International Women's Day 2026: Chief Inspector Shona Bird
Police Scotland’s women police officers lead in a wide range of key roles within policing. For International Women’s Day, Chief Inspector Shona Bird shares her experiences of building a career within Counter Terrorism division.
Counter terrorism negotiation is a highly trained specialism where officers engage with individuals in crisis or terrorists to prevent loss of life, sometimes during hostage situations.
Officers are trained to use advanced empathy, psychological tactics, and strategic communication to influence behaviour, with the aim of bringing any incident to a safe conclusion. Beyond communication, the role requires intense mental training, emotional control, and the ability to build rapport under extreme pressure.
“My career path has been a blend of both professional growth and personal milestones. I began in local policing in Saracen, Glasgow and was then promoted to local policing in Cathcart where I truly learned the beauty of teamwork and the complexity of managing people as well as dynamic incidents.
“In the midst of this, I also became a mother. Having children while advancing in my career was one of the most rewarding challenges I’ve faced. Raising a family while navigating leadership roles taught me invaluable lessons in time management, resilience and the ability to prioritise.
“I then gravitated towards leadership opportunities. One of my most pivotal roles was in counter terrorism negotiation where I supported a new approach for the specialism and developing national policy. I was then promoted into armed policing management. This was a significant shift having had no direct previous experience, but I was ready to embrace the challenge. I relied on my leadership skills, collaboration and a commitment to continuous learning.
“Every stage of my career has been a journey of learning, adapting and growing – not just professionally but personally. Balancing motherhood with leadership in a demanding field has given me a deeper understanding of resilience, empathy and the importance of flexibility.
“As part of our armed policing management team, I have specific responsibility for armed response vehicle (ARV) officers in the north of the country and the national counter terrorist specialist firearms unit (CTSFU).
"Ultimately, my role is about creating an environment where officers feel supported and equipped to respond to situations with confidence, while also driving broader systemic improvements that benefit both our teams and the community we serve.
“When I first stepped into the counter terrorism negotiation role, I was both excited and apprehensive. It was a chance to influence national policy and lead a new approach within the specialism.
"I quickly realised the responsibility was huge, but I was fortunate to have incredible role models – male and female – who taught me that leadership isn’t just about authority; it’s about listening, building consensus, and driving change effectively.
“I felt the weight of not having direct armed policing experience. However, I drew strength from having learned the value of resilience, and trusting in my leadership abilities.
“Deploying as a negotiator can of course be daunting – particularly when you know that a life is at risk. We are fully focussed on influencing that person in crisis not to make a permanent decision whilst they are emotional and caught in irrational thought. For me, it is always about trusting in the extensive training and working as part of a cohesive team.
“What I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to lead and drive meaningful change, particularly in how we support our people and better serve the public. It feels like a privilege to help shape both the culture of the team and the broader approach to policing. I don’t take this role for granted.
“To any women considering a career in counter terrorism negotiation, armed policing or any other policing role, my message would be simple: you absolutely belong here. Both areas offer incredible opportunities to make a real impact, and your unique strengths are exactly what make you an invaluable asset in these roles. Policing, like any other organisation, needs diversity of thought, experience, and leadership to move forward.
“On International Women’s Day, I want to remind every woman that your path doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s to be valid. Don’t wait for permission or the perfect moment. There are countless women who have paved the way and are ready to support you. There’s space for you, and the world of policing is richer and stronger with more women in these roles.”