Brief April 2016 by Greater Manchester Police

Digital revolution GMP takes a ‘tech’ leap with smartphones and tablets

Platt’s the way to do it Wigan pilots new project Ready, Pilling and able Getting to know our new DCC Sam Walker cold case closed Success after two-year review

Columns

Moving with the times Technology is important in our lives. I am sure many of us order things online and do internet banking. It is vital that policing moves with the times and uses the digital developments to improve what we do and help people to access services in the way they want. This is a key part of the Target Operating Model principles where we will ensure that we are making the best use of both information and technology.

In the coming weeks we will start to see the first phase of this taking shape. Body worn video as well as smartphones and tablets are both heading to frontline officers and staff. They should improve efficiency but only if we fully embrace what they do and change the way we work. The technology will also support problem solving. With the changes as part of the local policing review that are being rolled out this should improve the service to people in our neighbourhoods. This also needs to help us to manage the demands we face on a daily basis.

As a Force we have been at the forefront of developing engagement with local people through social media, and now we are working on how that can transfer into developing online services. We have to keep pace with the way that people are living their lives. This is why you will see details in Brief about the updates to the GMP Android app which is being developed as a channel where information can be shared. These are really exciting times for GMP and the technology will help us to work together as one team to deliver the best possible service.

Ian Hopkins, Chief Constable

Building partnerships to benefit Greater Manchester It will come as no surprise that Chancellor George Osborne’s claims that policing has been protected have been exposed as simply smoke and mirrors. Although not as deep as previous years, GMP does face further cuts, as do our local councils and health services. Despite these challenges, officers, PCSOs and staff continue to be committed to keeping our streets and communities safe. And this was echoed by the recent HMIC inspection, which rated GMP as

‘good’ – a credit to your hard work and dedication. But GMP does not work in isolation. The strong partnerships that exist across Greater Manchester enable us to meet these challenges head. And these partnerships are bringing real benefits to victims of crime and the wider community. Our work with female offenders, for example, has been held up nationally for its whole system approach, bringing together police, probation, health and other agencies and the voluntary sector to tackle the underlying issues of reoffending. We have proven ourselves committed and capable which is why I am pleased that Greater Manchester will take on a greater role in shaping

and delivering criminal justice services and have greater influence over funding to support victims of crime. This includes offender management services, plans for a new resettlement prison and potential rollout of sobriety bracelets, also known as ‘booze bangles’, and GPS tagging for offenders. This is good news for Greater Manchester. But, while I welcome further devolution of powers from Whitehall into the hands of local people, I have also challenged the Government to continue to work with us and ensure we have the resources to achieve our ambition.

Tony Lloyd, Police & Crime Commissioner

Spotlight

4 Around the world & Sharpening the

11 Local policing and mobile

S.P.E.A.R.

Problem solving in the community

5 News Including launch of new personal development programme

6-7 Divisional roundup 8 What’s trending? 9 Launch of Android app & adapting policing to place in Platt Bridge

10 Modern Slavery & Fairbridge Programme

12 Technology through the years A look back at changes in technology

With thanks to the following people for their contribution to this issue:

New self-defence techniques See page 4

13 Introducing DCC Ian Pilling Getting to know the new DCC

14 Sam Walker: case closed How the case was solved

GMP Life

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PC Dan Shaw

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Zoe Green, Internal Comms Assistant

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Sergeant Lee Westhead

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PC Ben Coombs

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Robbie Gill, PR Officer

17 Charity

15 On patrol for CSE

Including The muses of an unlikely poet & Lighting the Lakes for police survivors

The link between child sex exploitation and runaway children

18 Letters of Appreciation

Editorial team: Melissa Mead, Alison Etherden Krystyna Rudzki

16 Final call for airport commander

19 Adverts & Obituaries

Photographers: Chris Oldham and Bill Morris 0161 856 2777 | Picture Desk: Lisa Marks 0161 856 2279

20 What’s on &

Sgt Lee Westhead solves 10 year mystery See page 14

Be published in Brief

Caption

Designed and produced by: Corporate Communications, Force Headquarters, Central Park, M40 5BP

Competition

Contact numbers: 0161 856 5939 / 2238 / 5938

21 Sport

Email: Brief@gmp.police.uk

Including Running

Problem solving in the community See page 11

Contents

News

for Team Georgia and the PSUK Duathlon Championships

Brief online: www.gmp.police.uk/Brief

Articles and contributions for the next edition of Brief should be submitted by

Friday 27 May 2016 3

News

Around the world IN SURREY, quick-thinking children abandoned their Easter egg hunt to help the police during a helicopter manhunt. The children, aged between six and 12, noticed The National Police Air Service (NPAS) circling above the field they were playing in and after realising they knew where the suspects were hiding, the children quickly dropped to the floor and arranged themselves into the shape of an arrow pointing in the direction of one of the men. The helicopter cameraman spotted the children, turned on thermal camera setting and found the man crouching in the field. Two men were arrested on suspicion of burglary and are currently on bail.

days of his choosing. Police Chief Richard Tisone is all up for the punishment as he hopes it will embarrass the thief and have an effect on the individuals who try and commit this kind of crime. Greg said wearing a sign is better than sitting in a jail cell, and he isn’t embarrassed anyway. ‘I stole, I got punished. That’s it.’ A POLICE horse in Sydney has stopped off at a bar for a quick check in. Mounted police in Sydney perform the same duties as general policing. Thankfully, all was okay in the bar and the horses carried on with their day.

