Highland policeman nominated for Scottish Police Federation (SPF) bravery award after tackling armed man
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A HIGHLAND police officer who leapt out of his car to tackle an armed man while off duty is to be recognised for his bravery at a national awards ceremony.
PC Paul Phillips was driving his young family home when the incident occurred on a busy road.
Putting himself at risk, he successfully negotiated with the man who threatened to stab him.
He has now been nominated in the Individual Bravery category of this year’s Scottish Police Federation (SPF) Awards.
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PC Phillips is one of 20 officers to have been shortlisted for the SPF’s annual awards in five categories which will be announced at a ceremony in Edinburgh later this month.
Caroline Macnaughton, the SPF representative who nominated him, explained PC Phillips was off-duty at the time of the incident and with his very young family and wife in the car.
The man was causing such alarm that several different members of the public had phoned the police.
PC Phillips got out the vehicle then instructed his family to carry on driving with the doors locked.
"He didn’t hesitate to still protect the public even with his family present – he realised the wider risk to those around him," Ms Macnaughton said.
"He put others before himself by putting himself in a direct line of risk."
He successfully negotiated with the man, who threatened to stab him, and engaged with him until colleagues arrived to safely apprehend him.
Even though he was off-duty, he continued to assist when other officers arrived.
David Threadgold, chairman of the SPF, said the awards were designed to recognise and celebrate the individual and team acts of bravery and dedication to communities seen day in, day out in policing.
"We are incredibly proud of all our nominees, and while there can only be one winner in each category, we are grateful to each of them for their amazing achievements," he said.
"Police officers continue to face unprecedented challenges, but these awards are an opportunity to pause and reflect on the fantastic work that they do.
"These stories reflect what being a police officer is all about and we wish everyone who has been nominated the very best of luck on the night."
Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: "Policing brings huge value to our communities: keeping people safe from harm, protecting the vulnerable, bringing criminals to justice, solving problems and reducing offending.
"These awards shine a light on how officers stand up for and with our communities and I am extremely grateful to the Scottish Police Federation."
The five categories are Team Bravery, Individual Bravery, Community Commitment, Unsung Hero and Cops’ Cop of the Year.
A special chairman’s award will also be announced at the ceremony, which will take place Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh on November 23.
Prizes will be presented by Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell, Justice Secretary Angela Constance, SPF chair David Threadgold, SPA chair Martyn Evans, and Les Gray from sponsors Philip Williams.
