Excellence among serving officers and civilians involved with Tayside Police in Angus has been recognised.
Tayside joint police board convener Ian Mackintosh and Tayside Police Assistant Chief Constable Angela Wilson presented a string of awards in recognition of innovation, creativity and sustained commitment to the force.
The special constable of the year accolade was awarded to Richard Martin for his contribution to the Montrose area where he has gained a high profile.
He was particularly praised for being instrumental in persuading youths to engage in organised diversionary activities and his extensive knowledge of the area and its residents, which is tapped into by regular officers.
On the crime investigation front, PC Jon Neate and Detective Constable Keir Smith were recognised for their work over a three-month period into housebreakings and other crimes of dishonesty, particularly in the Arbroath area.
Their diligence and determination led to eight people being reported to the procurator fiscal, with 27 crimes of dishonesty detected and numerous items of property were recovered and returned to their owners.
Their work was described as having had a positive impact on public safety and reassurance within the local community, as well as contributing significantly towards excellent divisional detection and crime reduction rates.
Montrose PC Derek Mitchell was honoured as the eastern division officer of the year in recognition of his commitment and enthusiasm as the local community officer.
He was described as a well-known and respected officer who has played a key role in the instigation, development and delivery of numerous crime prevention initiatives and youth diversionary activities, and a role model for other officers.35-year serviceCarnoustie police station assistant Patricia Gray received the staff member of the year award for the commitment, enthusiasm and professionalism she has displayed over 35 years in the role.
Among her tasks has been the important and challenging role of managing lost property at major golf championships held at Carnoustie links, including the 2010 Senior British Open and the Dunhill Links Championships.
She was praised for providing a high standard of service and portraying a positive image of the police.
The division’s diversity champion of the year was Kirriemuir community PC Pam Colvin, who received the award in recognition of her consistently high level of commitment, where she tailors activities to meet the diverse needs of the local people.
Ms Colvin was instrumental in organising and running a local youth volunteering initiative in which young people, many with challenging backgrounds, tidied up gardens of elderly residents, leading to a much-improved level of cross-generation respect.
She was described as an inspiration to colleagues and is highly regarded by the local community for the genuine care and concern she displays on a daily basis.
Another civilian recipient, and winner of the partnership working award was Ian Pert, founder of the Angus Hedzup Racing Project, a scheme for local youngsters based around the running of a motorcycle race team.
With encouragement and support from Tayside Police and others, Mr Pert has worked with pupils from Angus secondary schools to instil a sense of loyalty, responsibility and respect within them, working towards attaining individual achievement awards, which has provided them with a basis for ongoing development and potential future employment.
Well respected by everyone in the project, Mr Pert is preparing for a major step forward with the team in a planned trip to the Manx grand prix.