Headline sponsor
COMMUNITY COMMITMENT AWARD
Sponsored by
FINALIST
PC STEVEN DONALD | DUNDEE
Cop’s football project has reduced anti-social behaviour in city
A football initiative driven forward by a Dundee policeman has helped reduce youth disorder and improved relations between young people and the force.
PC Steven Donald was pivotal in starting up Street Soccer FC in the city, a weekly event to persuade teenagers to play sport on a Friday evening instead of causing trouble.
PC Donald has abandoned rest days and altered his shifts to ensure he can play an active role at all sessions, which take place in City Square.
He has also worked to get local businesses – some of whom have been adversely affected by anti-social behaviour in the past – involved in the project.
As well as encouraging youths across the city to come along, PC Donald worked to include a young person who was frequently reported missing from a local care home.
The four-hour sessions take place from 7pm, and traders have already noted a decrease in crime and disorder as a result.
CI Colin Echevarria, Dundee Area Commander, said: “Steven has assisted in the planning, negotiated with stakeholders and delivered a project which already in its infancy looks to deliver successful outcomes.
“He has gelled with the young people and is sharing his work with other officers who can learn from his experiences.”
FINALIST PI DAVID DUTHIE | EDINBURGH
Inspector’s initiative transformed trouble hotspot
Hard work and innovation from an Edinburgh inspector led to a 25 per cent drop in crime at one of the city’s disorder hotspots.
PI David Duthie wanted to solve the issue of anti-social behaviour at Hunter Square, in the city’s popular Old Town, which had plagued authorities for decades. He rallied together a range of agencies and secured £3,000 in funding to create an alternative “safe space” for those who gathered there to instead meet at a local library.
Realising that vulnerable people chose Hunter Square because of the welcoming nature of similar individuals, DI Duthie wanted to replicate that atmosphere in a more appropriate place.
As a result, reported incidents at the square dropped by a quarter, while the vast majority of people – most of them homeless and with addiction issues – reported an improvement with their physical and mental health.
‘Wellbeing Wednesday’ was such a success that further funding has been secured to run it long-term. Plans are also in place to extend the initiative elsewhere.
FINALIST
PC ALISTAIR HUTCHISON | ANGUS
Community cop whose passion goes well beyond policing
A community officer who serves towns in Angus has been hailed as a “stalwart”.
The work carried out by PC Alistair Hutchison with schools and young people has been credited with reducing disorder in Montrose and Brechin.
He has earned the respect of people and businesses in the community as well as his policing colleagues, taking on a range of positive initiatives.
A survey of users resulted in widespread praise for DI Duthie, his colleagues, and the project itself, with one homeless female describing those involved as “angels”.
CI Mark Hamilton, who made the nomination, said: “I have worked in the city of Edinburgh for over 20 years and Hunter Square has always been an area blighted by problems.
“Wellbeing Wednesday provides an excellent operational example of how productive partnership can support transformational results.”
These include the creation of a “wellbeing room” at Montrose police station, which can be used by officers to rest and reflect after experiencing challenging situations on the job.
He also engages with schools, hosts coffee sessions which allow the public to spend time with local police officers, and carries out information events for new drivers.
And his commitment goes well beyond policing.
He is heavily involved in a number of high-profile local organisations, including the RNLI, the Royal British Legion and the Rotary Club.
Last year, his volunteering helped raise more than £20,000 for Poppy Scotland.
“He is truly one of the most selfless and humble individuals I have met and is deeply proud to serve his community,” said colleague PS Gavin Harris.
“His passion to deter, disrupt and detect anti-social behaviour along with educating the next generation of children of the risks and rewards they will face highlights his desire to improve the lives of many local residents.”
COPS’ COP OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sponsored by
FINALIST
PS NICOLA DODD | GLASGOW
Sergeant who is a ‘breath of fresh air’ for small
team
A Glasgow sergeant has been praised by colleagues for her commitment to helping others in her division.
PS Nicola Dodd was described as a “breath of fresh air” and hailed for the impact she has made in looking after members of her small team in Giffnock.
She is committed to working with different parts of the force to secure support for frontline policing.
Officers said she routinely keeps in touch with her officers to check on their wellbeing on and off the job.
