Nina Alexandra MacKay

Police Constable

Biography

Metropolitan Police, London, UK.

Nina Alexandra Mackay was born on the 27th November 1972 in Epping, Essex, to parents Sidney and Patricia. She was from a family with a strong policing heritage. Her father, a highly respected Chief Superintendent, joined the Metropolitan Police in 1962 retiring in 1994. Her elder brother also joined the Metropolitan Police and retired having attained the rank of Inspector. Her family lived in Woodford Green, North East London. She attended her local primary school before moving to The Davenant Foundation Church of England secondary school which she left at 17.

Growing up Nina was a very keen tennis player and was quickly identified as having a natural aptitude for the game. She was always a physically strong player and she took lessons to improve the technical side of her game. This led to her being considered to represent Essex at youth level.

Nina had her heart set on joining the Metropolitan police and following in the footsteps of her father. Her father wanted her to pursue an alternative career path and tried his best to dissuade her. Nina could be quite determined when she had set her mind to reach an objective which proved a strong feature of her character throughout her short life. After leaving school she tried a variety of jobs before she was old enough to join the Police.

Nina joined the Metropolitan police aged 19 and after her initial training was posted to Charing Cross Police Station in Central London. She was a hard-working officer who made numerous arrests. Her policing aptitude was quickly recognized and after 4 years in front line policing she was successful in her application to join the 3 Area Territorial Support Group Based in Bow East London.

Policing has always been a tough environment but she rose to the challenge and found the work very rewarding. She dealt with a variety of new situations, enjoying the sound friendships and social life created with colleagues. Shortly before her death she was part of a team of TSG officers who successfully completed the gruelling Snowdon 7s challenge. This is an endurance competition where teams have to cover 22 miles on foot over 7 peaks in under 10 hours in the Snowdonia National Park in Wales.

On the 24th October 1997, aged 25, Nina was part of a TSG team sent to arrest a violent, mentally deranged man. This male had failed to report to his bail for assaulting a police officer and being in possession of a knife. Nina volunteered to undertake the role of forcing entry to the premises having recently completed method of entry training. Nina forced entry and unbeknown to her the suspect was waiting behind the door armed with a knife. As she entered the premises the suspect attacked Nina inflicting a single stab wound. She was immediately rushed to Newham General Hospital in a police carrier. Despite the best efforts of her colleagues and hospital staff she died from her injuries

Nina was a gregarious young woman who made many friends in and out of the police some of whom continue to remember her with fond memories despite the passage of time. 

Her Former School the Davenant Foundation introduced the Nina Mackay Memorial Trophy in 1998. This Trophy is awarded annually to the student who has devoted their time to serving the community.

Every year serving TSG officers and former colleagues come together to complete the Nina Mackay memorial run. This event is held at Chigwell police club and brings officers their families and friends together to remember Nina and her legacy.

Nina's Van

The number on the roof, front, and sides of the vehicle were Nina's individual identification number while she served on TSG.

695 NE

Van Decal

Van Plate

The Vehicle Registration Plate Carries the number of the team that Nina was apart of which was Uniform 3.1 TSG.

TSG31