GREG DAVENPORT, Ohio has pleaded guilty to theft after attempting to steal a 52-inch television from WalMart in December. The judge gave him two options; spend 30 days in prison or stand outside the store wearing a large thief sign for eight hours a day over ten

Sharpening the S.P.E.A.R. AS GMP faces unprecedented change and pressure on resources, officers’ safety has never been a more important topic. Assaults on police officers are rising steadily and as GMP fights to be fit for the future it is obvious that training should be evolving and meeting the demands and challenges that police officers and staff are facing daily. The most dangerous fight an officer will face will be the one that they don’t consent to, where they have no discretionary time and when it’s inside the reactionary gap with the “bad guy” moving first. What I am talking about is an ambush attack by a violent offender who has the intention of seriously harming the officer, or worse. Officers’ training should replicate and support what challenges they are facing on the street and so over the last 18 months I have been adapting GMP’s personal safety training to include a new foundation in the form of the Tony Blauer’s S.P.E.A.R. System.

By PC Dan Shaw The S.P.E.A.R. System (Spontaneous Protection Enabling Accelerated Response) is a scientifically researched and medically reviewed personal defence system that exploits the body’s natural responses to violence and danger. Click here to read more. To help prepare GMP for the coming change we hosted trainer’s Neil Wilson and Danny Tamblyn from Blauer Tactical Systems for a week long instructor course which was attended by 40 trainers from other UK police forces, the Austrian military and the European parliamentary security. GMP now has six trainers qualified as SPEAR Instructors with more on the way.

Instructors were shown the new S.P.E.A.R. self defence techniques

A PERSONAL development programme supporting a group of BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) colleagues was launched last month. The Personal Development Action Learning Sets (PeDALS) programme was set up following findings that there were few internal Positive Action initiatives (Equalities Act 2010) in forces aimed at improving the development of under-represented groups. It was launched in March by Chief Superintendent Zoe Sheard, Head of Organisational Learning and Workforce Development, with a team development day which was co-facilitated by the College of Policing. CC Ian Hopkins and DCC Ian Pilling each attended one of the launch sessions to talk to the candidates and mentors. Ch Supt Sheard said: “We already

A three-part series documenting the work of GMP’s serious sexual offences unit has been nominated for a British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) television award. The BBC show followed detectives over a period of two years while they

know that GMP is not yet representative of our communities and this first phase is about actively encouraging and supporting those on the scheme to achieve their potential and to help us to learn from them by sharing their skills, languages and cultural awareness to enhance the service we provide to the public.” During the launch event candidates met their appointed mentors for the first time. PCSO Gag Hare said: “I have found that having an easily available contact, one to one support, and guidance from my mentor has been excellent so far and will definitely help me to reach the goals I have set myself.” Zad Latif, Performance and Leadership Support Officer, added: “I have recently joined PeDALS cohort and what a fantastic opportunity this is for me to work closely with colleagues

and develop existing skills. “I have been given the opportunity to gain more confidence in the process and focus on what I want in the future. I feel I have now taken more (From L-R) PC Colin Barnes, Workforce Development Unit, PS Mike ownership of my Bilsbury, Uniformed Training, DCC Ian Pilling, Emma Bilsbury, Head learning going of Workforce Development, PC Trevor Richards, Leadership forward.” Training, Elaine Clarke Williams, Leadership Training Team, Zoe The Sheard, Chief Superintendent OLWD, Ranjit Manghnani, Course programme Facilitator ( College of Policing ) consists of two cohorts of 12 candidates, one for police Merseyside Police and the first to staff and one for police constables and include police staff. Phase two of the programme will sergeants. GMP is the second Force to run the commence in September 2016 and will be open to all PCs, sergeants and staff programme for constables and across the Force. sergeants following a pilot scheme at

investigated a number of rape and sexual offence cases including the arrest and trial of Ray Teret. Nominated in the Best Factual Series category, it’s up against three other popular TV series from 2015; Great Ormond Street, The Tribe and The Murder Detectives. The awards will take place on the 8 May 2016 at the Royal Festival Hall in London.

A SCULPTURE made from melted down, seized guns was unveiled last month to honour influential peace activist Dr Erinma Bell MBE DL (pictured right). The bust, made to immortalise the woman who fought to rid Moss Side streets of gun crime, was unveiled at Manchester Cathedral on International Women’s Day to mark her contribution to Greater Manchester’s communities. It has been produced by Guns to Goods, an arts based initiative converting illegal firearms into sculpture to celebrate inspirational stories and champions of peace. It has been sculpted by Manchester-based artist Karen Lyons.

News

Pedal power leads to positive action

Divisional News

Divisional Roundup Wigan A Wigan man who raped and sexually assaulted 11 different women and girls over a 40 year period has been jailed thanks to officers from the Wigan division. Dennis Smalley was arrested on the suspicion of raping a young woman and after good work from officers it was identified that there may be other potential victims. Operation Scarf was established and the team, led by DS Paul Rollinson, identified and located other victims of Smalley. Due to the dedication in pursuing every piece of evidence, Smalley was eventually charged with 44 offences of rape and serious sexual assault against 11 victims. Such was the support the investigation team provided to the victims and witnesses that every single person attended court to give evidence. Smalley was found guilty on all 44 counts and sentenced to 25 years in jail.

South Manchester Four men were arrested after an armed robbery at a popular cocktail bar in Chorlton. Three men wearing balaclavas and carrying knives, went into ‘The Laundrette’ and demanded staff open the safe £8,000 in cash was stolen. Officers from GMP’s specialist operations branch and local response team traced the suspects to an address where four men were arrested. The good work was continued the next day with the follow up investigation.

