Our People

Core Operational Solutions - Excellence Awards 

The Core Operational Solutions (COS) Insight team received an award at the Elastic Excellence Awards for the Insight Search function.  Insight is a search tool designed to give fast access to information and allows officers to search across a number of source systems, including the Interim Vulnerable Persons Database (iVPD) and The Protection of Vulnerable Groups Database (PVG) instantaneously.

In addition to helping officers deal with complex situations the technology also ensures that assistance is provided to vulnerable members of the public as quickly as possible.  

Receiving this endorsement from the worldwide technology community is testament to the hard work put in by all the members of the team.

National Police Chief's Council Award 

Police Constable Carly Fulton and her Police Dog Ben won the NPCC ‘Dog Team of the Year’ award at Crufts on Sunday 12 March.

In August 2022 Carly and her Police Dog were searching for a missing woman, and working over difficult and uneven terrain.  During the search, Carly lost her footing, breaking her heel bone and tearing ligaments in her ankle and foot.  Despite this, Carly continued on her hands and knees to search for the woman, and found her. 

This award illustrates the level of commitment shown by our police officers and staff who provide crucial support to local policing and communities.  

Recruitment 

On 24 February I was delighted to welcome almost 190 new officers into policing at the Oath of Office ceremony at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan. 

Policing is a hugely rewarding vocation in which officers help our fellow citizens every day, right across Scotland. Making the Declaration of Constable is a significant day in the lives and careers of those who join this vital public service. 

I thank everyone who makes that important commitment to work for the benefit of others and to keep people safe.  I am also grateful to the families and loved ones who support them.

Police Officer Promotions 

In February, we marked the largest Promotion Parade in the history of Police Scotland.  One promotion parade was held over three ceremonies in the one week to formally promote 305 Police Officers, and formally recognise 105 members of Police Staff who had been promoted since June 2022. 

Effective leadership is vital, and I congratulate each officer and staff member on their personal achievement and wish them all the best in their new roles.

Senior Leadership Appointment 

On Monday 27 February, along with SPA Chair Martyn Evans, I was delighted to formally welcome ACC Wendy Middleton when she was sworn in as a Police Scotland officer at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan.  Her oath of office was overseen by Justice of the Peace David Donaldson.

ACC Middleton will lead the Criminal Justice portfolio within the Local Policing command area.