Brief Autumn 2015 by Greater Manchester Police

CSI: Manchester

How the Forensics Branch is dealing with increasing demand in a time of change

Manchester Air Disasterâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;30 years on

Reflections on the tragedy Unsung Heroes

Celebrating the work of inspirational staff Modern Slavery

Scale of the issue highlighted

Columns

Working together to shape GMP’s future I feel hugely privileged to be able to write this as the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police. This is a time of huge change within policing in general and GMP in particular. In recent weeks I have done a lot of talking about the future and what success will look like in 2020. I will be explaining more about this in the weeks and months ahead. One thing remains a constant for me and that is the focus on keeping people

safe. It has been a driver for me throughout my time in the police. It is what the people of Greater Manchester expect from us and it is what we need to keep at the heart of what we do as the necessary changes take place. The financial situation is looking extremely concerning but that should not change that main aim. What it will change is how we go about our work every day. I am really clear that the best way to deal with what is ahead is to work together. It is inevitable that we will be a smaller team in the future but as a smaller team we

have an opportunity to become more effective. But it can only happen when we join together, work together and change together. The Unsung Heroes awards showcased some of the great team and individual work that is taking place across Greater Manchester every day. It was an honour to meet the award winners and their families who provide daily support so their loved ones keep people safe. I am looking forward to meeting as many people as possible in the coming months and explaining more about the developments ahead.

Ian Hopkins, Chief Constable

Thank you Sir Peter and welcome Ian It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work alongside Sir Peter Fahy. He proved himself to be one of the country’s finest chief officers, committed both to protecting the people of Greater Manchester and leading you through an incredibly demanding period of transformation. Set against a difficult backdrop

of significant cuts to the service, Peter worked to find new and better ways of working, and deliver value for our shrinking money. One of his most significant contributions was recognising earlier than most within policing and beyond, the changing demands and needs of society particularly the need to prioritise protecting the vulnerable - and not simply to chase arbitrary policing targets. Peter rose to these challenges, and his legacy is one to be proud of. But we must look to the future

and Ian Hopkins will rise to the challenge and relish the chance to lead a police service so ably supported by its officers and staff. It is to his credit that, despite the difficult challenges that lie ahead, he is confident and optimistic about what we can achieve. Ian’s approach and attitude will help ensure GMP continues to deliver an excellent service: one that is efficient, offers value for money, and one which makes sure that Greater Manchester has the safest communities in Britain.

Tony Lloyd, Police & Crime Commissioner

Time to move on An excerpt from Sir Peter’s final blog AFTER 34 years as a police officer and 13 as a chief constable it is time to move on to a fresh challenge. My past seven years in GMP have seen many highs and lows and many challenges that we have had to face. Every day we deal with hundreds of incidents from the terrorist threat to lost property and everything in between. We never close, we are always there prepared for whatever the public need us for, able to respond to shootings, fatal collisions, civil emergencies, flooding, snow or just a person in distress needing our help. We are with people at the worst moments of their lives. We deal with things that everyone else is desperate to read about, but we actually do it. So I now hand over to Ian Hopkins who I have worked with for the last 10 years and I know will provide continuity, but also bring his own ideas and style of leadership and he will do a great job. I move on to my new challenge of Chief Executive of Retrak sad to leave the many fine people of GMP but also very excited by the chance to work in a new field. Thank you for all your support.

4 Time to talk GMP signs up to challenge mental health stigma

11 A listening ear Meet the Wellbeing Resilience Coaches

12 Unsung Heroes

A brief look at what’s been happening around the divisions

The first Unsung Heroes event is a big success

8 Social Roundup

13 Modern slavery

PC Pete Baldwin giving students advice live on Periscope

An emerging threat to vulnerable people

14 Airport disaster remembered Remembering those who lost their lives 30 years ago

15 Crime Scene Investigator Behind the scenes of a CSI as the Forensics Review kicks in

GMP Life 9 Serious leadership Leadership course for front line leaders in the Serious Crime Division

10 News in Brief Short stories from around the Force

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



Lauren Taylor, Acting Public Relations Manager



Charlotte Gowers, Internal Communications Officer



Inspector Tariq Butt, Neighbourhoods, Confidence and Equality Team

Can you come up with a caption for this month’s competition?



