help and invaluable support Christine provides to her colleagues through coming out early, on days off, or staying on late. “Regardless of the situation, if Christine can, she will make herself available routinely into her own time.”
WINNER
PC CHRISTOPHER PEMBERTON | EDINBURGH His commitment to fitness has also been praised, so much so that when officers achieve personal exercise goals they proudly inform PC Pemberton, who helped motivate and guide them along the way. One colleague at his local police station noted that “it is a better day in Drylaw Police Station for everyone when Chris is at work”. SGT Valerie Gray, who nominated him, said: “His work ethic is unrivalled and he presents this hardworking attitude in a way that encourages those around him to excel on a daily basis. “Chris treats everyone he encounters with fairness and respect and is guided by an obvious and unwavering moral compass. A long-serving officer in Edinburgh has been praised for his commitment to helping young officers and motivating those around him. A number of people have come forward to pay tribute to PC Christopher Pemberton for his contributions to policing and beyond. Having served the force for 21 years, colleagues said his appetite for the job and for sharing his wisdom with others has never waned. Aside from policing itself, the maths enthusiast regularly helps colleagues navigate complex financial applications, including assisting new officers with mortgage and insurance applications.
“He steps up and takes on the worst of tasks, leading by example, to support his colleagues and the public.” PS Mark Innes, Prevention, Intervention and Partnerships, said: “His continuing enthusiasm, reliability and the vast amount of experience he has gained makes him so incredibly valuable to both his team and line managers alike.” PI Elaine McArthur-Kerr said: “I’ve never known someone to work at such pace or with fleet of thought, always one step ahead and a true example to his colleagues of how they should police.”
Line manager DS Stephanie Bertram said: “Christine is someone who is always first in the door and last to leave. “She takes great pride in her work and ensuring she goes to the end of the earth to uncover any information or intelligence during investigations.”
FINALIST
DS MARK DINES | POLLOK – GREATER GLASGOW A Glasgow-based detective sergeant has become one of the country’s foremost experts in tackling human trafficking and exploitation through hard work and dedication to the cause. DS Mark Dines is trusted by fellow police officers and partner agencies as he drives Police Scotland’s response to a “prevalent and high-risk crime type”. His recent achievements include the overseeing of an operation to convict those behind a scheme to exploit South East Asian women who had been moved to Glasgow for prostitution. The initiative led to four males being sentenced to a total of 31 years in jail. His work has also been noticed and appreciated by the Home Office and the National Crime Agency, both of whom call on his expertise on human trafficking.
Despite being an authority on such a crucial and complex issue, colleagues say he remains “approachable” for those seeking advice on the issue. DI Steven Smith, who made the nomination, said protecting vulnerable people motivated DS Dines, who is based in Pollok police station. “DS Dines takes pride in his work and will often go above and beyond the requirements of the role in order to ensure a successful outcome,” he said. “It is very apparent that his primary motivation at work is to detect and prevent instances of human trafficking and to safeguard vulnerable members of the public, as he often does so by responding dynamically and at short notice, with no complaint. “DS Dines is a great example to those under his line management and to his peers in the wider organisation.”
INDIVIDUAL BRAVERY AWARD
FINALIST
PC EVIE COULTAS | DRUMCHAPEL An off-duty police officer stopped a man attacking a driver when she watched the attack unfold in a line of traffic in Glasgow earlier this year. PC Evie Coultas had no protective equipment or radio, but ran to the aid of the driver after the male opened her car door and attacked them. After she intervened, members of the public came to assist to ensure the culprit was apprehended. The male – who was not known to the victim – was arrested at the scene. PC Coultas is based at Drumchapel Police Station and works as a Campus Officer at nearby Knightswood Secondary. SGT Neil Reilly, who nominated her, said: “Evie was off duty at the time, on her own, with no PPE and no radio. “She went above and beyond what was expected of a normal member of the public. “Evie is slight of build, yet still approached this dangerous male to assist the victim and keep them safe.”
WINNER
PC PAUL PHILLIPS | INVERNESS An officer who was on a day off driving his young family home leapt out his vehicle to deal with an armed man.
FINALIST
Inverness-based PC Paul Phillips wasn’t on duty when he passed the incident on a busy road.
A police probationer displayed the actions of a specially-trained officer when he tackled an armed man at a busy hospital.
