Policing Awards
The first ever Local Policing Awards Ceremony took place in the Scottish Police College on Tuesday 30 September 2014.
The ceremony was hosted by Deputy Chief Constable Rose Fitzpatrick. She was joined by on the day by Chief Constable Sir Stephen House, Chair of the SPA Vic Emery, members of the senior management team and partner agencies.
The Local Policing Year One Awards were launched earlier this year to recognise innovative ideas and successful initiatives from the first year of Police Scotland. Over 300 submissions were received and the finalists in each category were invited to the ceremony.
Speaking about the awards, DCC Fitzpatrick said: “Local Policing is at the heart of everything we do. Across the country Police Scotland officers and staff work side by side with our partners every day to deliver the best possible policing service for our communities. I see many examples of innovative and creative initiatives which have been implemented to tackle specific local issues and keep people safe.
“It is important that we celebrate this exceptional work, not only to recognise the commitment of our colleagues, but also to build a resource of initiatives which can be used by officers and staff dealing with similar issues in other areas of the country.
“Congratulations to all our winners and finalists and thanks to everyone who took part and put their work forward. I was incredibly impressed by all the entries we received which totaled over 300. These local initiatives to cut crime and improve safety demonstrate the talent and professionalism of our officers and staff, and the continued commitment of Police Scotland to Local Policing.”
Dumfries and Galloway Division had a winner and a runner up in the awards. In the Consultation and Community Engagement category, the ‘Voluntary Breath Test – Wickerman Festival’ entry took the top spot. For a number of years now officers and staff in partner agencies attending the Wickerman Music Festival were on hand at the end of the festival to offer those leaving for home the opportunity to take a voluntary breath test to check on their fitness to drive after the weekend. The take up rate has increased year on year and allows drivers to be sure they are fit before taking to the roads on their way home.
In the Diversionary Projects category, the ‘Reel Em In’ initiative operated by the Annan Community Policing Team gained a Runner Up Award. This scheme takes eight young people who are at risk of school exclusion because of their truanting or antisocial behaviour and gives them an opportunity to try out fishing, whilst also offering advice and guidance on many topics including drugs, alcohol, healthy living and internet safety.
Local Area Commander Chief Superintendent Kate Thomson said “day after day officers across Dumfries and Galloway work hard to help keep our communities safe. Many initiatives implemented are designed to help keep our communities safe, and many work hand in hand with our partners across the region to achieve this. I am delighted that two of our initiatives from Dumfries and Galloway have been recognised in these national awards showing the commitment and dedication our officers have in providing what I would describe as a first class service to our communities.”
Those in the photograph are , left to right Chief Inspector John Thomson, Constable Derek Hughes, Detective Constable Scott Jardine, Chief Superintendent Kate Thomson, Inspector Ian Cowie and Sergeant Jim McLatchie.