Det Sgt Aidan Kennedy, Serious Crime Division

19 Special tour for Jack and Olivia



PC Phil Gleave, Manchester Airport

Spotlight

5-6 Divisional Roundup

16 Letters of Appreciation Members of the public thank officers and staff for their work

17 Adverts & Obituaries

Contents

News

18 Caption competition

Quick thinking siblings get a well earned day out for their brave actions

20 Footloose at Pride A big thank you to everyone who got involved this year

21 What a strong man (Sport) PC Scott Britain is officially the police forces strong man

Be published in Brief Editorial team: Melissa Mead, Patricia Jones, Charlotte Gowers, Krystyna Rudzki Photographers: Chris Oldham and Bill Morris 0161 856 2777 | Picture Desk: Lisa Marks 0161 856 2279 Designed and produced by: Corporate Communications, Force Headquarters, Central Park, M40 5BP Contact numbers: 0161 85 65939 / 2238 / 5938 Email: Brief@gmp.police.uk Brief online: www.gmp.police.uk/Brief

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28 December 2015 3

News 4

Protecting the right to protest LAST month the Conservative Party came to Manchester for their annual conference. While Greater Manchester is no stranger to major political conferences, this year's event was particularly challenging. In addition to the conference, the largest ever demonstration took place with 60,000 protestors marching through the city. During the week officers and staff from across GMP divisions worked incredibly hard to not only protect the government, but to facilitate the democratic right of the thousands of people who came to protest. Specialist units played a key role in planning, with preparation beginning earlier this year. Extensive searches were carried out across the conference site and surrounding areas to ensure they were secure, and all deliveries for the conference were put through a stringent security check at a remote vehicle search site in Stretford. As a result, only 19 people were arrested throughout the week. ACC John O’Hare said: “We are lucky to have such committed, experienced and positive people working across all of our specialist units who perform to the highest standards in the most challenging of environments."

It’s time to talk GMP pledged to challenge mental health stigma and provide more support to officers and staff as part of an awareness week which took place last month. Mental health awareness week began with a launch event hosted by Force Wellbeing lead Ch Supt Zoe Sheard (pictured above). During the event, Ch Supt Sheard signed the MIND Blue Light Time to Change Pledge on behalf of GMP and

attendees heard health and is encouraging people to testimonials from seek support if they are struggling to officers and staff cope. Part of this is the launch of the who have Wellbeing Resilience Coach network experienced mental and the Peer Support Network – turn ill health to page 11 to find out more about how themselves. they can help. Comedian and Click here to watch a video on why broadcaster Jake GMP is signing the MIND Blue Light Mills also delivered Time to Change pledge, including a powerful talk testimonials from two of our own about how he colleagues. battled with Click here to watch a supportive depression and attempted suicide. message especially for GMP staff from Events held throughout the week Chair of MIND, Stephen Fry. included an inspirational session from rugby charity State of Mind, where former rugby league players talked about their own coping strategies and experiences of mental ill health when injuries forced them out of their careers. Following the awareness week, A former rugby league player talked about mental GMP has committed to breaking health on behalf of charity State of Mind down barriers around mental ill GMP’s first ever Hate Crime Ambassador Scheme has been launched in conjunction with Bolton Council. The scheme aims to appoint individuals in their places of work, worship, voluntary schemes, and schools who can act as Ambassadors. They will be available to help their peers and friends who are suffering from hate related crime, pointing them to the right advice and offering support. In September a training day was held where the new Ambassadors heard a number of people including Adrian Derbyshire, a Paralympic gold medallist and representatives from the Sophie Lancaster Foundation and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender foundation. Adrian told the Ambassadors about his experience of disability hate crime, the effects of bullying and the importance of victims having someone to speak to and confide in.

Divisional News

Divisional Roundup Salford ‘ENOUGH is enough’ was the message given out to the community of Salford via a TV appeal after a mother and her seven-year-old son were shot and seriously injured on their own doorstep in October. Following the murder of Paul Massey in July 2015, this incident and a number of shootings are being investigated under Project Gulf. A £50,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible.

North Manchester

DC Kathryn McKenzie Wareing stepped up to receive her 20 years long service award in October. During her career as a child protection specialist she helped convict serial sex offender Rocky Morrison for 15 years.

Stockport STOCKPORT has become the latest division to team up with mental health professionals to deliver a street triage service. The Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust will provide a helpline for officers which offers advice and support if they are attending an incident that potentially involves a person with a mental illness. This will allow them to direct the individual to the right service and get the right support at the right time, ensuring the best possible outcome for them.

Tameside

PCSOs Sam Askworth and Pete Field (centre) received awards

PCSOs Sam Ashworth and Pete Field were recognised for their outstanding contribution to their neighbourhood at the Pride of Gorton awards on Sunday 11 October. Held at the historic Gorton Monastery, the event celebrates local residents, community groups and professionals who help to keep the area safe.

Oldham OFFICERS have had to manage community tensions after a horrific kidnap and serious assault of a schoolchild where he was subjected to torture with a hot iron. Four offenders aged 1516 have been charged.

