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Welcome to the SPF website

The Scottish Police Federation represents all police officers in the ranks of constable, sergeant, inspector and chief inspector, police cadets and special constables; over 18,500 people, 98% of all police officers in Scotland.

Police Code Zero

After the success of Channel 5’s Police Code Zero: Officers Under Attack, they will be back for a second series and are looking for police officers to share their story and raise awareness of the assault’s officers deal with every day.

The production company are looking for incidents that have been caught on camera when officers have come under attack and have put out a radio call for urgent assistance.

Any officer who would be interested in taking part should seek permission from Police Scotland before applying.

Police Code Zero Trailer

If you wish us to pass your details to the production company you can do so through this form

 

Police officer left unable to hold her baby after being smacked around the head up to 30 times by violent thug

A brave police officer was left unable to hold her baby daughter after a violent thug battered her around the head up to thirty times.

PC Alison Laughlan had been responding to a street brawl in Maple Drive, Johnstone, on March 31 when Adam McManus launched the assault.

As the officer attempted to arrest the 26-year-old, who had already assaulted two of his neighbours in front of a child, he broke free and unleashed a vicious attack on her and her colleagues.

She was beaten around the head multiple times by the construction worker, who had a handcuff attached to one wrist.

Despite being hit with a baton and sprayed with Pava, McManus continued to fight officers and rugby tackled PC Laughlan before spitting in her face.

The vicious thug has now been jailed for three years after admitting four charges against him at Paisley Sheriff Court including assault to severe injury on PC Laughlan.

During sentencing, Sheriff Colin Pettigrew said: “Blows to the head, whether by punch or kick, can unfortunately be fatal.

“That they were not in this case was fortunate but you gave no thought to that.

“When the police arrived, your behaviour did not stop. If anything, it escalated.”

He also ordered McManus be placed under 12 month supervision following his release from prison due to the risk of harm he poses to the public.

(more…)

Special wellbeing room installed at divisional HQ in Dundee

A custody inspector has welcomed the addition of a designated wellbeing room at the divisional headquarters on West Bell Street, Dundee.

Inspector Marc Lorente, who is also a Scottish Police Federation rep, applied to have the relaxing space installed through the charity Police Care UK. 

After the application was granted, the charitable organisation set about sprucing up the room within the custody unit. 

They supplied all the furniture, including a sofa bed, which will allow custody officers and support staff to “recharge their batteries” during breaks on their shift. 

Inspector Lorente said: “Back at the beginning of the year, we had an input from the Police Care UK charity at a federation meeting. 

“They basically told us what they could do to help the police family, including support staff, and that they were also funding wellbeing rooms. 

“If anyone wanted to be considered for one, all they had to do was put in an application for it.

“I’m the custody Inspector in Dundee, where there is a total of 50 members of staff, and it’s a pretty stressful job for both support staff and police officers. 

“So I put an application in and it was successful. 

“The charity supplied all the goods and all they asked was to be given a room that was at least 2.5 x 2.5 metres with a black out blind fitted.

“They provided everything from the shelving unit to a sofa bed, the chair, soft furnishings, rubber plants, mood lighting and a lava lamps and a Bluetooth stereo system with a cordless headset. 

The relaxing space is now in place.

“The feedback from the staff has been excellent and they are very happy with it. (more…)

Butt to Barra cycle gives insight into rural policing in the Western Isles

Three Scottish Police Federation reps have taken part in a 180 mile cycling challenge through the Western Isles to raise money for local charities. 

James Thomson, Gordon Milne and Neil Cameron donned their lycra at the start line in the Butt of Lewis on July 10.

The trio were part of a 50 strong group of riders, including other representatives from the emergency services, who completed the three day ride which finished in Barra. 

As there are no SPF reps based on the islands, the group decided to pay visits to all the police stations on the route including Stornoway, Tarbet, Lochmaddy and Balivanich. 

They used the opportunity to listen to any concerns or comments police officers on the islands had about the challenges and benefits of rural policing. 

Neil Cameron, Gordon Milne and James Thomson.

James Thomson, deputy secretary of the SPF north area committee, said: “The morale seems pretty high amongst the troops, there are a lot of young in service officers just simply getting on with it.  