The male was causing such alarm that several different members of the public had phoned the police. PC Phillips got out the vehicle then instructed his family to carry on driving and lock the doors. He successfully negotiated with the man, who threatened to attack him during the incident, and engaged with him until colleagues arrived to safely apprehend him. Even though he was off-duty, he continued to assist with the arrest process when other officers with public order kits had arrived. Caroline Macnaughton, the SPF representative who nominated him, said: “Paul was off-duty at the time of this incident and with his very young family and wife in the car. “He didn’t hesitate to still protect the public even with his family present – he realised the wider risk to those around him. “He put others before himself by putting himself in a direct line of risk, encouraging the male to come in his direction, rather than towards the members of the public in their vehicles.”
PC CHRISTOPHER MARTIN | GLASGOW
PC Christopher Martin spotted the suspect in a Glasgow hospital then followed him out. Despite his lack of experience, he prevented the male from re-entering the hospital and engaged the suspect until colleagues arrived to detain him. He had no training in negotiation tactics and no access to equipment typically used in such circumstances. SGT Steven Wright, who nominated him, said: “This officer’s actions go above and beyond daily business. “PC Martin had put himself in harm’s way knowing what risk he was presented with on the basis that his actions would ensure the safety of approximately 65 people within the hospital who were at the time in the process of being evacuated. “It should be noted that PC Martin is still within his probationary period.”
TEAM BRAVERY AWARD
FINALISTS
PCs GARY HUTCHISON, ANDREW GLEN, PAUL LAMBERT AND KEIR SAMSON | GLASGOW Four officers have been credited with saving the lives of two men following a stabbing incident in Glasgow. Police received reports of a robbery in a supermarket where one person had been stabbed and thereafter a similar incident in a nearby home. PCs Gary Hutchison, Andrew Glen, Paul Lambert and Keir Samson attended the scene and administered emergency medical treatment to the victim. Officers called for an ambulance and both men were taken to hospital where they received emergency surgery. DS Nick Gribben, who nominated the four men, said: “This was an extremely volatile, critical and dangerous incident. “The officers’ professionalism and bravery ensured that the perpetrator was quickly traced and dealt with appropriately and safely.
WINNERS
KEVIN REYNOLDS & KIRSTY MCGLYNN | GLASGOW
“There is no doubt that the officers’ valour in administering lifesaving medical intervention proficiently and effectively saved the lives of two individuals.”
FINALISTS
PC ANDREW MCLAUGHLIN AND PC IBRAHIM MALIK | HAMILTON They even gave chase on foot once the suspect had deserted the stolen vehicle he had been driving. Incredibly, the incident took place on PC Malik’s first day on the job. Both men have been praised by colleagues for remaining calm during the incident and playing down their heroics after the event. PI Steven Bryson, who nominated the pair, said: “Policing is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, and this incident demonstrates that fully. “No people were injured due to their sheer bravery and professionalism. It was like something out of a film. Two officers managed to arrest a dangerous suspect despite being rammed by a vehicle and repeatedly attacked, in scenes like “something out a film”. PC Andrew McLaughlin and PC Ibrahim Malik faced a number of threats to their lives during the incident in North Lanarkshire, including being threatened with a machete. Despite the “high octane” car chase, their vehicle being rammed several times by the suspect, and the man having “access to weapons”, the pair were able to successfully apprehend him.
“They risked their lives on several occasions to get a prolific offender off the street and make the community a safer place. “The fact PC McLaughlin went about his business and doesn’t even think it is a big deal sums him up – he is one of the best officers in this country and never looks for recognition or credit. “PC Malik is also such a pleasant individual who didn’t expect to get praise, stating this is why he joined the force. “To show that level of bravery and courage on day one of the job is beyond outstanding.”
UNSUNG HERO AWARD
FINALIST
PC DAVID WATT | GLASGOW A campus officer in Glasgow works both inside and out of his school to ensure pupils are supported and local people feel positively about their place in the community. PC David Watt has been based at Cleveden Secondary since February 2022, and has been praised for his work and commitment. He has “an encyclopaedic knowledge of the young people at his school” and the pressures they are facing. And he takes responsibility for potential crimes or issues that could be related to the school, reviewing all local incidents on a daily basis. He is popular not just among pupils and teachers, but also local businesses who trust him to deal with any matters arising in relation to the school.
