Scottish Police Federation Annual Awards 2021

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WELCOME After the unprecedented challenges of the last 2 years it has never been more important for us to pause and reflect on what it is to be a police officer.

To this end, this year’s Scottish Police Federation Awards have had a major refresh where we recognise not only bravery but the other characteristics that make remarkable police officers. Not only have we stripped back policing to hone in on the behaviours, skills and personalities that we recognise as exceptional, but our emphasis has also been on making these “our members’ awards”.

Over 100 nominees have been put forward by their colleagues for what they have accomplished and because it shows as a service that “it’s what we are”.

Each finalist demonstrates the best in policing and they should take pride in the recognition and acknowledgement that their peers chose to spotlight their achievements amongst so many other high quality entries.

This is an event that unashamedly celebrates policing and the men and women who deliver it.

DAVID HAMILTON SPF CHAIR

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR FINALISTS INDIVIDUAL BRAVERY AWARD Clare Chalmers Glynn Powell TEAM BRAVERY AWARD Alan Evans, Ross Hardie & Nathan Currie Glenn Coletta & Josh McCorry Alison Davis, James Will & Dayle Crawford UNSUNG HERO AWARD Ross Blain Lily Laing COMMUNITY COMMITMENT AWARD Sarah Hall Tony Lawrence Bradley O’Neill SPF CHAIR’S AWARD Cameron Wandrum & David Whyte COPS’ COP OF THE YEAR AWARD David McIntyre Carla O’Neill Andrew Peter

INDIVIDUAL BRAVERY AWARD WINNER

CLARE CHALMERS

Clare Chalmers faced down a knife-wielding man alone and took a female assault victim to safety, even though the nearest help was an hour-and-a-half away. The police constable from the village of Bunessan was called to reports of a violent male at a home in the remote south part of the Isle of Mull. There, she found a female covered in blood who said she had been assaulted by a man in the property. She tracked down the accused in another room hiding under a duvet, at which point he produced two knives at the officer. Despite knowing assistance was so far away, she removed the weapons from the man and took the woman to safety. As there are no tasers on the island, PC Chalmers had to use pepper spray. She remained on the scene long into the following morning. A helicopter later arrived to arrest the man, who pleaded guilty and received an eight-month jail sentence.

Her SPF representative Karen Cameron said: “Despite the very clear dangers and threats of harm, PC Chalmers used her tactical skills to neutralise the threat enough to recover the weapons and the female from within the house. If she had not been so courageous the female could have been taken hostage, harmed further, perhaps seriously injured or worse. PC Chalmers was aware of the danger the suspect posed and went alone to ensure the safety of the victim knowing any assistance was hours away.”

FINALIST

GLYNN POWELL A toddler who fell into deep water at an Edinburgh dock was saved by DC Glynn Powell who dived in to bring her ashore. He was alerted by a pensioner shouting for help after she had spotted the three-year-old girl floating in the water. She had thrown life aides in, but the child was unable to hold onto them and went under the water. DC Powell jumped into the sea from height, swam to the motionless toddler and carried her on his back to safety. She was immediately placed in the recovery position and, after being given first aid, began vomiting and soon regained consciousness. Paramedics arrived to take her to the Sick Kids Hospital where she spent the night before being released home.

The child had left her home unnoticed while her mother attended to a sibling who had sustained an injury.

His SPF representative Christopher Richardson said the water into which the detective jumped was deep enough for ships to enter the dock.

“DC Powell did not require any medical treatment, however, this was clearly a very traumatic experience for him and he risked his own life by entering these dangerous waters in such circumstances,” he said.

DC Powell is a true hero showing great courage conducting a selfless act on instinct. Many heroic acts in the police can be dismissed by colleagues as part of your job role. However, this is not one of those examples and is truly heroic, and beyond what most would do or even think to do, putting another life above one’s self.”

TEAM BRAVERY AWARD WINNERS

ALISON DAVIS, JAMES WILL AND DAYLE CRAWFORD

Three constables – Alison Davis, James Will and Dayle Crawford - attended a tragic scene in a family home where one man lay dead while the suspect hid within the kitchen. They received reports of a disturbance in rural Aberdeenshire in the early hours of the morning. A householder who allowed a man who was being chased to take refuge had been fatally stabbed, and when police arrived his wife was desperately trying to save his life. Meanwhile, the killer and the man who had hidden in the home were still in the property, along with the victim’s teenage daughter. Despite the severity and uncertainty of the situation, the trio managed to locate the suspect – who was later found guilty of murder. After several minutes they managed to get the victim to release the knife he’d used in the killing and detain him. They then searched for the man who had been chased, but he had escaped from a bathroom window. The officers were then able to secure the area, ensure the daughter was safe and administer first aid, all while preserving vital evidence which was later used in the court case.