“Lone working has its own challenges, however all we spoke with were really keen and enthusiastic about their community.

“I was surprised at the number of ‘incomers’ who aren’t originally from the local area but who had chosen to move there to be police officers.

“They have fully embraced island life which is completely different to life on the mainland, which is wonderful to see. 

Gordon Milne, PC Colin Scott, James Thomson and Neil Cameron at Barra Police Station.

“There are unique challenges that the officers face on the islands but resourcing, being allowed away for training and days off here or there can be a bit of a struggle due to the uniqueness of the role and logistics.

“If you’re working on your own on an island, who provides the cover? 

“The offices we went into were in good condition and the vehicles seemed to be in good working order. I was  also really impressed with the officers when speaking to them. 

“They were really engaging, helpful and their general concerns are they don’t want to be forgotten about due to working in remote locations.

“They’re really keen for the SPF to support and visit them to listen to their concerns and they appeared to be really pleased to see a Full Time Office Bearer. “

He added: “I fully anticipate going back to visit more police officers in the community to get a better picture and understanding of what policing in the islands is like and what challenges they face and also replicate this across the North.  

“It was all local people that we did the cycle with and some who were originally from the islands but came back to do it. There were all different ages and abilities as well. 

“The oldest person was 68, he completed the journey on his mountain bike which was really impressive. 

“It was amazing to see so many different people come together to raise money for local charities. 

“At the last count, they were sitting at £17,000 raised or thereabouts. It was a terrific way to spend my annual leave.” 

James Thomson admitted to struggling at times.

The charities chosen to benefit from this year’s Butt to Barra cycle are Crossroads Lewis, the Bethesda Hospital and the Hebridean Men’s Cancer Support Group.

Cancer battle inspires police officers to tackle Three Peaks Challenge

A team of Forth Valley officers are set to tackle the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge in tribute to a much-loved colleague who is battling cancer. 

The nine intrepid explorers aim to scale the UK’s three highest mountains within just 24 hours during their mission next month. 

The officers were inspired to raise vital funds for Maggie’s Forth Valley after discovery that now-retired Sergeant Cameron Shanks had been diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer. 

Despite being given a life expectancy of just six to 10 months, Cameron, known as Cammy, has remained positive and is being supported by the lifeline charity. 

He said: “I have turned to Maggie’s for the help and support that I need, and I have to say, words do not describe how much their support helps to both me and my family.”

Cammy during his time with the force.

The father-of-four, who has more than 30 years service with the force, began his policing career as cadet before moving to join the dog unit.

After his retirement, Cammy spent the next 12 years training and developing new recruits at Scotland’s Police College at Tulliallan. 

He is married to wife Claire and recently welcomed his granddaughter Emily into the world. 

Cammy and his new grandchild Emily.

The retired sergeant is also well known within the local community for his DJ skills. 

After being moved by their well-respected colleague’s health battle, the team decided to take on their own challenge to help raise funds for the charity. 

The hike will begin on August 17 at the base of Ben Nevis near Fort William, where they will climb and descend the Munro.

They will then travel through the night to reach and climb Scafell Pike in the Lake District before heading off to tackle Snowdon in Wales. 

All going well, the team hopes to complete the challenge at around midday on August 18. 

All funds raised will be given to Maggie’s Forth Valley to help them continue to offer their support to people diagnosed with cancer. 

The team have also issued their heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors who have made the challenge possible.

To donate, please visit their JustGiving page.

National Police Memorial Day- Glasgow

A message from the Reverend Canon David Wilbraham
National Police Chaplain & Co-ordinator, National Police Memorial Day

NPMD is open to all

I recently took part in the naming and official opening of the Conference Suite at the main offices of the Police Federation of England & Wales (PFEW) in Leatherhead. The suite now named ‘The Paul McKeever Conference Suite’ acknowledges the contribution to policing made by Paul in his role as Chairman of the PFEW right up until his tragic and untimely death in January 2013, just one month away from his retirement.

Paul was a passionate advocate and supporter of National Police Memorial Day. For Paul, passionately committed to British policing, the day epitomised the admiration he had for the daily courage, commitment, bravery and dedication of all those who hold ‘the office of constable’.  An admiration, that for all of us in the police ‘family’, acquires a poignant and special focus when a colleague dies in the line of duty.