Wigan TWO PCSOs went above and beyond to help a young man get the ticket of his dreams. Blake Fletcher suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and is well known for his infectious personality and cheeky grin. He had expressed to PCSOs Debra Robinson and Les Welch his one wish;

to see his favourite football team Liverpool play a live game. It took the kind-hearted pair two years of attempts but eventually they managed to secure Blake a ticket to see Liverpool vs Aston Villa and they enlisted the support of charity Compassion in Action to help with travel

to and from the match. Both of the PCSOs gave up their rest days to transfer and support Blake throughout the day. Needless to say, Blake was overjoyed and was even more happy when his team won on the day! Blake Fletcher with PCSO Les Welch

IN September a number of officers and staff along with staff from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Immigration visited the Al Jamiatul Islamiyyah School and Sixth form College in Bolton. Representatives from the Organisational Learning and Workforce Development Branch (OLWD), Neighbourhood, Confidence and Equality team, Recruitment, Counter Terrorism Unit, Apprentice scheme, Cadets, Special Constables, PSCOs, Immigration and the Crime Commissioner’s office attended the session. The visit included an Islamic awareness session by the School Principal, Moulana Suhail Manya, as well as a tour of the building. The visiting group are now arranging to meet up again in the future at the school as part of a longer term engagement programme. The school have also offered GMP staff free Islamic awareness classes and Specials Sergeant Kieran Sheene is currently arranging for 70 special constables to take part.

Trafford A picture of a parrot reunited with its delighted owner went viral in late August. The red macaw, affectionately known as ‘Baby’ was taken from a pet shop in Timperley in August after a thief threw a glass reptile cabinet through the parrot’s enclosure and made off with her. Trafford officers received information on her whereabouts and invited owner Graham Ralston to pick her up from the police station. Mr Ralston, 46, said: “I am elated. It is just absolutely brilliant. “Everyone has just been brilliant, it is so good to have her back. She has become a bit of a local missing celebrity.” Trafford South shared the heart-

warming picture via their Facebook page and received over 6,000 likes. A man has been convicted of burglary in connection with the incident.

Divisional News

Bolton

Airport ON 22-23 October, a full scale operation was in place for the Chinese presidential visit. The Airport played a crucial role and continued to support divisions during this time by responding to arrest alerts.

Rochdale

Insp Coulson with delighted owner and his returned parrot ‘Baby’

Bury 90 per cent of Year 9 students in the borough received inputs from the BSafe BCool project in October. The project is a partnership between local agencies to bring down ASB related offences in the area. Drama students from Bury colleges started off each day with a play that incorporated key themes for this year. GMP and GMFRS delivered an input on crime and disorder. Since the BSafe BCool partnership began there has been a significant reduction of ASB cases in Bury’s communities.

PC Edmund Barker received the 'Ray Codling Award for Bravery' for his courage when he held on to a suicidal male who tried to jump from the roof of Rochdale Town Hall, several hundred feet in the air.

South Manchester TWO men have been charged after a warrant was executed and more than £30,000 of class A and B drugs were recovered. The two offenders were charged with conspiracy to supply controlled drugs and money laundering.

News

Around the world England A Toy Story fan that changed his name to Buzz Lightyear has been forced to change it back. Buzz, who was formally known as Sam, changed his name after hitting a charity fund raising target of £2000. The DVLA however refused to issue ‘Buzz’ a driving license as it could bring the company into disrepute and Devon FA issued him a fine for giving an incorrect name. ‘Buzz’ has now changed back to his real name of Sam Stephens saying “The name change was never about me, it was about raising money and awareness for LIC Sargent.” Sam won’t forget his time as Buzz Lightyear as he has a permanent reminder, a tattoo of his namesake on his leg.

China A couple of banana selling Minions are in trouble in China. Two street traders dressed as Carl and Tim the minions from the popular movie Despicable Me were told off and moved

on when trying to sell their favourite fruit, bananas at the side of the road. The popular figures were doing well

until they attracted the attention of Urban City Inspectors; the minions protested but were ultimately made to leave for illegally selling their goods. New Zealand Officers were tasked with a special job, protecting a family of ducks. The mother duck and her ducklings were spotted trying to get to a large puddle but with a busy road in-between them the officers stepped in and stopped traffic to let the mum lead her babies across to the safety of their new watering hole.

Striving to help victims A new initiative has been set up to provide better outcomes for victims and perpetrators of non-crime related domestic abuse incidents. ‘STRIVE’ was launched at the end of September to police officers and police staff in conjunction with partners who work first hand with victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse. As well as sharing the developments around domestic abuse the event also covered future ways of working with partners. It gave officers the opportunity to get to know some of the agencies face to face, and gain a

better understanding of which service to refer victims and perpetrators to. As a direct result of the events, agencies have offered to hold indepth training sessions for officers on the services they provide. Ch Insp Laura Marler from the City of Manchester Partnership Team said: "More than 120 people attended including partner agencies and support groups and it was great to see so much conversation taking place. “We all want to provide better services to those that need our help with domestic abuse and the event certainly helped to promote that work. “GMP is committed to delivering an excellent service to victims and supporting agencies and community groups that are working towards the same objective. I am happy that we showed our collaboration with other services will be successful.” There was also an opportunity for all delegates to network to find out more about the services. These include Broken Rainbow, WHAG (Women Housing Action Group), Saheli, Women’s Aid and Kama Nirvana to name a few. For more information and who to contact visit the STRIVE intranet page.

