The “commitment, initiative and bravery” of Police Scotland officers and staff, as well as partner organisations and members of the public, was recognised at the body’s headquarters in Tulliallan.
Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM presented 29 Bravery awards to 34 police officers, 24 members of the public – and two police dogs.
Among those receiving bravery awards was Alan Rae, who was delivering a driving course to police officers in Aberdeen when an empty van began to roll backwards down a hill towards university and mosque buildings.
Next, police staff member Alan Rae is recognised for stopping a moving van with no driver within. While it rolled down a hill he entered the driver’s side & brought it safely to a stop. Alan’s quick thinking & intervention averted a potentially serious incident. #PolScotAwards pic.twitter.com/IttG4TADgj
— Police Scotland (@policescotland) February 28, 2020
He was able to catch up to the moving vehicle, get inside and bring it to a stop, avoiding a potentially serious incident.
Mr Livingstone also presented excellence awards in 11 categories, including Greatest Contribution to Policing Priorities and Policing Partner of the Year.
Policing Partner of the Year was presented to Sarah Finnegan from Barnardo’s for the RISE Project, a two-year pilot project in Aberdeen and Dundee which has been designed to address the Scottish Government’s National Action Plan to prevent and tackle child sexual exploitation.
Greatest Contribution to Policing Priorities was won by the North East Division Cuckooing Project, the Team of the Year was the Skye & Lochalsh Policing Team, Highland & Islands Division, and Major Investigation Team (MIT) West and Special Constable of the Year went to Mike Flaherty of the North East Division.
Cuckooing is a form of crime where drug dealers take over the home of a vulnerable person and use it as a base for drug dealing. A North East Division project was developed to raise awareness of this & to provide support to vulnerable people in the community. #PolScotAwards pic.twitter.com/MPCM0WOe5Q
— Police Scotland (@policescotland) February 28, 2020
Mr Livingstone said: “Policing is a challenging and rewarding vocation, which unites us through a shared sense of public service, and I hear every day, about the work of professional and compassionate people who are dedicated to improving the lives of their fellow citizens.
“I believe this to be the single most important thing we must all remember as police officers and staff: we are there to serve the public.
“We are the public and the public are the police.
“Therefore, it is absolutely right and proper for the dedication of our officers and staff to be publicly acknowledged, and at the same time commend members of the public for the selfless acts of bravery and courage which have made a significant contribution to others and their communities.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our winners and nominees today and thank them all for their efforts.”
Tom Halpin from @ScotPolAuth says “Today’s awards ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate just a few of the selfless acts which keep the citizens of Scotland safe” #PolScotAwards pic.twitter.com/ifsIqP3fLh
— Police Scotland (@policescotland) February 28, 2020
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf was equally effusive about those commended.
He said: “While the acts of bravery that are being recognised are exceptional, courage is often present in policing across the country.
“Police officers and staff are ordinary men and women who go above and beyond what is expected of them, often facing challenging and difficult situations.”