When people need support following stressful or challenging incidents, PS Dodd always ensures that help is provided.
She also encourages fellow officers to continue their own progression through the force, and is committed to assisting others when it comes to learning and development.
PC Darren McGowan, who nominated PS Dodd for the award, said she had made a significant impact on the sub-division since arriving.
He said: “PS Dodd routinely helps officers to get distressing or hard-to-understand incidents off their chest, taking them aside and offering support.
“She has been a breath of fresh air.
“There have also been a number of occasions when she has been able to help and support officers with their own mental health following a distressing incident.”
FINALIST
PC RONNIE IRVINE | ANGUS
Mentor helping to shape the next generation of police officers
A police constable with nearly four decades of combined military and police service has been described as the “embodiment” of what a cop should be.
PC Ronnie Irvine is as valued for his work fighting crime as he is for the commitment he shows to younger officers coming through the ranks.
A number of colleagues hailed his work ethic and compassion, with one saying his drive and motivation is “not something I have come across in 23 years of policing”.
PC Irvine spent 24 years in the military before moving to the police 13 years ago.
Since then, he has won respect and admiration for his work with the force and as a representative for the Scottish Police Federation.
His efforts to nurture younger officers forms a central plank of his valuable work for the service.
“He is always the first to step forward, volunteering for difficult tasks and offering a helping hand whenever needed,” said PC Martyn Brennan, who nominated him for the award.
FINALIST
“His selflessness, compassion and genuine concern for the wellbeing of others make him the embodiment of what it means to be a police officer.
“His approachable nature and willingness to assist have made him a valued mentor within the service, helping to shape the next generation of police officers.”
DS TODD RUTHERFORD | EDINBURGH
cop
A detective sergeant has served Scotland’s capital city for more than 30 years, including two decades probing the most serious crime.
DS Todd Rutherford has investigated some of Edinburgh’s highest-profile and complex serious criminal cases as part of the city’s CID.
As well as spearheading a number of operations, the “true gent and family man” has been praised for helping other officers as they progress their own careers.
His work has helped solve major crimes and kept the public safe.
DC Christina Yeoman, who nominated him for the award, said his longevity within the CID proved his ability and commitment to the cause.
“He has attended all serious incidents and dealt with murder enquiries over 20 years in Edinburgh, and genuinely is the most committed individual to carrying out a thorough investigation to the highest standard,” she said.
“The attention to detail, enthusiasm and perseverance shown to every crime he has investigated is above and beyond.
“He has dedicated 20 years to investigating serious crime solely in Edinburgh, and guiding many officers through their journey and careers in this period also.”
Capital
who has spent 20 years tackling the most serious crime
INDIVIDUAL BRAVERY AWARD
Sponsored by
FINALIST
PC ARRON MCCALL | MIDLOTHIAN
Officer helped end domestic incident despite being stabbed and slashed
A brave officer based in Bonnyrigg was stabbed and slashed by a violent male, but still managed to bring a domestic incident to an end.
PC Arron McCall rushed out to an emergency call despite being having a pressing report to write up from an earlier difficult arrest.
When he and his team arrived, he was first through the door as a domestic violence incident unfolded.
Both a male and female were violent towards officers, and PC McCall was stabbed in one arm and slashed on the other.
Although bleeding heavily, he managed to help other officers restrain the suspect and bring an end to the incident.
He then assessed and began treating his own injuries, allowing fellow officers to continue dealing with the matter.
Colleagues said his actions also prevented others on the scene from being harmed.
CS Paul Griffiths, who nominated him, said the incident had a “profound effect” on the wider team, and that PC McCall led the way in raising morale in the aftermath.
He said: “He acted with outstanding bravery throughout and assisted other officers until both the violent male and his violent female partner had been restrained.
“He considered his colleagues despite his injuries and acted in a brave and professional manner.
“PC McCall’s actions were above and beyond what would be expected of any officer.”
FINALIST
PC SALLY ANN NICOL | ARGYLL
PC risked her own life to save others during Storm Babet landslide
A policewoman almost died and saved the lives of others during Storm Babet, working through one of the worst landslips ever to affect Argyll and Bute.
PC Sally Ann Nicol began her shift by heading towards the unfolding incident on the A83 in October last year. A landslip had already caused a blockage on the road, and it continued to rain heavily.