What’s Trending?

Forced Marriage Cops DS Nita Jhanji-Garrod & Tanya Kitchen featured in the Channel 4 documentary ‘Forced Marriage Cops’ broadcast on September 30. @gemms2410 @gmpolice just watched #forcedmarriagecops very emotional and broadens the mind on honour based crime. Well done @josephhayat Maximum respect to brave @gmpolice multi faith BME female on the Forced Marriage team from officers tackling forced marriage @gmpolice on @Channel4. Amazingly orchestrated by such evil people brave women. #ForcedMarriageCops @helenagardner Have to admire the bravery of the victims and excellent work of @Lizzie_Whiting Watching #ForcedMarriageCops. Really highlights the @gmpolice on #ForcedMarriageCops important and complex work the police do in @Steve_Grimbleby Fascinating program our communities. Very grateful @gmpolice

GMP has used Periscope, a live video streaming platform for smart phones for the first time. PC Baldwin (pictured right) used Periscope in October to give students advice on keeping their home secure. There were six videos in total, 843 views and 894 likes. Comments included “this is fab” and “great to see what the police do up close.” Owned by Twitter, viewers can join live broadcasts which incorporate notifications, social sharing, discussions and feedback. After the broadcast, a replay can be viewed within Periscope and also saved to be shared later.

The Force: Manchester

Episode 10 of the 20-part Sky 1 series aired October 21. It will return in early 2016.

@ACParker37 @gmpolice I actually live and how they deal with things for this show, world class television! #theforcemanchester #TheForceManchester @Scatigno1 Another great episode of #TheForceManchester. We a great force @Supergios Love #theforcemanchester @SkyUK great insight into the wrk of in @gmpolice protecting our city. Hoping @gmpolice - they are truly committed & to be part of them one day. we're thankful for them @Maaart2704 Spent the morning @LCarter479 I love it when @gmpolice visit Rochdale hello PC Sherlock @JaredGriffin_ Well done @gmpolice compelling series #theforcemanchester highlighting the fantastic work of the force @The RocketCrosto @gmpolice the force Manchester really does open your eyes to what police in the city do

watching #theforcemanchester on catch up. Respect @gmpolice some right idiots out there. #keepsafe #Thankyouforallyoudo Janis Eden on Facebook Brilliant series, love seeing local spots and police personnel. What they have to put up with is unbelievable

We appreciate that bus stop benches can quite often be cold and uncomfortable, but please don’t bring your sofa along with you. It just makes more work for Salford City council having to clear up

1,157, 887 people reached | 47, 251 likes, comments and shares

THE IS programme tasked with providing the Force with a new, modern core operational policing system is drawing on the expertise of officers and staff to help develop the new system. Now running for just over 12 months, the programme team are speaking with potential suppliers for this new system. Insp Tariq Butt from the Neighbourhoods, Confidence and Equality team is one of the ‘Subject Matter Experts’, providing direct experience to the programme team. He said: “I joined the programme in November 2014 and like many officers and staff, I have felt the frustrations and limitations of our current systems. “OPUS is 10 years old and GMPICS is 25 years old. We have been talking about replacing or upgrading them in one form or another since I joined GMP in 2000. “My role is to help ensure the new, modern system we deliver is fit not only

for now, but is also dynamic enough to accommodate future trends, demands, changes and technological advances. “This has involved meeting, shadowing and working alongside people in a wide variety of roles across the Force, to understand what they need from the new system, to help us to make sure the chosen supplier (or suppliers) can meet these requirements. “Now that we are speaking with a number of suppliers, I am excited to be able to start thinking about the next detailed design phase of the programme. This will begin in the New Year, where we should start to see the results of all our hard work – a tangible product. “I know that the system we deliver will leave a legacy for the organisation and that was too good an opportunity for me to miss.” Running for just over a year, the team were originally tasked to replace GMPICS and OPUS, but the IS Transformation Programme has now received approval from the Police and Crime Commissioner to include ICIS Case, ICIS Custody and the current property systems (KIM) within its scope. This will mean less double or triple keying, fewer passwords and more shared functionality between systems that can talk to each other. To keep up-to-date with the programme’s progress visit the Intranet Site .