Salford

Oldham

Salford has launched an appeal among officers and staff to raise £3,700 to buy a new bed for St Ann's Hospice. The 12-month campaign has already got off to a flying start with almost £1,000 donated in the first few weeks. Monthly fundraising initiatives are taking place including a soup day as pictured below with Supt Mark Kenny. To support GMP Salford go to www.justgiving.com/fdivbuyabed

At Oldham, the STRIVE officers have been trained on the new QES system which will be replacing the current spreadsheet to record the results of the STRIVE visits. The officers will arrange for other users to be trained on the system in due course. There is a view to linking in more closely with schools to inform them where there has been a domestic related incident involving their pupils families. This will give the schools more insight into the child’s home life and alert them to pay close attention to any concerning behaviour from that particular child.

Bolton A Bolton PCSO has been praised for rescuing Bolton Wanderer’s legend Tommy Banks after he fell walking his dog. Tommy was stranded for more than five hours in Blackleach Country Park after he slipped and became trapped in wet bog land.The 86-year-old was

reported missing when he failed to return home to wife Rita. PCSO Derek Thomas heard about Tommy being missing over the radio and persuaded his superiors to allow him to join the search as he knew the park well. He managed to find Tommy after hearing his dog barking.

An hour and a half later and with the help of Bolton Mountain Rescue Team, police officers and paramedics, Tommy’s rescue was complete. He was treated for hypothermia before being sent home to recover. PCSO Derek Thomas is now being awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation.

The Trafford Customer Service Champion PS Clare Hall, and the satisfaction lead Ch Insp Victoria Bellamy identified customer follow up was a weak area from their confidence and satisfaction surveys. After holding ‘Cake For Your Thoughts Day’ they established managing expectations was the key to providing a quality service. PC Hall and Ch Insp Bellamy contacted the Trafford Centre’s Learning and Development officer, Russell Clements after identifying that they provide excellent customer service and asked for their assistance. PS Hall worked with Russell to develop three bite-size sessions around managing expectations, managing conflict when differences arise between expectation and reality and injecting personality into interactions. The sessions are now being rolled out for all frontline officers, local resolution officer’s and PCSO’s after a successful pilot session.

Tameside In Tameside, neighbourhood officers are now co-located with fire officers at Mossley Fire station to provide a visible service to the community. The move builds on successful co-location in other areas of Greater Manchester, including Irlam Fire Station in Salford where all three emergency services are located in one building, and Failsworth Town Hall which has been home to a police post since January 2015, bringing police and council services together in one place. Inspector Kris Jura (pictured right) said: “This move helps us build upon our existing partnerships to provide an even more joined up

approach to community engagement, something than can only benefit the people of Mossley.”

Divisional News

Trafford

Rochdale PCSO Anderton from the Rochdale division joined the Rochdale Environmental Action Group whilst cleaning a wooded area on Manchester Road. This dedicated group of volunteers turn out weekly to clear up rubbish with the aim to re-educate the public in keeping Rochdale tidy.

Stockport Stockport North took some of the Police Cadets to observe some riot training in central Manchester last month.

South Manchester

North Manchester Local neighbourhood officers in North Manchester conducted a different type of Easter egg hunt around the Peace Gardens on Moston Lane. Local youths had been stealing boxes of eggs and hiding them in bushes to throw at passing motorists. Turning a negative in to a positive this was made in to a great egg hunt for the local community with full support from the shops the eggs were originally stolen from. Thanks to members of the public, the offenders have been identified by the neighbourhood team and action is being taken.

What’s Trending?

Know your social media Instagram is a mobile photo-sharing, video-sharing and social networking service. We have 2,422 followers on our account www.instagram.com/gtrmanchesterpolice. It is administered by the Public Relations team

The Force: Manchester returns to Sky 1 on Wednesday 20 April at 10pm. The second 10part series follows GMP officers across the Force as they keep Greater Manchester safe and will give further insight into the crimes and incidents dealt with every day.

Pinterest is a visual bookmarking tool that allows you to discover and save images and websites by pinning them on to your account. GMP’s account is the most successful police force in the country with nearly 20,000 followers. It can be found at www.pinterest.com/ gmpolice. It is administered by Corporate Media Imaging YouTube allows people to discover and share originallycreated videos. We use it for PR campaigns, CCTV and officer-led appeals and updates. GMP’s account can be found at www.youtube.com/gmpolice. It is administered by Corporate Media Imaging and our videos have been viewed nearly 5 million times.

The Greater Manchester Police Museum had a special visit last month when a Ford Anglia police car parked up outside. Sadly not a new exhibit - much as we would love one – but the vehicle was being used to promote a stage version of the much loved TV show Heartbeat.

One of the cast of the show poses with the museum’s curator Duncan Broady and the Ford Anglia

The Force reawakens

The cast of the show posed for a picture with museum curator Duncan Broady which later appeared on Twitter.

The Force: Manchester was filmed from January to June 2015 and achieved an average of 308,000 viewers per episode for its first series, a 34% increase on Sky 1’s usual rating for that timeslot.

Twitter feedback Padre Roberts @PadreRoberts Massive thank you @gmpolice for assisting me with a vulnerable gentleman found wandering in traffic in Rochdale thank you. Lizzie Twelves @lizzie12s @gmpolice Good communication and very reassuring following our break-in yesterday.

Paul G @doghandleruk Big thanks to the @gmpolice Call handler I just had to log a call with limited information. Her patience and perseverance were Jo @JolegJo thank you for being awesome and finding my lost purse. Sorry for being an idiot!

