constable is now sergeant

A TAYSIDE POLICE constable, who was demoted from the rank of inspector after a drink- driving offence, is being promoted to sergeant.

Jim Shaw came to prominence during an employment tribunal brought by PC Douglas Fisher, who claimed he had been victimised and passed over for promotion because of his opposition to the introduction of solo patrols.

At a hearing in 2004, Mr Shaw said he was worried the change would put officers at risk and had been ordered to give the impression of more bobbies on the beat.

In a letter to the local police federation, of which he was constables’ representative and health and safety representative, he wrote, “The people who are asking the rank and file to accept this plan have not the slightest credibility.”

Last year Mr Fisher was awarded £15,000 by a tribunal.

But Mr Shaw found himself following his colleague down the legal path, claiming he had suffered detriment as a result of having given evidence in the case.

A full hearing before the tribunal was to have taken place in December 2006, but the dispute between Mr Shaw and the force was settled beforehand.

Neither party commented on the resolution, but it was understood a payment had been made to Mr Shaw.

He is originally from Elderslie and worked with the Royal Bank of Scotland before joining Tayside Police in 1979, initially serving on the beat in Perth before moving to CID.

He was twice seconded to the Scottish Crime Squad in Glasgow and had reached the rank of inspector before the drink-driving offence in 2001.

He was fined £400 and banned from driving for 15 months at Dundee Sheriff Court after admitting driving in the city’s Hill Street with excess alcohol (156 mgs).

In its promotion announcement yesterday, Tayside Police said Mr Shaw has been on beat duties in Dundee, most recently in the Downfield area, and he would remain in the city upon becoming a sergeant.