PC Nicol spent the following hours rescuing members of the public, stopping others from travelling towards the danger area, and ensuring her own colleagues remained safe.
Wading through mud to stranded motorists, the conditions became so bad she thought she was going to drown as the “hills moved”.
Once safely through the mud, she warned fellow officers not to follow, and implemented an evacuation plan for several members of the public.
As she did this, witnesses reported “a loud rumbling” as another avalanche of mud descended towards PC Nicol and the people she had rescued.
AND BUTE
The coastguard arrived soon afterwards to remove people by helicopter to nearby Inverary Castle.
“Each time she heard that noise she wondered if this would be the one that washed them all away,” said PS Brian Simpson, who nominated her for the award.
“Without her calmness and professionalism this incident could have turned out so much worse.”
FINALIST
PC KIERAN RITSON | ANGUS
officer
A suicidal woman was rescued inches away from a cliff edge in Arbroath by a young officer who risked falling to his death in the process.
PC Kieran Ritson engaged in conversation with the vulnerable woman as she moved closer to the 60-foot drop.
During the exchange, she was said to be nearing the edge and intimating that she wanted to end her life.
Officers on the scene said she was “quite literally inches” from falling into the North Sea below.
After speaking with the woman, PC Ritson managed to take hold of her and remove her from the ledge, despite her struggling against him.
Officers were then able to keep her safe while other emergency services arrived.
After his life-saving exploits, PC Ritson reacted humbly and said it was merely “what we do”.
But PI Murray Gibson, who nominated him, said: “I don’t think Kieran’s bravery is just ‘what we do’ – it was above and beyond.
“In my opinion PC Ritson could very well have chosen to engage the female in conversation from a safe distance, awaiting assistance from other emergency services.
“Had it not been for his bravery, the female was certainly heading towards death.”
Young
risked life in dramatic cliff rescue
TEAM BRAVERY AWARD
Sponsored
by
FINALISTS
PC AIDAN MCALLISTER, PC GRAEME ALASDAIR SEWELL AND PC KYLE WHITELAW | WEST LOTHIAN
Abducted baby rescued from drug den run by man with firearms obsession
A team of officers rescued a stolen baby from a notorious West Lothian drugs den, fighting off aggressive drug users and a dangerous dog.
PCs Aidan McAllister, Graeme Alasdair Sewell and Kyle Whitlaw responded to reports of an intoxicated male wandering late at night while holding a baby in Fauldhouse last September.
It emerged he had snuck into the home of an expartner, removed the baby and taken it to a property popular among local drug users.
The team arrived knowing there would be trouble, as the owner had “an obsession with firearms and knives”, a dangerous dog was registered at the property, and shouting and banging could be heard from outside.
However, rescuing the baby was the priority.
An aggressive male answered the door, accompanied by a large Alsatian, and attempted to stop the officers from entering.
But the PCs forced their way past and found the crying baby, who was inside the “pitch black” house which was strewn with knives, bats and other weapons.
After they took the child to safety, the suspect became aggressive and two of the officers were injured in the struggle while other drug users watched on.
He was subsequently charged with a range of crimes, and the baby was returned to its mother.
FINALISTS
PC KEVIN GRANT, PC CHLOE
HYNES, PC WILLIAM MCLEVY AND PC CLAIRE MELIA | GLASGOW
Woman who plunged into Clyde on New Year’s Day saved by heroic team
A team of police officers formed a human chain in the River Clyde to save an intoxicated woman who entered the water on New Year’s Day.
Members of the public reported the female near to Glasgow’s Springbank Court, as she clutched onto a hanging tree to keep her head above the surface.
PCs Kevin Grant, Chloe Hynes, William McLevy and Claire Melia arrived on the scene before other emergency services, and realised there was no option except to swim to her.
The female was losing consciousness and turning blue, and no life rings could be found along either riverbank.
PC Grant removed his body armour and made his way over to ensure the mother wouldn’t be swept away by the current.
He was followed by PCs Hynes, McLevy and Melia who, along with two other officers, formed a chain to retain contact with the embankment.
By now the woman was unconscious and proving difficult to move in the water, but they managed to get her to safety.