Gregor Carfrae @grqc That enjoyable moment when a speeding audi is on your John Clark @Jl_Mgt @gmpolice bumper at slip road just before being Congratulations on the successful pulled over by unmarked @gmpolice prosecutions in the #Rochdale sex abuse #goodwork #m60 trials.

Platt’s the way to do it

GMP has launched a redesigned Android app to provide a better service to the people of Greater Manchester. It has been completely rebuilt by Digital Developer James Tym in Corporate Communications and is available to download from the Google Play Store. The app, which has been downloaded 7,520 times so far, allows the user to receive push notifications, alerting them to major incidents or urgent appeals and have the option to personalise their alerts to cover where they live and work. It also provides information about the nearest police station and policing team, as well as details of appeals, wanted and missing people based on geolocation data. Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said:

“I’m delighted with the new and improved app which highlights our determination to keep up with technological developments and will help us provide an even better service to the people of Greater Manchester. “It will allow us to engage with more people and keep the public updated with major incidents as well as reducing the amount of time it takes for urgent appeals to be seen which can make all the difference. “The app will allow people to find out what is happening where they are and enable them to pass vital information to the police anonymously. “I hope that everybody who downloads the app is as happy with it as we are. We welcome any feedback that users may have to allow us to continue to make it better.”

The iPhone app, created by Digital Developer Dave Baxter, was launched in January 2013 and has since been downloaded over 30,000 times.

News

Android App re-launched

A VIDEO has been developed to highlight how place-based working is set to transform public services. It focuses on the Platt Bridge project in Wigan, set up in October 2015, and features interviews with police, the health service and council. It also tells the story of Jeff, a vulnerable resident who is drug dependant, suffers from depression and anxiety and resides in a dispersed tenancy. Over the years his needs have created demand for a number of public services, and he shares his positive experiences of working with the team. PCSO Carl Davies, who has patrolled the area for five years, said: “Joining the place-based team was a huge change. Losing the uniform has made a big difference – the local community still recognises me but it has definitely brought down some

barriers and led to me building more trust with citizens. “The biggest benefit of working together with other partners in this way has to be the constant transfer of skills.” Chief Inspector Gareth Hughes helped coordinate the project. He said: “The key thing for me was moving away from standard processes and adapting our approach to the place. “What works for Platt Bridge may not work for another area. Our aim is ultimately to make the community more resilient, address underlying issues and enable people to be less dependent on public services.” The project has also built up links with local businesses to help address underlying issues affecting the community. One example of this is the positive partnership formed with the local McDonalds, which has put on a bus for young people to a nearby youth club following complaints of antisocial behaviour at their outlet. The video will shortly be available under the Target Operating Model ‘Place based (From L-R) Helen Baskett from Wigan Council ASB team, PCSO Carl Davies, Vickie Hollingworth from Wigan Council Confident Families, working’ section on Janet Seddon from Wigan Council Restorative Solutions, Senior Nurse the Intranet. Practitioner Liz Higson and NBO Andy Parkinson

News

Child trafficking: learning to spot the signs WITH human trafficking now being the second largest criminal industry in the world, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) held a child trafficking training event in Manchester in March. The course was packed full with information, providing case studies of real victims, videos and real life situations to enable the professionals to be better prepared if they suspect a child is a potential trafficking victim. The NSPCC teach that any child

transported for exploitative reasons is considered to be a trafficking victim, whether they have been moved across a room or between countries. Between January and December 2015 the UK Government recognised 982 children as being trafficked, including British children and children from other countries who have been brought into the UK. A trafficked child can be a British national or a child brought in from a different country. Over the past two

Playing their part for the Prince’s Trust

The group put their green fingers to the test at a local community centre

years a trend in trafficking has been detected. Examples include victims who are British born girls forced into sexual exploitation, British boys made to take part in drugs running and Eastern European girls and boys being promised a better life in the UK, sometimes as models but are then forced into street crime, benefit fraud or sexual exploitation. If human trafficking is suspected, a National Referral Mechanism (NRM) form should be completed.

fundraising event so they could give something back to the Prince’s Trust programme as they had gained a lot of new skills and experiences from it. Working with PC Colin Barnes and apprentice James Bryan, who are both based at Sedgley Park, a social event was set up at The Humphrey Booth A GROUP of under-16s in Salford Resource Centre in Swinton, a local have revamped the gardens at a dementia centre. local community centre with Following a fundraising day where support from Greater Manchester the youngsters raised nearly £300 Police as part of the Prince's Trust packing bags at Asda Swinton and Fairbridge Programme. many donations of bulbs, plants and The project was set up after one of gardening tools from local companies, the teenagers on the programme the youngsters set to work at the asked if they could run a centre.

Nine rescued in slavery crackdown NINE potential victims of modern slavery were rescued as part of a week-long crackdown on incidents of human trafficking and slavery in March 2016. As part of the week, officers and partners from the Challenger Modern Slavery Unit visited 129 addresses and made 29 arrests. Officers also seized over £300,000 in cash and cheques as well as counterfeit items including stamps, DVDs and clothes Victim Liaison Officers (VLOs) and tactical advisers across the Force are currently being trained to support officers investigating incidents of modern slavery. You can find out who your divisional modern slavery single point of contacts, tactical advisors and victim liaison officers are on the Intranet: click here On 15 March the youngsters worked together in small groups to re-plant new flowers and shrubs or clear a side wing of the grounds from leaves and moss. They then joined residents and staff at the centre for a buffet lunch where they shared photos and stories.

