Police officer who helped rescue baby held at knifepoint honoured with bravery award

A police officer who helped rescue a nine-week-old baby held at knifepoint is among those honoured with a bravery award from chief constable Jo Farrell.

PC Alana Whitby persuaded Scott Bradbury to release the baby and surrender during an armed police siege after he attacked a woman at a flat in Edinburgh and held the child hostage last June. He was later jailed for five years.

Whitby, based in Edinburgh, also gave credit to her colleagues in the Armed Response Police and the Counter Terrorism Specialist Firearms Unit after accepting the Bravery and Excellence Award on Thursday.

She said: “I am deeply honoured to be nominated for an award following a hostage situation that tested my resolve in ways I could have never imagined.

“In a moment defined by fear and uncertainty, my focus was on remaining calm, protecting life, and working alongside an amazing team to help achieve the safest outcome.

“None of this was done alone – it was very much a team effort, and the support, trust and courage shown by everyone involved made all the difference.

“I never expected recognition, but this nomination means a lot, and I am proud to be able to say it reflects the work I do as police negotiator alongside an outstanding team.”

Bravery Award winners also included PC Kevin McGhee, who, with another colleague, attended an incident to trace a male suspected of stabbing his partner.

On arrival, they noted thick black smoke coming from the top-floor flat and the suspect refusing to leave. Kevin made the brave and courageous decision to force entry to the property and was met with billowing smoke, intense heat and extremely reduced visibility.

Sergeant Paul Tomkinson, who is based in Ayrshire, won an Excellence Award after devising and securing funding for Cut and Connect, a free-to-use mobile hairdressing service that also provides wellbeing checks, non-judgemental conversations and links to vital services including support in recovery, domestic abuse and financial matters.

Other Excellence Award winners included PC Scott McCulloch, who was named police officer of the year.

Livingston-based Scott developed a powerful domestic abuse lesson pack that focuses on prevention and education, which he has delivered to more than 4,000 S4 to S6 pupils in West Lothian.

He is now training officers in neighbouring divisions to allow them to bring this initiative to other parts of Scotland.

The chief constable also recognised the contribution police animals make to keeping people safe. Police Horse Cathcart was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award, having built a distinguished operational record at Police Scotland for over 13 years, with unwavering courage, reliability, and character.

Chief constable Jo Farrell KPM said: “In a relentless and challenging job like no other, accounts of how our people show up and stand up for, and with, our communities can be a source of energy and pride for policing in Scotland.

“We police with, and for, the people of Scotland and rely on their support and assistance to build and maintain safe, secure, and resilient communities where everyone can thrive.

“We also recognise acts of courage by members of the public, which go beyond what can be expected of an ordinary citizen, to help others and assist the police.

“I want to congratulate all the nominees and winners for their dedication to keeping Scotland safe.”

Kerry McMahon-White, Managing Director of Police Mutual & Forces Mutual, the Bravery and Excellence Awards’ sponsor, said: “Police Mutual is very proud to again be sponsoring the Chief Constable’s Bravery and Excellence Awards, celebrating the very best of Policing and recognising the outstanding achievements by officers and staff from across the service, the Scottish Police Authority and other partners.

“All nominees are an inspiration and a credit to the service, and all at Police Mutual would like to offer our thanks to those who were nominated for your achievements, as well as congratulations to the winners.”