FINALISTS
PC Grant was rushed to hospital due to low temperature and exhaustion, with his three colleagues also admitted. The female involved in the incident made a full recovery.
PS Erik Work, who nominated the team, said: “There is no doubt that these heroic actions were a life-saving intervention.”
PC JAMIE HENDERSON AND PC MATTHEW JEFFREY | EDINBURGH
Cop duo faced down scissor attack and dangerous dog
Two Edinburgh policemen “saved each other from serious injury” as they faced an attack by a scissors-wielding criminal and his rabid dog.
PCs Jamie Henderson and Matthew Jeffrey provided back up to colleagues who were dealing with a disturbance in the Prestonfield area of the city.
They gave chase to man who, along with his bull terrier-type dog, burst out of a property and into a nearby stairwell.
The duo managed to stop him from closing the main door, with PC Jeffrey placing his boot in the way despite the dog repeatedly biting it.
The animal then bit PC Henderson on the hand, while the man issued a barrage of threats against the pair.
PC Henderson was able to spray the dog – which was being commanded to attack the officers – with a fire extinguisher, forcing it to flee up the stairs.
But this only made the male aggressor even angrier.
Armed with scissors, he made a number of attempts to stab both officers, before a Taser was used and he was restrained and arrested.
Their actions “maximised the safety of the public within the common stair,” said CI Neill Whiteside, who nominated them.
He added: “Both police constables saved each other from serious injury, if not worse. They both displayed an astounding ability to adapt to the incident.”
TEAM OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sponsored by
FINALISTS
PC KAREN MAGUIRE AND PC SAMANTHA SMITH | EDINBURGH
Officer duo have built community bond through work in schools
Two police officers have transformed community relations in the north of Edinburgh thanks to their tireless work with local secondary schools.
PCs Karen Maguire and Samantha Smith have spent the last year working in three schools, jointly investigating more than 100 crimes.
The collaboration means they have improved relationships with young people in some of the city’s most deprived areas and built trust among families.
By taking responsibility for offences linked to the schools, they have freed up response colleagues in the area to focus on other tasks.
Their work has been so successful that a policing team from Canada has been in contact to learn about their initiative and mirror it there.
The pair’s work has now been extended to nearby primary schools, further cementing their bond with families in the area.
With the help of local children, they also produced a short film highlighting the dangers of motorbike crime.
CI Neil Wilson, who nominated them for the award, said: “In respect of tangible benefits, this approach has ensured consistent service delivery and embedded a continuity of contact across the schools.
“Samantha and Karen approach all their tasks with good humour, enthusiasm and commitment, supporting each other to deliver the best solutions for their schools, pupils, families and local communities.”
FINALISTS
PC RUSSELL DUFFY, DC PAUL MORGAN, DC DAN NEALE AND PC BLAIR WILKIE | TAYSIDE
Mountain rescue team who work in the most challenging conditions
A team of officers has won praise for coping with a rise in search and rescue operations with dignity and professionalism.
PC Russell Duffy, DC Paul Morgan, DC Dan Neale and PC Blair Wilkie hold various, challenging roles within Police Scotland.
But they are united by their commitment to the Tayside division’s Mountain Rescue Team, working in some of the most unpredictable and arduous conditions.
Their work includes rescuing stranded or injured hillwalkers, recovering bodies from the water, and working to raise awareness about rural safety.
The quartet balance their work for the rescue team with responsibilities such as response and road policing, cyber-crime and wildlife crime.
The nature of the job means they are routinely called out on rest days or expected to remain on duty in extreme conditions.
PI Kris McCall, who nominated the four men, said: “This is recognised as a challenging role which
FINALISTS
carries significant responsibility and risk, operating in challenging weather and remote locations to rescue people at any time of day or night.
“Even when incidents have tragic outcomes, I am aware of bereaved family members thanking mountain rescue team members for the compassion and commitment shown to recovering their loved ones.”
PC RONNIE IRVINE AND PC MARTYN BRENNAN | ANGUS
Two PCs who restored the concept of community policing
Two constables rebuilt the concept of community policing in Angus, work which has reaped results for all generations.
PCs Ronnie Irvine and Martyn Brennan transformed the approach locally, with the Covid pandemic having left community policing in the area “all but non-existent”.