By Alison Etherden HERE at Salford, a group of officers are being shown the new smartphones and tablets that are being rolled out – first to Salford division before the rest of the Force from June. They’ve already been working differently since Local Policing was implemented there last July. Getting mobile is the next step to help officers and staff day to day as they move towards ‘place-based’ working which is one of the key principles of the Force’s Target Operating Model.

one supervisor overseeing the demand coming in, the number of crimes and restricted resources has helped to share out the workload far more effectively which means officers are finding time to be more proactive when it comes to local problem solving. There’s still some way to go in terms of NPOs working more closely with Neighbourhood Beat Officers (NBOs) to solve the more long term problems but we’re getting there. Now that we have smartphones and tablets too it means we can stay out of the police station longer, be more visible Committed to place and generally make it easier for us Salford Neighbourhood Police when we’re out.” Officer (NPO) Andy Shaw reflects on The new ways of working that were how things are going in Salford: “Having piloted in Salford last summer are now being rolled out across all divisions and will see Neighbourhood Police Officers, Neighbourhood Beat Officers, Police Community Support Officers and Detectives working together Frontline officers and staff will receive smartphones and tablets so they as one team to can access information on the go solve problems in

the community and investigate crime. It allows officers to work on a smaller geographical area so they can be close to their communities and get to understand the issues there and start to solve problems. That’s what ‘place-based’ working is all about – getting into the community, truly integrating with partners and using the right professionals to identify the causes of the problems and how we tackle them together using our resources where there is greatest need to do so. Ultimately it is about improving outcomes for the community and reducing repeat demand on public services. (You can read more about the Platt Bridge place-based working pilot on page 9)

“Now that we have smartphones and tablets too it means we can stay out of the police station longer, be more visible and generally make it easier for us when we’re out.” NPO Andy Shaw, Salford

Spotlight

Problem solving as one team

convenient and instant. You don’t need to bother comms. I work in the centre of Rochdale so this will keep me on the streets for longer. The mobile is compact and handy to keep in your pocket. It’s the way forward.” It’s not just about having a new bit of kit or a new shift pattern though. Mobile and the local policing project are all about doing things differently. It’s a shift in mindset from being based at a police Supported by technology station, to being based in the And while mobile has only just community, and shifting the focus firmly started to roll out in Salford, officers to problem solving as one team. there are already seeing the benefit. Body worn video is also due to be NPO Darren White says: “The mobile rolled out over the next six months and devices will bring the Force into the current day and age, allowing officers to will help capture vital evidence to support domestic abuse cases or to be visible, available and work more quash malicious complaints about effectively by accessing the data police officers. available at their fingertips.” For further information about the PCSO Issy Onigbanjo who was Mobile project email: involved in the proof of concept trial at ISTransformation@gmp.police.uk Rochdale adds: “If you want a person check on PNC, it’s discrete,

Spotlight

Technology through the years By Melissa Mead THIS month saw an iconic moment in GMP history when the roll out of smart phones and tablets began on the Salford division. But what leaps and bounds in technology have we seen as a police force since we formed in 1974. GMPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first computer The first computer to be used by the Force was introduced in 1975 for personnel records. No doubt this machine was seen as a revolutionary new way of working, but the picture (bottom left) demonstrates how much computers have changed over forty years. Radio, but not as we know it Radios in the 1970s and 80s were not quite as sophisticated as the devices now used by officers. The

traditional model (pictured right) had numerous faults â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one officer described how in areas that had particularly bad signal they had to hold their radio against a metal drainpipe to create a makeshift aerial. Often different police forces would pick up each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s frequencies too on a clear day in Wythenshawe it was possible to pick up radio channels from Northern Ireland police. A new era for communications Her Majesty the Queen graced the Force on 21 March 1986 to officially open the Communications and Computer Centre at Chester House Phase II. A purpose-built complex, it was one of the most advanced units of its kind in Great Britain designed to take GMP into the 21st century. When it first opened, GMPICs was only available on one machine. Call handlers would have to join a queue to use it if they needed to get an update on a live incident. Getting online GMP launched its first website in 1996, meaning for

the first time anyone with a computer and a modem could access information. The site has undergone many makeovers since to get it to its current slick, user-friendly design. No more ink Officers relied upon the traditional ink fingerprinting method for their suspects for almost 100 years. The method was tried and tested but could be messy and inaccurate. GMP introduced LiveScan to police stations in 2000, allowing fingerprints to be electronically scanned and quickly compared with prints held on computer databases.

A digital community When online communities really began to take off, GMP was at the forefront of emerging trends in social media. It was the first Force to have its own Twitter account and the 24/7 Twitter day in 2010 highlighted to the world the reality of how much demand the Force is under over a 24 hour period. Present day Technology continues to evolve and shape the way we live, work and interact. The roll out of mobile devices will mean officers are more visible in the community and better equipped to perform their duties on the spot. Agile working has been implemented in some areas so that staff can work across different sites and from home, meaning they can be more flexible in the way they work. Most officers and staff have access to Lync which facilitates instant messaging and video calls. The IS transformation programme (which also incorporates the mobile project) is ongoing and is working towards a new integrated operational policing system. You can read more about how mobile devices are changing the way we protect our communities in our special feature on page 11. For more information about IS transformation work, please click here.

Deputy Chief Constable Ian Pilling started at GMP in January this year. Press Office and Internal Communications Manager Adrian Worsley finds out what makes the new Deputy Chief Constable tick...