Learning for leaders THE Serious Crime Division has developed a new leadership training course specifically for front-line leaders. The week-long course has been developed for those individuals who are in the promotion process as well as substantive sergeants, inspectors and their police staff equivalent. So far the course has been tested among a small group of managers and their feedback will help to create a five-day course for the rest of the division. Det Sgt Aidan Kennedy from the Serious Crime Division has helped to develop the course in conjunction with the Organisational Learning and Workforce Development Branch. He said: “The first course was great at testing the product and we have been able to tweak the course based on feedback. Throughout the week the topics have provoked a lot of conversation and that is just what we want in a safe environment. “This course also focuses on the Senior Investigating Officer role, as this is very specific to this division. SIOs have a key role during any investigation of being able to get the best out of people especially when they have different backgrounds and have had very different experiences.” Det Insp Rocque Fernandes attended the first course. He said: “I

News

A new modern operating system

have really enjoyed this leadership course. “Each day was packed with useful interactive learning and I have been able to learn more about the different leadership styles, culture and emotional intelligence. “We were also fortunate to meet with victims of serious crimes and hear their accounts of how they felt they had been treated by Police and the judicial system, including what went well and what didn’t go so well.” Sgt Laura Orton added: “It was great to have discussion-based sessions, as this was a productive, interesting and constructive way to challenge our thinking. Having peerled experts rather than trainers was also useful as they were able to provide their own personal case studies rather than just theory.” VICTIMS and witnesses in Greater Manchester have a new website to offer support to victims of crime and improve their experiences both inside and outside criminal justice system.

News

Tables turn for Sir Peter SGT Nick Galgani from the Rochdale Division has been presented with his Platinum Award for 25 years’ service to the sick and less-able pilgrims on the Salford Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. The award was presented by the Salford Bishop at the closing Mass of the pilgrimage.

SGT Andy Naismith from the Serious Crime Division has become the first Detective Sergeant nationally to be awarded PIP3 and homicide SIO status. Well done Andy!

THE National Police Air Service (NPAS) is introducing a new streamlined service. Very soon air support for forces in the North West will be delivered by helicopters from NPAS bases at Hawarden and at Barton. While convenient in our Force area, NPAS Barton will also be supporting colleagues across the region and a new operating model has been created. More details can be found on the Force Intranet site.

operation officers handed out travelsize booklets to passengers and two people were detained on suspicion of offences relating to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The operation took place after the first FGM prevention order was issued in Greater Manchester thanks to a new law that protects young girls from being subjected to FGM.

GMP’s festive music extravaganza will take place at Manchester Cathedral on Thursday 17 December at 7.30pm. If you would like to request tickets please email awards.team@gmp.police.uk quoting Christmas Concert tickets, your name on the subject line, how many tickets you require and a contact internal address for tickets to be sent out to. Tickets will be subject to availability and restricted to a maximum of four per person (due to high demand), which can include family members and friends.

SIR Peter Fahy has presented long service awards to officers and staff for the last time. At a ceremony held at Force Headquarters, a number of police officers and members of police staff received recognition for their long service. However, what Sir Peter didn’t expect was to have the tables turned and to have his own retirement certificate presented to him by Ch Supt Catherine Hankinson. She said: “Sir Peter has never placed himself on a pedestal and sees himself as just a member of the workforce, here to do a job like everyone else. He has patrolled many parts of Manchester both on foot and bicycle, written blogs, held webchats, answered questions and has even insisted on hosting all long service and retirement ceremonies wherever possible, often changing his diary to do so. “His legacy to GMP is that we are a more integrated and inclusive workforce with a culture of caring and supporting each other. “We wish him great success, fulfilment and happiness in his new role.” Deputy PCC Jim Battle added: “Being a Chief Constable of Greater Manchester isn’t the easiest job but Peter has shown his dedicated leadership day in day out and leaves behind a police service that is achieving some great things. This is his legacy.”

OFFICERS working at Manchester Airport have been working with the UK Border Force to raise the awareness of honour-based abuse. During the

Farewell Sir: Ch Supt Catherine Hankinson, Claire Light and Jim Battle were at the ceremony to wish Sir Peter well

Ewen Sim What’s your current role? I’m an acting Sergeant on response in the Salford division. I’ve had various positions around GMP since I started eleven years ago. Why have you volunteered to join the network? It can be incredibly stressful working for GMP, particularly with increasing demand on our officers and our staff. I’m a big believer in using preventative techniques to help cope with the pressure, rather than letting things get too out of control and then having to deal with the consequences. Ultimately I want to help my colleagues be well as a person, not treat them as an employee or a collar number. What is the purpose of the Wellbeing Resilience Coach? My purpose as a coach is to provide

a confidential service and a listening ear to anyone who needs it. Sometimes having a conversation with someone impartial can put everything in perspective. Some people may not feel comfortable sharing their problems with their line managers or direct colleagues, so the idea is that you can contact me or give any of the other coaches a call if things are getting too much. We can then offer some initial guidance on services that could help you. With that being said, it is important to remember that we are not trained counsellors; more a first point of contact and someone who can listen in the first instance.

