Our People

Race Equality Week 

Race Equality Week is an annual UK-wide awareness event uniting thousands of organisations and individuals to address the barriers to race equality in the workplace.  The overall theme for 2023, set by organisers Race Equality Matters, is ‘It’s Everyone’s Business’.    

A number of events were organised for colleagues of all ranks across the country including the launch of the Race Equality and Cultural Heritage Forum (REACH) for minority ethnic officers of rank, an event for Divisional Commanders on Inclusive Leadership hosted by the University of Glasgow, a ‘Talk Truth to Power Update’ session and an online event for colleagues providing advice on how they can ensure their service delivery is inclusive and accessible.

Police Scotland remains committed to achieving and promoting an organisational culture where people are treated with dignity and in line with our core values of integrity, fairness and respect.

Chief Constable's Bravery and Excellence Awards 

On Friday 10 February, it was my pleasure to host the first in person ceremony of the Chief Constable’s Bravery and Excellence Awards following the pandemic.  These awards illustrate the bravery and professionalism demonstrated by police officers and staff across Scotland every day.  I am grateful for their commitment to public service and dedication to duty.

Equally, effective policing is enabled and enhanced by our bond with the public and the trust and support of our communities.  It was a privilege to recognise the bravery of our fellow citizens who stepped forward with courage when need arose and to welcome nominees, recipients and their families to Headquarters and offer my personal thanks and congratulations. 

Police Scotland Officers Honoured 

Three former and current Police Scotland officers were recognised for their outstanding public service in His Majesty’s New Year Honours.

Former Deputy Chief Constable Will Kerr OBE, Chief Superintendent Sean Scott, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh City, and recently retired Chief Superintendent Sharon Milton, will receive the King’s Police Medal (KPM) for services to policing.

The awards recognise the outstanding professionalism and commitment to public service demonstrated by each of the recipients throughout their careers, and are reflective of the commitment and dedication shown by officers and staff throughout Scotland on a daily basis.  

Senior Leadership Appointments 

Following a series of competitive selection processes, I was pleased to welcome a number of senior appointments into the Senior Leadership Team.

Jane Connors QPM, previously Temporary Deputy Assistant Commissioner with the Metropolitan Police has been appointed as Deputy Chief Constable (DCC). 

Two Assistant Chief Constables have also been appointed, David Duncan, previously a Chief Superintendent with Police Scotland, and Wendy Middleton, previously a Chief Superintendent with Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Katy Miller has been appointed Director of People and Development, joining the organisation from a senior leadership post in City of Edinburgh Council.

Police Scotland has benefited from high quality appointments to key leadership roles in the Force Executive, and I have taken the opportunity to refresh a number of the portfolios to enable us to continue to respond to the demands upon policing and drive improvements for our officers and staff and the public we serve.

Police Officer Recruitment 

On Thursday 9 February, I thanked and congratulated over 300 probationary officers who had successfully completed their initial training course at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan.  The officers have now been deployed to communities across Scotland.  I wish every one of these recruits success as they embark on their fulfilling and rewarding careers in public service.

Performance Award 

Police Scotland’s Cybercrime Harm Prevention team has won a top security award for their Social Media: A Parent’s Guide initiative.

The team’s work was recognised in the Outstanding Police / Law Enforcement Initiative Category at the Cyber Outstanding Security Performance Awards (Cyber OSPAs).

Beating entries from organisations around the world, the panel of international judges were impressed by ‘A Parent’s Guide’ which has been widely shared with parents and carers.  The guide aims to educate parents and carers about social media, how young people use it and how it can influence a young person’s online behaviour.  It also raises awareness of the positive and negative effects of social media on mental health, wellbeing, and provides advice on staying safe online and things to look out for which may cause concern.