“Looking at my career so far it’s almost like I’ve already experienced GMP in microcosm,” said Ian. “But when it came to the truly massive challenges – huge football MAJOR public order incidents… games, international conferences and check. Community tensions in a postcomplex communities – Greater riot landscape…tick. Global media focus Manchester has always had that little bit on a major international policing extra.” operation…no problem. In a 26-year career, Ian’s policing As CVs go, Ian Pilling’s isn’t lacking highlights almost read like a check-list in decent policing examples - a of essential criteria for the deputy chief testament to a rich and varied quarter role. century working in forces across the He helped manage party political North West. conferences at Blackpool, dodged flying Now three months into his toughest masonry while policing the G8 Summit job yet, Wiganer Ian reflects that it in Edinburgh and picked up the wasn’t just the pull of a return to his community baton in Burnley in the hometown that lured him back to GMP. immediate aftermath of the 2001 riots.

He had a brief stint at GMP in 2005/6 as Chief Inspector before moving to Merseyside. Here, further careerchanging milestones included twice being gold commander at the Aintree Grand National and taking over as local policing superintendent the day after young Rhys Jones was fatally shot on his way home from playing football in Croxteth. After completing the strategic command course in 2012 he served as a temporary ACC, then substantive ACC, all the while keeping one eye on his home force, GMP. “I have always thought that GMP is a really good force, but it could be truly great,” said Ian. “When the DCC job was advertised I felt that I could help the force build on all the good work and make those next incremental steps. “It’s not just me who says we are really good at what we do. The HMIC recently said it, adding that we have the most challenging area to police in the country. “So, I didn’t come in and make overnight wholesale changes for the sake of it. GMP has gone through a lot of change already and we need to gradually adjust to a new way of

working, taking staff, partners and communities with us. “One of the things I will be looking at is how we understand performance and how that work will fit into the Target Operating Model.” Ian says there are other reasons to be cheerful. “We are bringing in hundreds of recruits in the coming months and that will really help us get our confidence back. I really want the place to be fizzing again! “We need to trust and empower our staff and people will make some mistakes along the way. Our approach to standards ought to be about honesty and allowing people to do what they believe to be the right thing at the time. “When people slip up but it is with the best intentions, then for me, it’s all about holding our nerve.”

Spotlight

Introducing… DCC Ian Pilling

Ian Pilling took over as local policing superintendent after Rhys Jones (pictured right) was shot dead on his way home from playing football in Croxteth in 2007

Spotlight

Case Closed ON 9 February 2003, five-year-old Samuel Walker was walking on Hardy Lane in Chorlton-cum-Hardy with his mother Jacqueline, sister Aimee and cousin Faye when he was hit by a driver who failed to stop. Samuel was killed by a silver Mitsubishi Gallant, which was found abandoned nearby and later reported stolen by its owner Craig Chevelleau. The 2003 investigation failed to identify the driver and despite a strong suspect in Chevelleau, the investigation was closed pending further evidence after 73 days. In September 2012, I reopened the case but a Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) review directed no further action and no reinvestigation. Undeterred, I re-interviewed the original witnesses and investigation team, some of whom had retired but were all willing to help. On the tenth anniversary of Samuel’s death, I returned to Hardy

The replica Mitsubishi Gallant bought for £170

It took three years of perserverance, generous pro-bono work from a barrister and a re-trial to finally close the cold case into the death of Samuel Walker shortly before his fifth birthday. Sergeant Lee Westhead of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit writes about finally closing the cold case. Lane and set up a mobile police station. Armed with a replica car, some posters and a £20,000 reward, Operation Marco was launched. This led to the recording of GMP’s first Crimewatch-style reconstruction as well as a second video released on what would have been Samuel’s 16th birthday. I was convinced that the answer to Samuel’s death would be found on the estate where he was killed. I traced and interviewed every person aged between 16 and 25 who had lived on that estate in 2003 or who was an associate of known persons of interest in the original investigation. On 24 May 2013, a witness - a teenager in 2003 - identified the driver as Nawnee Mackin. They agreed to provide anonymous evidence and attend an identification parade. Mackin had left the Manchester area following the public launch of the reinvestigation but in the interim, I arranged a covert VIPER parade using a 2003 custody image of Mackin. One of the identification witnesses was Samuel’s mother Jacqueline. In her original statement she had described looking the driver in the eye in the moments before Samuel’s death. She immediately identified Mackin.

In October 2013, Mackin was arrested along with Chevelleau. Following no comment interviews, I returned to the Barrister Henry Blackshaw (L) and Sgt Lee Westhead (R ) at the Specialist CPS. Authority to Operations awards ceremony at Manchester Airport. They also recently received a Chief Constable’s High Commendation for their work. charge was not granted. November 2015, after a two week reI then took the unusual step of trial and four hours of deliberation, the approaching an independent barrister, jury reached a verdict. Henry Blackshaw, whom I had worked Taking Jacqueline and her family with successfully on a similar case. into Court for that verdict was one of the Despite his fearsome workload, he most unnerving moments of my career. kindly agreed to help me with my I sat with them in the public gallery with appeals to the CPS. my heart beating in my ears waiting to After 12 frustrating months, three hear the words of the jury foreman. This unsuccessful appeals, 20,000 words was Sam’s last chance for justice. and having secured the forgoing of Mackin was unanimously convicted anonymity from our key witness, Mackin of causing the death of Samuel Walker. was charged with Causing Death by Dangerous Driving and Chevelleau with He was sentenced to nine years imprisonment; the maximum sentence Perverting the Course of Justice on 5 in 2003 being ten years. November 2014. I will never forget the reaction of Henry’s assistance to this case was Samuel’s family that day. Being in a vital, generous and invaluable. In June position to help deliver justice to decent 2015, the jury at Manchester Crown people who have been the victim of Court unanimously convicted Chevelleau. However they were unable tragic circumstances makes up for every bad day I have ever had at work. to reach a verdict on Mackin. In

