The outstanding work of two local police officers has been recognised at the third annual Scottish Policing Excellence Awards 2018 which took place recently at the Scottish Police College.
The awards are open to all police officers and members of staff of any rank or grade.
Nominees were proposed by colleagues and peers as a reflection of their hard work, commitment and effort in promoting the values and aims of Police Scotland. Each category was shortlisted by a judging panel consisting of members of Police Scotland’s Force Executive.
PC Emma Morris, who has worked at Craigmillar Response in Edinburgh since April 2016 was named ‘Probationary Constable of the Year’. The audience heard how Emma has become a very influential member of her team, working regularly with less experienced officers and providing guidance and support in a confident and composed manner.
She has led successful investigations across a range of crime types, many complex in nature and has a ‘can-do’ attitude, an abundance of enthusiasm and commitment along with skills and knowledge beyond her service.
Special Constable of the Year was awarded to Jake White from C3, based at Bilston Glen, Edinburgh.
Jake works as a communications controller within Bilston East ACR, but is also a Special Constable in his spare time.
He acts as a conduit between both roles and is able to provide each a better understanding of the challenges each face. Always positive in his approach he has helped galvanise two differing and often competing roles.
He has been a Special Constable for four years. During this time he has volunteered and assisted in a variety of departments including the Roads Policing Unit, Licensing and Public Protection Unit.
He regularly completes tours of duty with both Response and Community officers at various stations across E Division. As well as working his rest days he also uses his annual leave to complete further tours of duty.
The awards were presented by DCC Rose Fitzpatrick, Scottish Police Authority Chair Professor Susan Deacon, Police Mutual Chief Executive Stephen Mann and Relationship Manager Corinne Porter.
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said, “The individuals and teams within our police service go the extra mile every day and it is their devotion to public service, coupled with a willingness to innovate, that brings true excellence to policing in Scotland.
“I am always inspired by the work of police officers and staff members and I would like to thank all of this year’s winners and nominees for their contribution to our communities.”
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.