SPF representative Caroline Macnaughton said: “These officers were acutely aware that they were entering a volatile scenario where a male had been stabbed, the armed perpetrator and an accomplice were still potentially present and that vulnerable witnesses and the victim remained within the locus. In unprecedented circumstances they balanced their own safety against the needs of the victim and his family.”

FINALISTS

ALAN EVANS, ROSS HARDIE AND NATHAN CURRIE Three police officers in Dunoon – Alan Evans, Ross Hardie and Nathan Currie – tackled a “deranged” man who repeatedly attacked and threatened to kill them. The police constables were called to an address in the town earlier this year where a woman said her partner was in the living room and “may be aggressive”. He struck PC Hardie on the leg, at which point PCs Evans and Currie rushed to his support. The man then made several attempts to attack the two remaining officers, and evaded attempts by the officers using pepper spray to remove the knife from him. He was described as “enraged and shouting through gritted teeth and appeared completely deranged”. The officers had requested emergency assistance but, as they were the only on duty police in the area, knew it would be some time in arriving. Despite that, they continued to tackle the man who threw his knife, narrowly missing them.

Using batons they were eventually able to wrestle him to the ground and arrest him, ending the danger to themselves and the wider public on a busy Saturday morning. Even at the police station the man continued to outline his intention of killing the officers.

Their SPF representative Ian Florence said: “The bravery and commitment of these three officers cannot be understated. At no point during this incident was there any opportunity to adopt the force policy to contain and negotiate as the subject continually engaged the police, requiring them to utilise safety training and PPE to prevent serious harm to not only themselves, but also to the wider public in a densely populated housing estate during the late morning.”

GLENN COLETTA AND JOSH McCORRY Glenn Coletta and Josh McCorry survived a machete attack and helped ensure each other and the wider public were kept safe during a savage and unprovoked assault. The response officers were returning a youth to a block of flats in Lanarkshire when they were approached by a drunk, abusive male. He continued to pester the officers, who were in the process of dealing with the juvenile. When PC Coletta went to speak to the man about his behaviour, he appeared in the close with a large machete in his hand. He immediately attacked PC Coletta, cutting deeply into his hand. He managed to fend the attacker off and escaped through a window. PC McCorry rushed to assist his colleague and was struck in the head with the same machete, causing a large cut. Despite this he stayed on his feet to struggle with the male while PC Coletta, who was also badly injured, returned to the scene to help rescue PC McCorry. By this point other crews had arrived to apprehend the attacker, who was taken to court and convicted. Both officers were taken to hospital and treated for their injuries.

SPF representative Ian Florence said: “Both officers displayed amazing bravery in the face of a male assaulting them with a machete.

Despite their injuries they made sure that each other was safe.”

UNSUNG HERO AWARD WINNER

ROSS BLAIN

The presence of PC Ross Blain in his beat of Kirkintilloch is so significant that he is hugely popular among fellow officers and the community. Described as the “archetypal beat cop”, he has contributed immensely to the local area for the past decade. He is held in high regard both by new officers who are starting out in their career, and experienced detectives who regularly call on his input and expertise for serious and complex cases.

His persistence and attention to detail recently resulted in the apprehending of a male suspected of a sexual crime against a vulnerable female. And despite the seriousness of the work he takes on, colleagues say he always turns up with a smile on his face and “regularly uses his sense of humour to brighten colleagues’ days”. The community officer takes “personal responsibility” for his beat, and makes it “his mission” to solve crimes which take place there.

His SPF representative Ian Florence said: “Ross’s supervisors can rely on him to undertake difficult and complex tasks, secure in the knowledge that these will be pursued with determination and vigour and that, while doing so, he will impart his sound methodology, ensuring that his colleagues learn and develop as a result. He goes out of his way to help his colleagues, especially those younger in the service, and he will often volunteer to introduce new officers to the local area and show them the ropes. A humble individual, Ross never seeks praise for himself but rather is satisfied that his efforts benefit the team and the community he serves.”

FINALIST

LILY LAING Lily Laing is the “epitome of what a Special Constable stands for” – after clocking 970 hours in the last year. That is despite holding down a full-time job and caring for her disabled husband. Having volunteered for 23 years, she is now one of the most trusted figures when it comes to the policing of Edinburgh’s busy Holyrood Park. Her duties there range from co-ordinating members of the Royal Family who arrive at the nearby Palace of Holyroodhouse by helicopter, to helping with missing person searches and rescue operations around Arthur’s Seat. SC Laing also played a pivotal role in safeguarding the park from the risk of blazes caused by fireworks, writing an operational order in 2005 which is still followed now. That includes regularly visiting schools and university accommodation in the area to press home the danger of setting off fireworks around the park. During the pandemic she helped probationer police officers who were sent to the area. She is trusted and respected by senior police figures and local people in the community alike.

