David Cunningham

With 27 years of service in policing, I am a retired Detective Sergeant with extensive frontline and investigative experience, gained during my time with Lothian and Borders Police and Police Scotland. Much of my career was spent working on the streets of Edinburgh, where I was directly involved in a wide range of major investigations, including murder inquiries and serious, complex crimes.

As a detective in the Criminal Investigation Department, I built a strong foundation in investigative work, later moving into roles focused on organised crime and counter-terrorism. My experience includes tackling serious and organised criminal networks, particularly those linked to drug offences. I also worked within the covert side of policing as a surveillance officer and investigator, giving me a rare insight into the hidden operations that take place beyond public view.

Alongside my policing career, I contributed as a police advisor to the Netflix crime drama Department Q, helping to create realistic police radio communications. I have developed a deep interest in the history of Edinburgh and the evolution of policing in the city, and I now bring these experiences together to offer a compelling, authentic perspective on crime, investigation, and the real stories that have shaped Edinburgh’s past and present.