Summary
Overview
Work history
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Certification
Personal Details
References
Timeline
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Andrew Shaw

wakefield,United Kingdom

Summary

Recently retired Police Sergeant and qualified Police Search Advisor (POLSA), with 30 years of service. Security cleared to SC national level, with extensive operational experience of leading high risk search operations, managing multi agency teams and ensuring safety in complex environments. Skilled in risk management, partnership working and stakeholder engagement at both strategic and operational levels. Proven record in planning and executing searches, including counter terrorism operations and in developing individuals and teams through training and mentoring. Strong communicator with excellent written and organisational skills, flexible approach and now seeking to apply policing expertise in a new environment where problem solving and collaboration are valued.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work history

Operational Support -Police Sergeant

West Yorkshire Police
, West Yorkshire
05.2025 - 09.2025

Planned, led and delivered high-risk search operations including counter terrorism, missing persons and serious crime investigations. Acted as Police Search Adviser (POLSA), providing operational and tactical advice to command teams across multi-agency environments. Commanded multi-disciplinary teams as Bronze PSU Commander, ensuring effective and safe operational delivery. Specialist responder in CBRN incidents, disaster victim identification and major incident search management

Trained and accredited Post Incident Manager, responsible for sensitive and complex staff welfare and operational debriefs. Experienced in extradition processes, including planning and safe repatriation of individuals. Provided high-quality training, coaching and mentoring to officers, holding Advanced Educational Training to Level 3. Produced concise, accurate reports and briefings for senior officers supporting strategic decision-making. Ensured operational health and safety compliance, with expertise of method of entry (MOE) and high-risk tactical deployments. D1 van driver and trained in initial phase pursuit driving, ensuring flexible deployment to operational demands

District Police Sergeant

West Yorkshire Police
, West Yorkshire
05.2003 - 06.2008

Supervised teams of police officers across patrol and specialist units to ensure operational effectiveness and inclusivity. Trained and mentored recruits to ensure compliance with policy and procedures, ongoing skills development. Managed Neighbourhood Policing Team, targeting local priorities within diverse communities, in partnership with other agencies. Acting as Custody Sergeant responsible for management of Custody Suite and safe, lawful custody of detainees.


Police constable

West Yorkshire Police
01.1996 - 04.2003
  • Delivered front-line policing within a busy Operational Division responding to emergency and non-emergency incidents across diverse communities. Investigated a wide range of offences, from volume crime to serious incidents, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses and suspects and preparing case files , provided testimony in court, contributing to successful prosecutions Maintained a visible presence within neighbourhoods, building trust through engagement with residents, businesses and community groups. Worked collaboratively with partner agencies to address anti-social behaviour, crime prevention and safeguarding issues. Demonstrated calm and effective decision making under pressure, particularly when managing risk in fast-moving incidents. Conducted stop/searches, arrests and enforcement activity in line with legislation and human rights requirements. Prepared and delivered accurate written statements, reports and evidential documents, ensuring integrity of investigations. Supported vulnerable victims and witnesses with professionalism and empathy, ensuring safeguarding was prioritised. Contributed to operational planning for local events and operations, balancing public safety with community needs. Developed teamwork, resilience and communication skills through regular deployment to high-risk and complex incidents. Provided testimony in court, contributing to successful prosecutions.

Skills

  • Stakeholder engagement and partnership working
  • Security cleared(SC)
  • Management of multi-agency staff and resources (JESIP Commander)
  • Risk management and critical decision making
  • Counter terrorism and high-risk search operations (POLSA)
  • Health and Safety leadership and compliance
  • Disaster response, CBRN responder, disaster victim identification
  • Training design, delivery and advanced education (Level 3)
  • Extradition, repatriation and international coordination
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Criminal Investigation
  • Staff management
  • Subject Matter Expert in search operations, including court witness
  • Multicultural sensitivity and awareness
  • Public safety procedures
  • Team Leadership
  • Community engagement
  • Resource planning
  • Strategic decision-making
  • Reconnaissance operations
  • Safety consciousness
  • Situational awareness
  • Performance evaluation
  • Operational command
  • Policing tactics
  • Shift briefings

Affiliations

  • Long distance Running,
  • Watching and playing football

Accomplishments

Throughout my career I have received 40 Chief Constable, Assistant Chief Constable, Divisional commanders and Crown Court Judges commendations. In addition II received the Premio Europeo"II Samaritano -Trofeo GiancarloTofi award which is a European commendation issued by the Italian government

Certification

  • Advanced Educational Training Level 3
  • Police Search Advisor

Personal Details

  • Full clean UK driving licence
  • Vetted to Security Cleared ( SC)

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Operational Support -Police Sergeant

West Yorkshire Police
05.2025 - 09.2025

District Police Sergeant

West Yorkshire Police
05.2003 - 06.2008

Police constable

West Yorkshire Police
01.1996 - 04.2003
Andrew Shaw