A police sergeant who tackled New Psychoactive Substances in the community and a Special Constable from one of the country’s most rural beats have been honoured in an awards ceremony recognising the work of officers and staff across Scotland.
They were amongst the winners at the inaugural Scottish Policing Excellence Awards held today at the Police Scotland College at Tulliallan.
The Awards have been designed in partnership with the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) to recognise and reward excellence and innovation in policing. The Awards have been sponsored by Police Mutual.
Also among those receiving awards were:
- The Police Scotland Youth Volunteers who have deployed to more than 200 events country-wide
- An Inverness-based staff member whose interventions work helps combat bogus caller crime
- A community policing team from Lanarkshire whose work achieved a reduction in the sale of alcohol to under-age drinkers.
The event showcased the commitment, inspirational work and innovative projects under way across Police Scotland.
Chief Constable Phil Gormley, Justice Secretary Michael Matheson, SPA Chair Andrew Flanagan and Police Mutual Finance Director Ian Cordwell presented the winners with their awards.
The Chief Constable said: “It was an honour and privilege to meet both the winners and nominees today. The sheer breadth and scope of work being undertaken by officers and staff across Scotland, around the clock, with one focus – the safety of our communities – is truly inspiring.
“The officers and staff should be proud of their efforts – and the public should take pride in the work of the police service in their communities. These awards are in recognition of the tremendous dedication and contribution to public service from our officers, our staff and our volunteers.”
The awards were open to all police officers and members of staff of any rank or grade. Nominees were put forward by colleagues and peers as a reflection of their hard work, commitment and efforts in promoting the ethos and values of Police Scotland. Each category was whittled down to a three person shortlist, with all the finalists invited to today’s ceremony.
Mr Matheson said: “Today’s ceremony highlights the hugely important impact Police Scotland staff have on not only protecting Scotland’s communities, but making them better places to live. Their efforts in going above and beyond the call of duty are not always publicised, but they are always appreciated, and I commend all of the nominees and recipients involved in today’s ceremony.”
Mr Flanagan said: “The most valuable asset in Scottish policing is, without a doubt, its people. Police Scotland and the SPA have a highly motivated and committed workforce. We are in no doubt that the loyalty and flexibility shown by our officers and staff in the last three years has been the biggest contributor to the continuing quality of service delivered to our communities.
“The Scottish Policing Excellence Awards is an opportunity to acknowledge and reward outstanding work that our officers and staff are delivering across Scotland to keep people safe and strengthen our communities. It also allows us to celebrate and share the most innovative pieces of work that are having a positive impact on how we deliver policing in a world of ever-changing challenges.”
Sergeant Neil Wilson wins Police Officer of the Year
Police Officer of the Year is Sergeant Neil Wilson of E Division (Edinburgh), who has made a sterling contribution to tackling the sale and impact of New Psychoactive Substances, or so-called Legal Highs.
His results include securing the first forfeiture order in Scotland for NPS, reducing the availability of these harmful products. Sgt Wilson’s efforts have also contributed to the granting of a Temporary Drugs Class Order for methylphenidate.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
