Probationer of the Year

AN EDINBURGH police officer has been named Police Scotland’s Probationer of the Year.

Constable Amy Ritchie, a Response Officer based at Craigmillar Police Station, was honoured at the Chief Constable’s Bravery and Excellence Awards.

She joined Police Scotland in March 2019 and excelled in her probationer training.

According to the force, Amy is a highly motivated proactive officer who tackles all aspects of policing with professionalism and enthusiasm, providing the community with an exceptional level of service.

She has a keen interest in investigating complex enquiries, as demonstrated in her first week of policing when she volunteered to assist with a serious incident.

Amy is the first to help colleagues, uses her innate initiative to solve problems and can always be depended upon to complete her work to the highest standard.

She has continually performed at a level which far exceeds every standard expected of an officer of her service.

Chief Constable Iain Livingston said: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our winners and nominees and thank them for their commitment to public service.”

Cabinet Secretary for Justice Humza Yousaf added: “I want to thank all the officers, staff and members of the public, who were nominated for awards, for their service and support in these challenging times.

“I have always been proud of the dedication shown by our police officers and police staff, to keep us all safe, and the current pandemic has highlighted that the police workforce is highly adaptable in its response to new challenges.”