They both applied to work in the area as they were “heavily invested and cared deeply” about its towns and villages. Since then, their commitment has produced a number of positive results.
They immediately visited schools, businesses, community centres and care homes to build relationships and increase visibility.
A spate of vandalism in Carnoustie was addressed by visiting school assemblies to work with young people in tackling the behaviour.
“This was not an attempt to simply identify and punish those involved,” said PS Christopher Grieve, who nominated the duo.
“It was an educational experience for the young people, identifying the impact their behaviour was having on the community and attempting to get to the root cause.”
The two PCs have also worked with the elderly community, visiting care homes and sheltered housing to address key concerns of local people.
They identified a lack of social media presence by police in the area, prompting them to create pages where residents and businesses could find them, and initiated training for other officers.
PS Grieve added: “I have never worked with a more dedicated and enthusiastic pair of officers. Their commitment is second to none.”
UNSUNG HERO AWARD
Sponsored by
FINALIST
PS JANIE HARMAN | EDINBURGH
Sergeant with military values who ‘always brings something to the table’
A sergeant in Edinburgh who joined the force after a career in the armed forces maintains her military standards “to this day”.
PS Janie Harman has a range of accomplishments under her belt, achieved since becoming a police officer in 2007.
A prime example is her work tackling motorbike theft, a problem which worsened across the capital in 2022.
After extensive research she established that Dutch and German tourists visiting the city were the most likely victims.
As such, she worked with foreign police and port authorities to get bespoke safety messages to bikers and developed security advice in different languages.
The following year, motorbike theft fell by 50 per cent, and her tactics were replicated by other divisions across Scotland.
Colleagues said it was typical of her work ethic and commitment that the project reaped results.
PI Gordon Duff, who nominated her, added that she “always prioritises the welfare of her team and colleagues above all else”.
“Janie always brings something to the table,” he said.
“Her outstanding performance as a manager, her passion and dedication to constantly improving the organisation’s approach to crime prevention, and the example she sets for those around her are deserving of recognition.”
FINALIST
PC SAMANTHA HOGG | DUNDEE
‘Role model’ officer devoted to youth volunteer project
A Dundee police officer has won the praise of young people and their families for her commitment to working with teens in the city.
PC Samantha Hogg is a co-ordinator for Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV) – a project which involves local young people in community initiatives –while remaining connected with frontline police duties. She has embarked on a range of projects to help reduce disorder and positively engage young people from a range of backgrounds.
That includes ‘Mission Impossible’ – a scheme that saw a number of local agencies laying on a community football event on Bonfire Night to distract local teens from becoming embroiled in anti-social behaviour. Her work also allows her to nurture the next generation, encouraging them to become adult volunteers, special constables or even fully-fledged police officers.
When younger members miss PSYV meet-ups, Samantha would follow up individually “to ensure they are OK, reminding them of their commitment to the team”.
FINALIST
ALISTAIR SHIELDS | EAST LOTHIAN
Late special constable who gave 45 years to policing in Scotland
An East Lothian special constable, who recently passed away, has been hailed by colleagues for his commitment to policing.
Alistair Shields followed up 30 years in the police force by volunteering as a special constable for a further 15 years.
PS Elise Wilson, who nominated her for the award, said: “Sam is undoubtedly seen as a positive role model by the young people, their parents and the partners who are lucky enough to have contact with her and the wider team.
“She takes little if any credit for her actions and instead focuses on celebrating the success of her team.”
The Musselburgh man worked in East Lothian and in Edinburgh, and had a particular speciality in refining techniques relating to airport-style bag and body searches.
He designed the search regime which is still in practice at the Scottish Parliament, and even visited the US to provide input for the Secret Service.
His dedication to the “search community” continued over the years, imparting training and advice to younger officers.
In 1993, he was commended for tackling a man armed with a crossbow, and later for his work to trace missing people suffering from dementia.
Away from policing, he was an “integral part” of Scottish and UK swimming, where he served as a referee and trainer for technical officials.
PS David Cuthbert, who nominated him, said: “After 30 years of service Alistair decided he still wanted to give more as a special constable for nearly 15 more years.
“His generosity of spirit and relentless enthusiasm was inspiring, yet he remained humble and grounded, happy knowing he was doing his utmost to help others.”