I think in many ways this is already happening – if you had told me 20 years ago that one day we would be offering mindfulness training to officers and staff What do you I would have never believed it! do? What would you advise anyone I’m a Custody who may be suffering in silence? Inspector on the Change starts with you. I would urge Bolton Division. anyone who is struggling to take the Having been with first step and speak to somebody, GMP for 25 whoever that may be. years it’s fair to say I’ve gained a lot of experience In addition to the help provided around the divisions! I began as an by Wellbeing Resilience Coaches, officer in Moss Side and Longsight. GMP staff can also seek support What specialist skills and from the Mental Health Peer experience can you offer? Support Network. I was an Equal Opportunities Advisor This network is made up of in GMP for 15 years, so I have a lot of What skills and experience do you experience of talking to colleagues volunteer police staff and police bring to the role? officers (of various ranks) who have about sensitive issues and helping them All the coaches are given training personal experience of mental ill take steps to resolve them. and support in their role from GMP. In health ('lived experience'). It also I’m also a qualified coach with a addition to this I have 15 years includes people who have diploma in educational training. I experience of practising yoga and experience of supporting family practice mindfulness and I am happy to meditation techniques. I am currently on share some of those techniques with members with mental illness. The an advanced mindfulness course which my colleagues. Peer Support Network can also offer will help me to deliver sessions to guidance and support to staff within What made you sign up to the colleagues. GMP who wish to understand network? I recently ran my first mindfulness mental illness more and know how I want to see a positive culture input to a group of Salford response best to support colleagues affected change in GMP, where people can officers. Despite some trepidation, by by it. openly talk about their feelings and not the end of it 20 of 22 attendees said feel stigmatised or discriminated against For more information click here. that they felt they had benefitted. for suffering from mental ill health.

Cheryl Cummins

News

GMP has signed the MIND Blue Light Time to Change Pledge, committing to the mental wellbeing of officers and staff. As part of this, a network of voluntary Wellbeing Resilience Coaches is being launched to help support colleagues and signpost them to services available inside and outside of the Force. Brief spoke to two volunteers about the role.

Spotlight

Sophie McCurrie, Business Support

Jay Ashworth, Design & Print, with his daughter Laura

Robert Birkett, Corporate Comms

(L-R) PS Andrew Fern, PCSO Jenny George, PC Ben Brunt, Intelligence Analyst Matthew Boutler

OFFICERS and staff have gathered at Hough End for the first ‘Unsung Heroes’ event. Taking place every six months, the event aims to recognise the range of fantastic work taking place across the Force. Anyone can be recognised and the revised awards process is designed to make it easier for anyone to nominate someone who provides a good service and are known for going the extra mile. What you might call the unsung heroes. Janet Hadley from the awards team said:

DI Adrian Gallagher

PCSO Mohammed Sufiyan Marothi

“The new nomination form is simple to use and avoids anyone having to write ‘War and Peace.’ “You can submit a nomination at any time, you don’t have to wait for the next event. “Whether you are a line manager or a colleague, if you feel that someone has gone the extra mile let us know. If you are not sure just drop the awards team an email or contact us on extension 62222 / 65955.” Click here to submit an Unsung Hero nomination for a colleague.

OCB Call Handlers Training Team

Senior OSO Mary Ebert

Brian Woodcock, gardener at Sedgely Park

HAVING worked for GMP’s public relations team for two years and lived in Greater Manchester for the best part of 30 years, I am still shocked at times by the severity and frequency of some crimes. I never imagined that in 2015 I would see modern slavery and human trafficking emerge as one of the most serious threats to vulnerable people in Greater Manchester and beyond. I thought slavery was a horror banished to the history books, but it turns out I had a lot to learn. Since March this year, the Force has had a dedicated Modern Slavery

an urgent need to drive an increase in education, reporting and intelligence was of paramount importance. After months of research and planning, a publicity campaign called ‘Would You?’ was launched last month. The launch tied in with the Modern Slavery Summit, a national conference held in Manchester, followed by the EU Anti-Slavery Day and a forcewide week of action. The week of action saw officers conduct visits, checks, issue warrants and arrest more than 30 people for offences including trafficking, sexual exploitation and immigration offences. Eight victims were located and safeguarded by multi-agency staff at a victim reception centre set up in Greater Manchester. Reading the stories of those recently rescued, meeting those we have safeguarded in recent months and observing MSCU officers and staff has been a real education. I only hope that our campaign will reflect this to people living and working across Greater Manchester. There are a number of key indicators of modern slavery that we are working hard to promote - if one person sees something suspicious and reports it, we could save a life. Officers and support agencies are doing an incredible job at finding those suffering under the control of others, but I think if there’s one thing I

have learned so far, it is that we all have a part to play in truly making slavery a thing of the past. Follow the campaign on social media via #wouldyou or visit the intranet for more information.

