A FORMER head boy at Dunbar Grammar School has clinched a top national police award.

Constable Jordan Kerr was named Probationer of the Year at Police Scotland’s national excellence awards at the end of last week.

The Scottish Policing Excellence Awards, which were held at the Scottish Police College in Tulliallan last Friday evening, are designed to reward excellence and innovation in policing.

The officer, who is based in Haddington, said: “I’m delighted, absolutely delighted.

“I was nominated in September by my sergeant, David Aitchison.

“I was nominated by him and I think I was shortlisted and went through a couple of rounds, locally and then nationally.

“On Friday, there were three nominees, someone from Q Division, which is Lanarkshire, and another from C Division, which is Forth Valley.

“I have been fully supported by everyone here.”

The former Dunbar Primary School pupil was Dunbar Grammar School’s head boy in 2008 and went on to study sport and recreation management at the University of Edinburgh.

After graduating, he embarked on a Masters Degree in criminal law and criminal justice and joined Lothian and Borders Police in September 2012 as a Special Constable – voluntary role where members of the public wear the same uniform, carry the same equipment and have the same powers as regular police officers.

Then, in June 2015, he was appointed a police constable and based in the county, covering his home town as well as North Berwick and Haddington.

He added: “I was really happy to be nominated in the first place as it’s an achievement in itself, so I’m absolutely delighted to have won overall.

“I was a special constable for three years, so I got a taster of what was to come; however, there’s a lot more involved when you step up to become a regular constable.

“My favourite part is the variety and the challenge involved in everyday policing.”

Since becoming a full-time police officer, he has been involved in a variety of roles, including making an arrest for murder, carrying out vehicle checks to tackle road safety and road crime, and helping to recover a stolen boat.

Chief Inspector Matt Paden, local area commander for East Lothian, said: “It would take quite some time to list all of Jordan’s achievements in his policing life so far.

“He is a highly driven young officer and is always looking to learn new skills.

“His integrity is second to none and he often helps colleagues out with their enquiries in his own time.

“Jordan is destined for a successful career in the police and is keen to develop and move into CID.

“He has already dealt with numerous more serious offences, many of which have been solved at source by him prior to handing over to CID.

“I am very proud and privileged to have Jordan as a member of the team here in East Lothian.”