Police Scotland graphic designers recognised for 50 years of combined service

Two graphic designers who have spent a combined 50 years helping to keep communities safe through their creative work have been recognised for their service to policing.

Alison Rennie, who has completed 30 years of service, and Paul McGuire, who has served for 20 years, received their Long Service and Good Conduct Awards from Deputy Chief Constable Bex Smith.

Both Alison and Paul work in Police Scotland’s Corporate Communications department, where they help create public safety campaigns, educational materials and information for officers, staff and communities across Scotland.

Their work plays an important role in making policing messages clear, accessible and easy to understand.

Alison, 55, joined the police service because she wanted to combine her love of design with a career that would make a difference.

Over the past three decades, she has seen major changes in how information is shared, from traditional printed materials to digital campaigns and social media.

One of her proudest achievements came in 2023, when she was part of the team recognised at the Chief Constable’s Excellence Awards for its Corporate Communications Accessibility Strategy.

The work focused on removing barriers to communication and making important information more accessible to everyone.

Alison said: ‘I’ve always loved design, but I also wanted a career that felt deeply rooted in the community. Joining the police service as a graphic designer allowed me to combine my creative skills with meaningful public service.

‘Being part of the winning team at the Chief Constable’s Excellence Award in 2023 for our Corporate Communications Accessibility Strategy remains a highlight of my career.

‘Receiving this award is a meaningful milestone that fills me with pride. Public service has always been more than just a job to me and knowing I helped keep things moving behind the scenes makes every challenge entirely worth it.’

Paul, 56, began his career with Grampian Police in Aberdeen in 2006, initially taking what he expected to be a temporary position.

The role became permanent following a colleague’s retirement, and he went on to build a career supporting policing through graphic design.

In 2014, Paul moved to Glasgow when Corporate Communications teams were brought together into one department.

One of his most memorable experiences came during the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow in 2021, when he stepped away from graphic design to work as a media officer.

The experience involved working night shifts and gave him an insight into how policing colleagues work with local and national media.

Paul said: ‘I wanted to be able to use my creative gifts to promote public safety, to build community trust and promote community policing.

‘The job can be challenging and inspiring. You’re always learning something new, but the goal is the same, keep people safe. It’s a duty and honour to provide my creative skills for that purpose.

‘A career in policing can be rewarding. You’re given the opportunity to make a difference and help cut crime. We have an amazing team that support and encourage, while closely working with each other.’

Their combined 50 years of service highlight the contribution made by police staff working behind the scenes to support frontline officers and keep communities safe.

Police Scotland offers a wide range of careers, from police officers and special constables to professional support roles in communications, technology, finance and other specialist areas.

To find out how you could help keep communities safe, visit the Police Scotland website.

Written by: Phil Briscoe

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