SPF representative Neill Whiteside said: “That is just her nature; always looking for the best in people, constantly looking to help and encourage.

She is the epitome of what a Special Constable stands for. She is an absolute mine of knowledge and works closely with her full-time colleagues, passing on her learning and years of skills and experience. I personally learned a lot from working with her and wouldn’t hesitate to rely on her in the future.”

COMMUNITY COMMITMENT AWARD WINNER

BRAD O’NEILL

In little over a year, Community Beats Officer Brad O’Neill has made a significant impact on an area of high deprivation. His work has helped ensure people with varying challenges have become re-engaged in society and had their lives transformed by his generosity. During the Covid pandemic he received reports of a child who hadn’t signed in for online lessons while schools were closed. As a result, PC O’Neill visited the home to find the family could not afford an internet connection, so immediately arranged for a local charity to install a free wifi hub. That enabled the child to return to school and become fully engaged in education. Other examples of his work include repairing the bike of a single mother for whom it was her only form of transport; organising a book collection for a primary school which was running low on reading material; and taking a local male with learning difficulties out for lunch after he’d become withdrawn following an assault. And PC O’Neill’s work goes well beyond simply community benefit. His commitment to being an on-street presence in Inverness helped detect a rape and a serious assault.

SPF representative Ross Polworth said: “In this short time PC O’Neill has made a positive impact within the community and improved the area’s relationship with Police Scotland. He has been involved in a number of initiatives to help the area and individuals that go well beyond his role. In addition to the examples provided, PC O’Neill has also assisted and carried out numerous other selfless acts that go well beyond his duty and are worthy of recognition.”

FINALISTS

SARAH HALL PC Sarah Hall has worked in north Edinburgh for 14 years, helping everyone in the area from young children to elderly residents. The community officer introduces herself to pupils in primary one and works with them all the way through their school journey. That commitment allows PC Hall and her fellow officers to have ongoing contact with young people in the area as they grow up, including working with local clubs. At the other end of the age scale, she regularly visits care homes and supported accommodation in the area, arranging for visits of the local police station in Drylaw for elderly residents. In 2019 she set up a Community Alcohol Partnership which brought together professionals, businesses and young people to work on the impact of alcohol and anti-social behaviour. She is also involved in a pilot project to recover unclaimed pedal bikes in the area and pass them onto local community groups. That initiative provides bicycle maintenance training to young people which enables them to work towards a recognised qualification.

PC Hall’s SPF representative Stephen Neilson said: “Sarah regularly patrols her beat on foot covering many miles per day, engaging with locals and identifying and fixing issues in the area. The community appreciate having a consistent and familiar visible police presence to allow strong relationships to form with the knowledge that they can approach Sarah with concerns. Sarah is the epitome of an unsung community officer, walking miles per day, forming relationships, building trust and making a real difference to people’s lives.”

TONY LAWRENCE

The unique policing style of PC Tony Lawrence has been a huge success across the north of Edinburgh for almost two decades. Known as ‘Tattoo Tony’ by locals, the community officer has worked on forging relationships during a difficult period for the communities of Granton and Wardieburn, especially helping to persuade young people away from a life of crime and encouraging them to pursue employment opportunities instead. He hit the headlines five years ago when he brought his own skateboard to a skatepark in order to engage and talk with local young people. He is trained as a drugs awareness officer and in off-road motorbiking, allowing him to help address issues relating to motorbikes in the area. He recently received his long service email from the Chief Constable to recognise his 20 years of service to policing. Prior to working in Edinburgh he served in Strathclyde Police for three years.

His SPF representative Stephen Neilson said: “Being a known face for many years has assisted in gaining the trust and confidence of people within the area. Local knowledge and understanding of families has assisted Tony in being able to help guide many young people away from crime and towards a positive future in employment. Through his unique policing style, appearance and personal interests such as skateboarding/biking he has been able to captivate the attention of both older and younger people alike. Tony is a very passionate and creative officer and will go to great lengths to help his community.”

