A police officer who passed away this summer after 45 years of service has been described as “unsurpassed” for his commitment to public service.
Alistair Shields, who followed up 30 years in the force with a further 15 as a special constable, died in July following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Colleagues, friends and family have now paid glowing tributes to the 66-year-old from East Lothian, who had “never been ill” but was diagnosed following a collapse last October.
And he will be further recognised at the upcoming Scottish Police Federation Awards, where he is one of three nominees in the Unsung Hero category.
Shields began his career in 1979 in the affluent seaside town of North Berwick, though he soon found life in the more “rough and tumble” areas nearby more appealing.
He moved into Edinburgh where he began to develop an interest in searches, completing an important search advisor course.
“He was a search master,” said David Cuthbert, sergeant at the Scottish Parliament.
Shields helped design the search system at Holyrood while it was under construction, and it was there the two met.
“He was a dedicated, authentic man who was unwavering in his support. His family should be very proud of what he has given over these years.”
“He was thoroughly embedded in the policing culture”
Father-of-two and a grandfather, Shields was so committed to the search brief that he maintained his credentials long after retirement, enabling him to continue working and training other officers.
“As far as I know he was the only officer in the UK to do that for as long,” said Inspector John Mackay.
“He was thoroughly embedded in the policing culture. He was all about making things better and wanting people to be the best.”
Career highlights include visiting the American Secret Service to share his searching expertise, as well as working at the UK Open golf at Muirfield, the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh in 1986, and Camp Zeist during the Lockerbie bombing trial.
In 1993, he was commended for tackling a man armed with a crossbow.
Shortly after policing the climate protest camps at the Royal Bank of Scotland headquarters, he decided to retire.
He always kept his work and family life separate, rarely talking about policing at home.
His family were even surprised to learn after his passing that colleagues had spent decades referring to him as “Al”.
“His commitment to the police service is unsurpassed”
But far from giving up on policing, that phase brought a further 15 years of service as a special constable, where he continued to serve the Lothians and helped nurture the next generation of officers.
A project with Queen Margaret University also commenced, where he worked with academics in a research doctorate to improve the tracing of missing people suffering from dementia.
PC Mark Dickson, the special constables co-ordinator for Edinburgh, said: “He was a very patient man and a great mentor. It was all about service to Al – he wasn’t interested in being in the limelight.
“His commitment to the police service is unsurpassed.”
Four colleagues have come together to submit Shields’ nomination for Unsung Hero, work for which began prior to his death and continues with the blessing of his family.
They all agreed that Shields, a humble man who shunned attention, would be proud and yet bashful about the acclaim.
During his illness, Shields helped make plans for his own funeral, at which he estimated around 30 people would attend.
“There were more than 250,” said Inspector Norman Towler.
“He was inspiring and awesome.
“A ‘critical friend’ is someone who gives you advice but then usually leaves. Alistair didn’t. Alistair stayed. That also shows with the 45 years of public service he gave.”
He is survived by wife Sharon, children Jenna and Russell, and grandchildren Daniel, Molleigh and Andrew.
“If we use the technology right and in an efficient way, then you will see justice earlier and be reassured that perpetrators will feel the full weight of the justice system”