A DUNOON police officer who has gone above and beyond to support young people in her community has been shortlisted for a prestigious national policing award.
PC Rachael Wells, who serves in L Division covering Cowal and Bute, has been named as one of just three finalists for the Community Commitment Award at the Scottish Police Federation Awards 2026.
The local officer has been recognised for her dedication to creating opportunities for young people, helping them develop confidence, improve their wellbeing and build brighter futures.
From organising running clubs to providing practical skills and mentoring, PC Wells has been praised for making a lasting difference beyond her day-to-day policing duties.
Her nomination places her among Scotland’s leading examples of community-focused policing, with the award recognising officers who go the extra mile to build trust, support residents and strengthen the communities they serve.
The Scottish Police Federation announced the finalists.
It said: “Great policing is about more than responding to incidents. It’s about building trust, supporting people and making a lasting difference in the communities we serve.”
PC Wells will compete for the award alongside two other officers recognised for their work with young people.
PC Walter Millar, from Edinburgh, has been nominated for his longstanding commitment to supporting pupils and staff in local schools, where he has become a familiar and trusted figure.
The third finalist, PC Scott McCulloch, from West Lothian, has been recognised for developing an innovative school education programme which has helped thousands of young people identify the warning signs of domestic abuse and understand how to seek support.
All three officers have been praised for their dedication to improving the lives of young people and building stronger relationships between the police and their communities.
The Scottish Police Federation described the finalists as ‘three exceptional officers’ with ‘one shared commitment to making a difference’.
For PC Wells, the nomination is national recognition of her work supporting young people in Dunoon and the wider Cowal and Bute area.
The winner will be announced at the Scottish Police Federation Awards on Wednesday, November 25, when the three finalists will be celebrated for their achievements.
The federation has encouraged communities across Scotland to congratulate the officers on their nominations.
