Superintendent Shaheen Baber, who retired from Police Scotland, has been awarded the King’s Police Medal (KPM) for his significant contribution to policing.
Shaheen began his policing career in March 1996 with Strathclyde Police, serving as an operational response officer in the Easterhouse area of Glasgow.
Over nearly three decades, he gained extensive experience across critical roles.
He spent eight years in local and community policing in Glasgow, followed by eight years in counter-terrorism intelligence, addressing national security threats.
He then dedicated five years to counter-extremism, tackling complex public safety challenges.
His expertise further expanded through leadership roles within the Safer Communities Division and operational senior management positions in Glasgow and Ayrshire Divisions.
During his tenure, Shaheen played a pivotal role in initiatives like the Safer Shores campaign, aimed at ensuring public safety on Ayrshire’s beaches.
He stated: “Ayrshire’s beaches are popular destinations for tourists and local residents, particularly in spells of good weather.
“People should be able to enjoy their day safely, and a comprehensive policing plan, alongside our partners, is in place to ensure that is the case.”
Shaheen also also played a pivotal role in addressing hate crime, emphasising its intolerability in society.
At a community planning partnership board meeting in South Ayrshire, he said: “Hate crime should have no place in society and will not be tolerated.
“Everyone has a right to live safely as their true and authentic selves, without fear of prejudice.”
In addition to his work on hate crimes, he has previously addressed concerns regarding the activities of so-called ‘paedophile hunter’ groups in North Ayrshire, and urged the public not to take matters into their own hands.
In his final post, he led the national Policing Together programme where he championed police cultural reform, advanced equality and inclusion, combated hate crime and prejudice, and strengthened community cohesion.
Shaheen said: “I am deeply honoured to receive the King’s Police Medal and extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in the nomination.
“I dedicate this honour to the hardworking officers and staff of Police Scotland.
“It has been a privilege to serve alongside you. Thank you.”
His career was guided by a simple but profound principle: treating everyone with the fairness and respect he would wish for himself.
This ethos enabled him to connect with individuals from all walks of life, build meaningful partnerships, and inspire long-term trust within diverse communities and organisations.
Shaheen leaves a legacy defined by his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.
His work has not only strengthened communities, but also reinforced the values of fairness and compassion that underpin modern policing.