Special award marks ex-cop David’s superb training work

Nov 20 2008 by Graham Fraser, Hamilton Advertiser

A HAMILTON man has won a top police award.

David White was given the Police College Lifetime Achievement accolade in recognition of his work as a police instructor at the Tulliallan Castle training centre, Fife.

David was a sergeant and instructor in the physical education department at the centre.

In 1974 he trained students over a 12-week period.

The graduates of the course achieved 12 distinctions, 45 awards of merit and 58 bronze medallion awards.

The pass rate achieved by the students that year has never been surpassed and, as the training is now carried out by civilians, David’s record as a police trainer will never be broken.

The record also endures with the Royal Life Saving Society.

David commented: “The course we taught at the college included things like unarmed combat, lifesaving, swimming and akido, a Japanese martial art.

“I am very proud of the record from 1974.”

During the 1970s David also achieved the advanced teacher and examiners certificate.

The Hamilton man joined Ayrshire Constabulary, which was to become part of Strathclyde Police, in 1961.

He served in the uniformed CID and was stationed throughout his career at Ardrossan and Irvine.

During his time in the force he was a supervisor of the Ayrshire Constabulary Underwater Search Unit and, in his spare time, was the captain of the Scottish Police water polo team.

David is now retired and enjoys life with his wife Lexa, a former switchboard operator with the Advertiser.

He is currently helping chief inspector George Barnsley collate information about the history of the police force in Ayrshire.

“I have been digging out old police equipment,” added David. It is hoped that a police museum will contain the items one day.”