The baton of honour is awarded at the end of each training course at the Scottish Police College in Tulliallan. It is the highest award and is granted to a single student from each course who displays a high level of competence, professionalism and academic performance throughout their training and who is able to demonstrate strong leadership, integrity and strength of character. Many notable officers have achieved the Baton of Honour, including several former Chief Constables.
Below is a list of Lanarkshire and Burgh force officers to receive the baton prior to the formation of Strathclyde Police.
| Officer | Force | Date |
| James Gilmour | Mothwell and Wishaw Burgh Police | 17/08/1961 |
| Alistair Wallance | Lanarkshire Constabulary | 16/08/1962 |
| John Macdonald | Lanarkshire Constabulary | 02/05/1963 |
| James Elliott | Lanarkshire Constabulary | 17/08/1965 |
| Neil Williams | Lanarkshire Constabulary | 18/08/1966 |
| Anne Harrison | Coatbridge Burgh Police | 10/11/1966 |
| James Parker | Lanarkshire Constabulary | 24/12/1967 |
| John Quinn | Lanarkshire Constabulary | 20/08/1970 |
| William Matheson | Lanarkshire Constabulary | 15/06/1972 |
| Randall Bear | Lanarkshire Constabulary | 17/08/1972 |
| Archibald Houston | Lanarkshire Constabulary | 03/05/1973 |