WINNER
PS CHRISTOPHER TAGGART | GLASGOW An expert negotiator for Police Scotland has successfully intervened in dozens of incidents, saving lives in the process.
INSP Colin McLucas, who nominated him, said: “David’s actions and approaches are humbling and significantly above and beyond what would be expected in his core role. “He has fantastic local knowledge and sets the right tone as campus officer between role model, education and enforcement when required.”
PS Christopher Taggart has been a trained negotiator since 2016 and is now called upon across Glasgow to help vulnerable people in tense situations.
FINALIST
While doing his day job, which includes being a supervisor to 20 others, he is able to recognise incidents where there is concern for an individual, and where his expertise could help.
A Police Inspector is using her own experience of mental health challenges to support officers and the wider public right across the country.
PI LAURA GIBSON | GLENROTHES
Colleagues say he is often deployed as a negotiator “on his days off and in between tours of duty including through the night”.
PI Laura Gibson often sacrifices her own time to speak openly about mental wellbeing, trains others in spotting signs of mental ill health, and works with a range of organisations.
DS Nick Gribben, who nominated him, said: “Chris has been deployed as a negotiator on dozens of occasions on and off duty.
Colleagues said she “strives to make a positive difference to all”.
“He takes this role very seriously and recognises that in the majority of incidents he attends there is a vulnerable person needing and crying out for help. “Chris is a hardworking, humble individual and would say that he is just doing his job, but Chris goes well above what is required and does an outstanding job on an almost daily basis.”
PS Marie Stewart, of the Maryhill Community Policing Team, said: “PC Watt has a genuine vested interest in the school children and goes above and beyond to ensure that they thrive within a safe environment and achieve their potential.”
Among the organisations to benefit from her expertise and support are the National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group, Lifelines Scotland, and the Retired Police Officers Association. She recently led on the delivery of digital resources for suicide prevention in Scotland, alongside NHS 24. And she continues to deliver training for mental health first aid, often in her own time. Allana Lewek, the SPF representative who nominated her for the award, said: “Laura is very open about her own lived experiences of mental ill health and has used that to educate others about how to support colleagues who may be experiencing difficulties. “Laura sincerely believes that our people in Police Scotland are our greatest asset and we would not have a service if it wasn’t for their bravery, commitment and passion for doing the right thing. “It is important to her to support them, understand them and give them guidance when needed.” Rose Fitzpatrick, chair of the National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group, said: “Her efforts and influence have gone well beyond the requirements of her role, as have her significant achievements in keeping people safe from the tragedy of suicide.”
SPF CHAIR’S AWARD 2023 STUART COWAN AND GARY THWAITE Two brave officers raised thousands of pounds for an emergency services mental health support organisation by hiking 300 miles. Stuart Cowan, chair of the British Transport Police Federation, and Gary Thwaite, chief executive of the Civil Nuclear Police Federation, took on the gruelling challenge to support PTSD999. The organisation helps those currently serving or who have previously served in the emergency services and are struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, as well as their families. It helps source and fund treatments, while providing support and raising awareness of the impact PTSD has on people’s lives. Stuart and Gary spent two weeks walking almost the entire length of England from the CNC Federation’s base in Cockermouth, Cumbria, to the BTP Federation’s office in West Dulwich, London, at the end of July and in early August. In total, their Blue Light Hike raised over £16,000 which will go towards the services provided by PTSD999. Gary said: “We hear a lot about mental health these days, especially in policing. “There’s a lot of good work ongoing to reduce the stigma attached to mental health but simply, we still need to do more. “It’s a sad truth that most of us within policing have lost friends, colleagues or even family members to suicide.” And Stuart said that the challenge would “all be worth it” if it encouraged “just one person to reach out”, adding: “So many officers are suffering with their mental health. I have faced my own challenges as a result of my work, but I consider myself lucky because I took the support that was offered and bounced back.” Research has shown that the rate of PTSD in the police service is nearly five times higher than across the UK population. Gary Hayes, co-founder of PTSD999 said mental illness can have a “devastating effect” on the sufferer and a huge knock-on impact on their family, friends and colleagues. He said: “I know from personal experience how difficult it is to live with PTSD, and I am so grateful for the support given by Gary and Stuart. “Monies raised will enable PTSD999 to continue to provide much needed support and guidance around PTSD.”