At the PFEW there is a National Police Memorial Day commemorative window which contains the words ‘Duty, Peace, Order and Loyalty’. This captures the virtues of British policing and the commitment of officers and staff have to the nations of the UK as they serve day by day, sadly sometimes paying the ultimate price. Attending the Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross Service of Remembrance in June was a moving reminder of the sacrifice made by many in Northern Ireland.

Each year National Police Memorial Day seeks not only to remember police officers who have been killed or died on duty, but also to demonstrate to relatives, friends and colleagues of fallen officers that their sacrifice is not forgotten and encourages the public to recognise the dedication to duty and courage displayed by police officers day by day.

This special day of remembrance is open to all to attend and I would encourage you to join with us for this year’s event.

I look forward to seeing you there.
David

NPMD 2019 will take place in Glasgow

Preparations for this year are well underway and we will look forward to welcoming those who have attended previous events as well as those who are attending for the first time.   We have seen an increasing number of visitors from overseas who we also look forward to meeting again.

There are still many who do not know that NPMD is open to all who wish to attend and we would like to seek your help in not only publicising the service but also, on our behalf, inviting others who are able to join with us.

The service will take place in Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall, Sunday 29 September

 

Built in 1990 for Glasgow’s reign as European City of Culture, the Royal Concert Hall sits in an iconic position right in the heart of the city’s bustling shopping district. There are plenty of hotels and a variety of transport links, which makes arranging travel and accommodation all the more easy.

Glasgow last hosted National Police Memorial Day in 2011.

You can find out more about the venue here.

A Reminder of 2018s NPMD in Belfast

Then Home Secretary Sajid Javid joined families, friends, colleagues, senior officers and government officials as they gathered to remember thousands of police officers who have died on duty or been killed in the line of duty as they were honoured at this year’s National Police Memorial Day which took place on Sunday 30 September at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast.

Nearly 2,000 guests were welcomed by a guard of honour formed by representatives from each force in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland as well as uniformed police officers from overseas forces.

The Reverend Canon David Wilbraham, National Police Chaplain, led the act of remembrance, during which Sid Mackay, Chair of the Police Roll of Honour, laid a wreath to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War and in memory of the police officers called to service, who lost their lives.

Representing Northern Ireland: Joseph Ferguson and Susan Ferguson O’Neill, brother and sister of Constable Michael John Ferguson, RUC, who was murdered by the IRA aged 21 years in 1993.

Representing Wales: Jayne Griffiths, wife of Constable Terence John Davies, Gwent Police, who died aged 34 years, cycling home after a tour of duty when he was hit by a stolen car which failed to stop.

Representing Scotland: Callum Alcock, son of Police Constable John Alcock, Grampian Police, who died aged 54 years, after having been in a coma for 14 years following a road traffic collision en route to Royal Protection duties at Balmoral.

Representing England: Samantha Dixon and Parker Cameron James Dixon, wife and son of PC James Dixon, Thames Valley Police, who was killed aged 39 years, when the police motorcycle he was riding was involved in a road traffic collision.

Mark Lindsay, Chair, Police Federation for Northern Ireland, read the names of the officers who have died in the last year:  Constable Steven Richard Jenkins, Gwent Police: Constable John Alcock, Grampian Police: Constable James Dixon, Thames Valley Police: Constable David Fields, South Yorkshire Police.

There was silence in the auditorium as green, blue and red petals of remembrance descended from the gallery before the Last Post was sounded.

You can view the highlights here.

Register to attend 2019

You can register by clicking here.

Tickets will also be sent to you [or your group leader] by e-mail. Admission into the event will be on the production of a valid ticket and appropriate photo-identification.

When registering a group, invitations can be sent out to one address, provided that all names and addresses reflect each guest’s form of identification that they will be asked to bring with them to gain access to the event (e.g. passport, driving licence).

Special Hotel Rates

DoubleTree By Hilton Glasgow Central 
IBIS STYLES Glasgow Centre George Square Ref: NPMD2019
IBIS STYLES Glasgow Centre West Ref:NPMD2019
Carlton George Hotel Ref: National Police Memorial Day

Memorial held for American special agent who died on-duty in Scotland

A memorial service for an American Secret Service special agent who tragically died whilst on duty in Scotland has been held on the one-year anniversary of his death. 