IT was a cold, drizzly night in March when I met up with teams from Greater Manchester Police and British Transport Police (BTP) for a joint patrol in Manchester city centre. An average March evening, by Manchester standards. The patrol was coordinated by the GMP North Manchester Protecting Vulnerable People team, who work to tackle three major force threats – missing people, mental health and child sexual exploitation (CSE). This patrol, at the end of a Greater Manchester-wide week of action, was set up to look specifically for frequently missing young people and those at risk of CSE. Although they are not mutually exclusive, there is substantial evidence to show a defined link between child sexual exploitation and runaway children. A recent study showed that almost 95% of young people identified as being at risk of CSE have run away from home at least once. This night, as with other patrols I have experienced, was a real eye -opener. Even before we had left the briefing, it was

By Lauren Taylor clear how widespread the issue was. Just that afternoon, the team had located a frequent runaway, at extremely high risk of CSE who had left her foster home again. This, teamed with a rundown of regular missing young people and any risks attached to them, set an anxious scene for a busy evening. The patrol combined GMP’s detailed understanding of the habits of frequent runaways with BTP’s knowledge of the transport hubs and any specific trends relating to the use of the various networks across the city. It was a reliable approach which left no stone unturned. We stopped a range of young people; from those simply on their way home after a post-school shopping trip, to those who are in regular contact with police either as an offender or victim. I documented the patrol on social media as I accompanied the officers, updating Twitter with any interesting or important details. The response from the public was largely supportive and concern for the safety of these young people. I noticed that conversation had evolved beyond what CSE was to interest in how we could effectively

Using the latest technology to tackle CSE ON 18 March 2016, National CSE Awareness Day, GMP launched a new interactive web app about Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE). ‘Your Call: Child Sexual Exploitation’ is the second in the GMP web app series and gives young people and their parents an opportunity to walk in the shoes of a police officer – considering scenarios encountered by those who respond to tackle it moving forward. reports of missing young people and There were many moments CSE. It aims to raise awareness about throughout the evening where you what CSE is, how it affects victims and saw evidence of how the officers how complex the investigations may be. juggle multiple demands on their time. 'Your Call' was developed by specialist Searching for vulnerable young officers and in conjunction with partner people, whilst dealing with drunken agencies and young people themselves. fights, shoplifting and drug dealing is The web app is accessible all in a night’s work for them. via www.yourcallgm.co.uk. Have a go As the patrol drew to a close, and let us know your thoughts! officers stopped three regular runaways who were at risk of CSE, trying to sneak into a hotel. They were all sent home, parents were made aware and their nights ended in a much safer way than they could have done. These dedicated patrols are one of the many fantastic ways GMP is working to protect young people, across every division, every week. It was great to see that up close - and made the drizzly March evening far The app was developed in-house by Rash Siddiquee from Corporate Communications from average.

Spotlight

On patrol for CSE

Spotlight

Final call for Airport Commander By Alison Etherden IT’S Tuesday 22 March and I am going to Manchester Airport to meet Superintendent Bob Lomas who has been the Airport Commander there for GMP for the last four years and is due to finish his career there. Just hours before I am due to meet him three coordinated bombs exploded in Brussels. Two of which went off in the departure hall of Brussels Airport. On arrival at Manchester Airport the increased police presence is evident. Supt Bob Lomas tells me he

executed ‘Operation Redoubt’ immediately on seeing the news at home before he got to the Airport which automatically increases the police presence despite no specific threat to Manchester Airport. He tells me the scenario in Brussels is one of the hardest to manage as a police operation but is a scenario that they have tested and continue to practice in live operations on the ground regularly throughout the year, including one just the night before. “The training sessions we run are set up like a real Supt Lomas receiving a branch commendation from scenario” he explains, “it ACC John O’Hare at the Concorde Conference Centre means we can test our last month tactics while giving our officers confidence in dealing with that scenario if they were ever to face something like that here at Manchester Airport.” Bob Lomas started his career as a Special Constable in Wigan in 1983 before joining the regulars in 1985. He spent some of his career

working in training roles including two years at the Bruche Police Training Centre as a sergeant, and later as an inspector at Bramshill so the emphasis he has put on training while at Manchester Airport since he was stationed here in 2012 is perhaps not surprising. When asked what his proudest moment has been at the Airport he tells me about the Qatar flight on 5 August 2014 where a man on the plane passed a note to the pilot to say a bomb was on board. The flight actually came in early which meant the plane had already landed by the time Supt Lomas had got to the control tower and the plane had come to a stop close to the visitor park. He had to make a risk assessment based on the limited information he knew. His team had already practised the scenario just a few months earlier and so an operation was initiated to leave passengers on board while the man was arrested and his bag located. The operation was brought to a safe conclusion; there was no bomb on

board and the man was later sectioned under the Mental Health Act. He has certainly had a varied career from handling the police operation when the Chinese President landed at Manchester Airport to his days working at the National Police College in Ashford, Kent where they were able to catch the Eurostar to France for their dinner in the evening. But when asked what Bob will miss the most when he retires, he says it’ll be the people, and that he has made lifelong friends that he will remain in touch with long after he retires. Supt Graeme Openshaw has now taken up the role of Airport Commander.

Bob Lomas as a PC in 1986

A VULNERABLE man who went missing from home has published a book of poems to help raise awareness of mental health issues. Last year, Oliver Moran went missing and was found at his mother’s house in Fallowfield where PC Paul Davies and another officer arrived to collect him and take him back to his care home.