Spotlight

By Lauren Taylor

Coordination Unit (MSCU) under ‘Programme Challenger’, to tackle modern slavery and human trafficking. It unites GMP with organisations including local authorities, Immigration Enforcement and Border Force. The unit is the central hub for all modern slavery and human trafficking investigations and assists officers from across the Force to locate and safeguard victims, as well as bringing their abusers to justice. In 2012, we recorded just two crimes of modern slavery and trafficking. So far this year, there have been more than 70 reports. Modern slavery and human trafficking are very much ‘hidden crimes’, often part of a sophisticated criminal network and I, for one, had no idea that this was happening within my community. The scale of the issue was staggering and I was – and still am – horrified at what is happening on my doorstep. I am not the only one, which is why

Would you spot the signs?  A lack of self-esteem  Acting as if instructed by another  Injured or in need of medical care  Distrustful  Fearful and poorly integrated into

the local community  Living in overcrowded

accommodation  Lacking suitable clothing for their

job  Picked up by vehicles at unusual

hour  Poor hygiene and unkempt

appearance  Speaks little English  Limited contact with family or

outside world  No access to passport or

documents  Unexplained injuries

Spotlight 14

Remembering the Airport disaster THIRTY years after the Manchester Airport disaster, past and present officers and colleagues came together to remember those who lost their lives. It was a routine night shift at Manchester Airport as the team handed over to the early shift on Thursday 22 August 1985. At 7.12am, a Boeing 737 registered G-BGJL in the colours of British Airtours flight 28M was about to take-off taking 131 passengers to Corfu. However, 32 seconds into the take-off run, the crew heard a loud thump from underneath the plane. Take-off was abandoned and the aircraft brought to a stop, turning into a taxiway to the right of the runway. The number one (port) engine was on fire and fuel was spilling from the

port wing. A slight prevailing wind turned the holiday jet into a blazing inferno. Within 20 seconds of the aircraft coming to a halt, two Fire Service rapid intervention vehicles were at the scene and a full emergency and crashed aircraft plan was immediately activated. The crew tried to open the front starboard door but a cover from the inflatable slide jammed between the door and airframe preventing the door from fully opening. After opening the port door and deploying the emergency chute manually, the purser returned to the starboard door and with difficulty, cleared the restriction, allowing this escape route to be used. Acrid smoke rapidly filled the cabin reducing visibility to zero. 53 passengers and two crew died and 15 passengers sustained serious injuries. On Saturday 22 August this year, Airport Commander, Superintendent Robert Lomas, welcomed three retirees back to the airport

The Airport disaster tragically took the lives of 55 people. Below, past and present colleagues gather to remember them

police station who were on duty at the time of the crash. Former Superintendent Mr Stan Hickson said: “The building hasn’t changed much – but it’s totally different because the people aren’t here and it’s the people who make the difference.” Retired Inspector Ken Bettaney remembered how the station typist was a key person and was amused that the current Airport Commander is expected to type his own reports. The group, which also included the previous Chief Superintendent Paul Cook, attended the 30th anniversary Service of Remembrance organised

by the Airport Chaplaincy. The airport fell silent at noon and Supt Lomas laid a wreath with colleagues from the Fire and Ambulance services in the Garden of Remembrance. Individual white roses were laid to remember those who perished. Thankfully, this was the last major aircraft incident at Manchester Airport, but it has not been forgotten.

I have arrived at the Forensic hub at Bury police station and it is 7.00am. A team of Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs) have already booked on ready to be allocated jobs by the Forensic Tasking Unit. However, this is all set to change this month when CSIs will review and manage the queues themselves and decide what jobs they should attend based on retrieving evidence that adds value to the investigation. As a result of this change the Forensic Tasking Unit will be dismantled. Natalie Entwistle has been a CSI for

seven years and was part of a pilot that tested this new way of working earlier this year. “I am really looking forward to managing my own jobs and making my own decisions. It means I will have a better understanding of the job, knowing the full story and be able to decide what evidence I need to recover as part of the investigation.” “We’ve not been able to think for ourselves for a long time and in the past that has meant spending hours retrieving prints and so on that may not even help the investigation.” CSIs (including managers and admin) will be based across six hubs (South Manchester, Bury, Chadderton, North Manchester, Swinton and Wigan) but will be more locally available. This means they will maintain a presence on each division, CSI Natalie Entwistle all suited up to dust for prints

resulting in better understanding of local issues, improved relationships with divisional officers and faster response times. “The same way of thinking will run through all parts of forensics,” says Head of Forensic Services, Emily Burton. “During the review we found that there were a large number of checks and non-value work taking place - the non-value work that had come about because of chasing performance targets in the past and the ‘just in case’ culture within the Force. “It led staff to feel frustrated and demotivated because it caused delays and blockages in the system and they didn’t feel like their experience and skills were being used to their full potential. “The new design principles are about focussing on the victim and what matters to them and only doing work that adds value to the investigation. We are empowering staff to make their own decisions about what we do and what we don’t do – they are the experts – by working closely with investigating officers to understand what they need.”

Spotlight

CSI: Greater Manchester

When you hear the word ‘forensics’ you might think about dusting for prints, white tents and white suits. But what really goes on behind the scenes? Alison Etherden reports for Brief.

