Bravery and excellence recognised at chief constable’s awards ceremony

Bravery Award winner Linda Sinclair, an adept sea swimmer, was near Inganess Beach, Orkney when she became aware of a distressed female in the water. She immediately contacted emergency services providing critical information for a timely response.

Ms Sinclair then entered the water, swam out to the female and formed an immediate connection with her, encouraging the female out of the water to safety.

Police Scotland said “Linda’s selflessness, determination and empathy is testament to her character which undoubtedly saved the female’s life”.

Bravery Award winners Constables Arron McCall, Paul Griffiths and another officer attended a report of a domestic incident in Midlothian. The officers entered the property and, without warning, a man armed with a knife immediately stabbed and slashed Constable McCall on both arms.

Despite bleeding heavily from his injuries and in significant pain, Constables McCall and Griffiths and their colleague restrained and disarmed the violent male.

“The officers showed great bravery and professionalism during this violent and challenging incident,” said Police Scotland.

Other people recognised in Chief Constable Jo Farrell’s Bravery and Excellence Awards, which are sponsored by Police Mutual, included members of the public who rescued people from a burning house and a crashed car that had burst into flames, and a person who selflessly pulled someone to safety off a bridge ledge during a suicide attempt.

The Excellence Awards recognised individuals and teams across Scotland.

Among those recognised was the Greater Glasgow Child Abuse Investigations Unit, which worked tirelessly during Operation Woodwhite, Police Scotland’s investigation of systematic serious sexual abuse and neglect by a paedophile ring spanning several years.

“Throughout one of the most challenging investigations officers have faced, the team worked with professionalism and commitment to secure eight convictions and justice for the young victims,” Police Scotland said.

Individual award winners included probationer of the year Constable Hannah Higgins who has “demonstrated fearlessness in the most challenging of incidents in such a short space of time”.

Dr Kate Mairs was recognised as member of staff of the year for her work to improve the probationer training curriculum at the Scottish Police College, Tulliallan. Over the past 18 months she has led significant changes to the structure and delivery of the programme, and has embedded equality, diversity, inclusion and human rights into training.

Ms Farrell said: “Every year, these awards highlight the bravery and excellence that is shown day-in and day-out throughout Scotland. They remind us all of the incredible work our colleagues and members of the public do to keep our communities safe and thriving, often putting themselves in the face of danger to save someone else.

“Reading the nominations, powerful illustrations of bravery and inspiring examples of skill, professionalism and dedication, has been a great pleasure and a real highlight of my year.

“I want to congratulate all the winners and nominees for the valuable contribution to our communities and policing.”

Kerry McMahon-White, managing director of awards sponsor Police Mutual, said: “These awards demonstrate the extraordinary levels of professional commitment that goes on across Scotland to protect communities and keep the public safe, in the most demanding of circumstances.

“Police Mutual has supported the police family for over 150 years and we are always humbled by the outstanding demonstrations of courage and dedication to the job.

“The nominees are not only a credit to their families, friends and communities, but also to Police Scotland and the wider police service.”

The winners were honoured during a ceremony at Police Scotland Headquarters on Thursday night (February 27).