On the way back to Brierley Court, Moston, Oliver, who suffered from mental health problems, broke the silence in the van by reciting dozens of poems that he had written himself. Budding author PC Paul Davies, who has published four novels of his own, was so impressed by what he heard that he encouraged Oliver to collate his poems into a book to help other people suffering with mental health issues. Staff at the care home were fully behind the idea, believing it would help to give Oliver something to focus on and helped him bring his poems together. PC Davies said: “Telling him we liked his poems was like lighting the blue touch paper as he then exploded into a dozen more from his repertoire.

Sport

The muses of an unlikely poet “When we got Oliver home, he was still going strong and was clearly proud of his verses. “When I told him we wanted to publish his poems to help raise awareness of mental health, it was like he’d won the lottery. “When you encounter people like Oliver, you realise that we’re not just about fighting crime but actively help people in the community too. The excitement and pride it has given Oliver makes it worth it.” PC Paul Davies (L) with Oliver Moran and the book

Out of my mind. The muses of an unlikely poet, is available now from www.amazon.co.uk and www.padavies.co.uk priced at £5.99.

At least £1 from every sale will go to MIND with any extra profit going to Oliver.

no experience to join existing teams and learn new skills in the process – most of us are experienced walkers, climbers and mountaineers as well as some PC Mark Humphrys who is organising the GMP who are experienced mountain rescue volunteers.” teams said: “This should prove to be a great night in Many of the participants are using Brathay Hall the hills and mountains for fellow Wainwright lovers. (www.brathay.org.uk) as a base and will arrive there Weather permitting it should prove to be an awesome on the Friday afternoon. On Saturday there will be a sight spanning the entire district. lunchtime BBQ/Hog roast followed by an evening “We would love to fill every peak and even meal at the Hall. potentially double up on some with strangers meeting together at the top for a good cause – and not just To make a donation click here or visit the because somebody took a wrong turn and ended up Facebook page. To get involved contact Mark on the wrong peak! Humphrys on ext 60648 or via email. “We want to ensure this is an inclusive event for everyone to enjoy so we’re asking those with little or

Lighting the Lakes for police survivors AROUND 30 GMP officers and staff are joining other Forces from across the country in this year’s Light the Lakes event. The event, which is organised by Surrey Police, takes place on Friday 6 May 2016 and sees officers and staff simultaneously ascending all of the 214 Wainwright peaks of the Lake District. At 3am the following morning, Saturday 7 May, each participant will summit their designated peak and light a blue flare in honour of the Care of Police Survivors (COPS) charity.

Letters

Letters of Appreciation PC Philippa Barker has done an extraordinary job and shown an enormous amount of resourcefulness, determination and compassion whilst dealing with the situation that we were having to live through. We had been repeatedly told by Manchester City Council that there was nothing that could be done in order to deal with the situation and PC Barker upon hearing the details immediately agreed that it was unacceptable. The details of the situation are largely immaterial but PC Barker was the first person that did not I am writing to thank your officers and all relevant support staff for their help and support following a recent break in at our property three days before Christmas. This was obviously a turbulent and particularly stressful time for myself, wife and especially my As part of a work event I was in Wigan one late night. I witnessed an assault and attended to provide health assistance to the victim. One of your officers PC 13778 David Taylor attended the injured man. I just want to pass on my

immediately dismiss our problem. We had been ignored for over 2 years by MCC and in little more than 4 months PC Barker has resolved the situation and almost single-handed restored our faith in the Police. Over the last few years there have been numerous problems in our area and PC Barker has worked tirelessly to counter them, while operating as our neighbourhood officer. PC Barker has personally resolved 2 serious ongoing

incidents for us over the last 4 years. She has been a source of optimism and hope for positive change in the area as a whole and personally has been invaluable, even going to the extent of checking in on my vulnerable partner while I was working abroad. In my view, she is an outstanding officer and an exceptional human being, doing a very difficult job and pushing herself beyond the call of duty.

two children aged 11 and 8.

recognition for their efforts. With help from CCTV footage, the officers named above and the rest of their team, these criminals have now been charged and sentenced, excellent policing!

I would like to thank DC 02171 Sean Loughlin and ISO Loz Elliot for their commitment to this case. Both Sean and Loz were particularly good at putting my childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s minds at rest. Both officers deserve some

thoughts about how caring and helpful this officer was to the victim. Despite it being Wigan on a Friday night and all that entails, this officer was a credit to the force.

David Killick

Wayne Johnson

I also want to commend PC 4521 Joanne Walmsley in her dealings afterwards. Ian Stirton-Cook, Head of Urgent Care/Atherleigh Park, Mental Health Management Suite

I would like to highlight and praise the fantastic work that PC 16564 Joanne Fitzsimmons and PC 6954 Linda Howcroft have done in their attempt to rid Atherton of the anti-social behaviour that was happening around the Mealhouse Lane area of the town. I was a witness in the case that has ended in injunctions for the main perpetrators and feel that without their hard work, hasty responses and all round care for our community that Joanne and Linda have shown, this would not have been possible. Not to mention the brilliant work that Insp 4206 Liz Sanderson has done to ensure myself and my family were protected from this kind of behaviour. I must add that the neighbourhood teams work and efforts were second to none. With very little men on the ground due to the cuts, the team seem to be working extra hard to protect the community. I couldn't possibly thank Linda and Joanne enough for all that they have done. They are a true credit to your force. Anonymous

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Police Promotion Masterclass

Obituaries Name, age, date of death Inspector John Thorburn, died 30/1/16, age 83 PC Doreen Annie Brindley, died 8/2/16, age 85

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