Nole Edward Remagen suffered a fatal stroke on July 15 last year whilst on protection detail during President Donald Trump’s visit to the Turnberry golf resort in Ayrshire. 

The 42-year-old former US Marine was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow but passed away two days later with his family by his side. 

Secret Service Special Agent Nole Remagen

The Police Roll of Honour Trust organised the memorial event, which was attended by colleagues of the fallen agent, as well as senior officials from Police Scotland and the Scottish Government. 

A memorial plaque was also unveiled in the entrance to the hotel and several floral wreaths were laid at the fountain outside.  

Colonel John Dalrymple-Hamilton OBE TD DL, Her Majesty’s Vice Lord Lieutenant of Ayshire and Arran, unveiled the plaque

Speaking on behalf of Mr Remagen’s family, Special Agent Tony Omato of the US Secret Service Presidential Protective Division, said: “Last July here in Turnberry, Nole was working the midnight protective shift, when he succumbed to a cerebral edema. 

“The support and expedient response provided to Nole by Police Scotland cannot be understated. 

“The reverence and respect that was bestowed upon Nole and his family by Police Scotland and Trump Turnberry personnel during these trying moments was truly remarkable and did not go unnoticed by anyone who bore witness to this tragic event.

“Nole truly died as he lived – surrounded by friends and in the service of the country that he loved. 

“Nole left behind his loving wife Tara, his son Evan and daughter Kate. Nole’s love for his family was endless and always something that he had cherished. 

Special Agent Tony Omato of the US Secret Service Presidential Protective Division spoke on behalf of Agent Remagen’s family

“Even while here in Turnberry, he purchased stuffed animals for his children. These gifts accompanied him and his family home to his final resting place. 

“Nole represented the best of what we hope our children will aspire to become. A loving husband, strong father and model citizen.”

Mr Ornato added:  “I’d like to convey my heartfelt appreciation for the respect that was afforded to Nole and his family. 

“You have honoured one of our own as if he was one of yours. We will carry the memory of that tragic day with us forever. 

“The response by our Scottish brothers and sisters provided the utmost dignity and respect that bears witness to the true bonds of humanity.” 

Humza Yousaf, Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said: “I’ve attended memorials in the past and what strikes me is that when we talk about the police family, often it’s the Scottish or UK police family. 

“Today was a great reminder of how the police family crosses international boundaries. 

Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Humza Yousaf, also attended the event

“It was a very poignant service but also a very uplifting one to remind us that regardless of the nationality, some of our police officers worldwide will unfortunately pay the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe. 

“That is something we must always honour and something that we must never forget.”

Assistant Chief Constable Bernie Higgins said: “On behalf of Police Scotland it was a privilege to be able to pay tribute to special agent Nole Remagen a year on from his death, and entirely appropriate that his service has been recorded on the Police Roll of Honour in the UK.

“A number of our officers were involved in assisting special agent Remagen’s relatives who travelled from America, as well as his Secret Service colleagues, and I know they were deeply saddened by his death.

Assistant Chief Constable Bernie Higgins lays a wreath on behalf of Police Scotland

“Our thoughts remain with special agent Remagen’s family, friends and colleagues.”

Sid McKay, chairman of the Police Roll of Honour Trust, said: “As an organisation, we are proud to maintain the official Police Roll of Honour for the entire United Kingdom, which contains both historical and contemporaneous records of all those police officers who have lost their lives both on and in the line of duty.

“Last year, we made the decision to include special agent Remagen as an honorary inclusion in the UK Police Roll of Honour; as aside from nationality he meets all of the criteria.

“We are very grateful to all who helped make the memorial service to agent Remagen possible.”

Agent Remagen was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who had served with the United States Secret Service for 19 years and was assigned to the Presidential Protection Division.

In a statement issued at the time, President Donald Trump paid tribute to Mr Remagen, who he described as a “beloved and devoted Special Agent, husband and father”. 

© Sandy Young Photography

Credit: scottishphotographer.com

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