Key changes to Forensic Services Crime Scene Investigators  Manage queues, decision to attend and

retrieve  New hubs and divisional working  Forensic Tasking Unit disbanded  Attendance on nights prioritised based on risk, harm and threat

Forensic Investigation  Fingerprints, Subs (now Case

Management) and Lab aligned under one unit  Contextual information from CSI/ investigating officer to help prioritise  Footwear Unit disbanded  Forensic Intelligence Team disbanded

Procedural Standards  New unit to monitor measures and

efficiency and ensure accreditation and competency

Digital Investigation  Forensic imaging aligned with digital

investigation team (CCTV, imaging and digital)

Letters

Letters of Appreciation Positive impact I would like to say thank you so much to PCSOs Derek Thomas and Andrea Parkinson for visiting us on our family activity day. It was absolutely wonderful to see the children’s faces light up when they saw Pippa Panda. They loved being able to sit inside the police car, touching buttons and putting the sirens on. We appreciate how busy the police service and are so very grateful that you took this time out to see our children and bring in some brilliant resources. You made this a very exciting day for them and one which I am sure they will remember. Some of our children have been in situations involving the police but you showed them a completely different side – positive, helpful and friendly. Once again, thank you very much for giving up your time and being a big part of our day.

Fortalice, Bolton

Caring for our community I would like to express the sincere thanks of my family for the efforts of PC Simon Bydell and PC Randolph Lyle when my 12-year-old son went missing after school. Both the officers were very understanding at a very challenging time for my wife and I. They listened to us and were able to direct us as to the best course of action. They never once dismissed our problems to deal with others. Things turned out well for us later with our son thankfully being found with a school friend in a park. It is our belief and must be said that all the officers involved were completely professional. Mr & Mrs M So approachable AMANDA Birkett is the PCSO for Standish. She is pleasant and approachable within our community she always listens and then does her upmost to solve our problems. I live next to a library and some local youths

seem to think they can enter after closing time and vandalise the building. Amanda was able to recognise who they were and make sure they were dealt with. We have also had quite a few problems with people walking on the streets with pint glasses which they then proceed to throw in the road which then causes damage to car tyres. Amanda has been several times to sort this issue out which she is still investigating. She is just so nice and we think she does a good job. She really does look after our community. An asset and a credit to your team! Mrs L A helping hand ON behalf of the Association of Bolton Allotment Societies I would like to express our gratitude and appreciation for the presentation given by PCSO Stephen Best at our monthly meeting. Stephen was enthusiastic and approachable, and his contribution to the meeting was much appreciated by all concerned.

Feel proud I was listening to Saturday Live on Radio 4 and as part of the show they have a ‘thank you’ section, where people call up to thank others who have had an impact on their lives. The story this week was from a father, whose son had been studying in Manchester when he was assaulted. The son was so seriously injured that he had to fight for his life. One of your officers was mentioned, PC Jane Naylor, who had been assigned as the Family Liaison Officer to support the family. The family visited regularly and during one visit asked Jane to recommend a restaurant. They visited the restaurant and on asking for the bill were presented with a card from Jane and other members of the investigation team, the note inside stating that they had covered the bill. We are privileged to work with so many talented, committed and generous colleagues such as Jane. Please pass on my thanks, she and her colleagues made me very proud.

T/ACC Simon Megicks, Head of Operations, Hertfordshire Constabulary

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 Chief Constable David Wilmot,  PC Name, age, date ofRobert death Charles Wilson, died

died 14/6/15, age 72

20/8/15, age 75

 PC George Keith Pinner, died

 Insp Gary Hall, died 26/8/15, age

 PC Peter Regan, died 10/7/15,

 PC Anthony Bird, died 27/8/15,

 PC Geoffrey Beard, died 12/7/15,

 PC Patricia Eleanor Hemmings,

 PC Keith William Marsden, died

 PC David Ralphs, died 7/9/15,

 PC Derek Walters, died 26/7/15,

 PC Leslie Evans, died 9/9/15,

 PC Anslow Joseph Holton, died

 PC Jack Tetlow, died 11/9/15,

 PC Thomas Anthony Sheehan,

 PC Philip Clay, died 20/9/15, aged

 PC I W Jones, died 10/8/15, age

 PC Alan Prescott, died 24/9/15,

 PC Edward Warren Davies, died

 Insp David Neil Crosbie, died

 PC John George Ingham, died

 PC Melvyn Francis Roberts, died

22/6/15, age 74 age 74 age 79

23/7/15, age 69 age 64

30/7/15, aged 80

died 3/8/15, aged 84 83

14/8/15, aged 87 11/8/15, age 68

 PC Alan Ogden, died 13/8/15, age

 PC John Wilson, died 14/8/15,

aged 91

 Insp William Crompton, died

17/8/15, age 83