SPF CHAIR’S AWARD 2021 WINNERS

CAMERON WANDRUM AND DAVID WHYTE

Police officers David Whyte and Cameron Wandrum were the first on the scene of a mass stabbing in Glasgow which hit the headlines across the UK. The Police Constables had no idea what they were going into when they arrived at the Park Inn Hotel on West George Street in June last year. They were on patrol with probationers when they responded to the call and witnessed several people who had been severely injured in the hotel foyer. Despite the obvious danger of the situation, and having only one taser between them, PCs Whyte and Wandrum immediately set about finding the man responsible, who was believed to be hiding in one of the hotel’s rooms. Soon after, the male responsible for the attacks began a frenzied blade attack on PC Whyte, striking him on the head and body numerous times, leaving him with significant injuries. Despite the injuries sustained, he still managed to pull out his taser, but its deployment failed as he was too close to the perpetrator. PC Wandrum, who had gone to attend a separate disturbance in the hotel, rushed back after hearing his colleague could be in trouble. He managed to get PC Whyte to a safe place as other units arrived to take over the incident.

SPF Chair David Hamilton said, “This terrible incident thrust Glasgow into the worldwide news agenda and shocked not just the people of Glasgow but across Scotland too.

“For police officers though, it was the bravery that David and Cameron displayed in the initial response that really struck home. They ran into danger as others fled.

“They knew the risks and had seen the horrific consequences of the attacks yet continued, unarmed, into the hotel to try and protect others and stop further casualties.

“There can be few more courageous actions that a police officer can do than put their life on the line to help others.”

COPS’ COP OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER

DAVID McINTYRE

The work ethic and dedication of dog handler David McIntyre has been praised by fellow officers across the west of Scotland. The constable repeatedly volunteers to attend high-risk incidents, often before he has even been asked. His response has led to a number of serious crimes being detected and vulnerable people being brought to safety. Examples include finding a female at risk of suicide during heavy snowfall with the help of his dog and tracing a vulnerable teenager in Glasgow. Being first on the scene is a common theme in his record of achievement, including when he saved the life of a man who had overdosed on drugs despite the high-risk environment he entered. With the help of his dog, he also found the culprit of a serious road accident in Glasgow who had been hiding in a garden following the incident. The perpetrator was badly injured, meaning Constable McIntyre also had to ensure he received urgent medical attention. The man ended up being sentenced to five years in prison.

SPF representative David Taylor said: “A common acknowledgement from nominees is that David regularly volunteers to attend and assist at incidents despite being aware he may be the first officer at the locus pending the arrival of other colleagues. Colleagues additionally have nominated David for his professionalism and his personality when dealing with members of the public. It is quite apparent to the nominees that David sets a high standard to his role which they aspire to and appreciate.”

FINALISTS

CARLA O’NEILL Family Liaison Officer Carla O’Neill regularly goes above and beyond the call of duty in one of policing’s most emotionally challenging roles.

She works incredibly hard to ensure bereaved families get the utmost care and attention, and often deals with crisis moments on her days off and long after her shift finishes. Her work with families who have suffered the death of a child is particularly notable. Examples include carrying a deceased child from an ambulance into a mortuary after medical staff refused to do so, to ensure the child was provided with dignity and care after their death. In another instance DC O’Neill attended a mortuary on her day off to ensure memento samples could be collected from a child, bringing great comfort to his grief-stricken mother. She always makes herself available to grieving families on days off, evenings and weekends, and is often dealing with more than one family at a time.

SPF representative Ian Florence said: “The role of Family Liaison Officer is an essential part of policing, providing a link between the family and investigating officers. They are often put under extreme pressure from families who have suffered a major loss. DC O’Neill always makes herself available to assist other officers, taking time to answer any questions or concerns they may have. She also shadows other officers’ deployments to provide guidance, advice and support, with the wellbeing of the family always at the centre of her approach.”

ANDREW PETER Constable Andrew Peter’s compassion for other officers doesn’t just extend to helping them on the job – he goes out of his way to check on their mental health too. Known as Drew, the officer based in Aberdeen is widely praised among colleagues in the north-east for his selflessness.

One officer has even told how Drew saved his life after spotting signs of concern while they were out on a job. They had attended a domestic incident during which the nominating officer was making uncharacteristic mistakes and “not being myself”. He spoke to him immediately after the job then continued the conversation at home on the phone to encourage him to get the help he needed. The officer said: “I don’t know how much worse that could have got if it wasn’t for Drew.

He saved my life.” There are numerous examples of Drew going out to help colleagues on jobs long after his shift has finished.

SPF representative David Threadgold said: “Drew never fails to cheer everyone in the office up when they’re feeling down with a funny story or uncanny impression. Any time I’ve seen Drew interact with members of the public they immediately warm to him, which is testament to his work ethic and how seriously he takes the job. Drew is one of the most intuitive people I’ve ever met – he knows when something’s wrong and he makes it his business to help wherever or however he can.”