GMP at 40

Spring 2014 Edition

New Cyber Unit Launched

Focus on Gun Licensing Team

Rochdale ’Sunrise’ Team Tackling CSE

Pictured: GMP’s helicopter over Chester House during its first flight in 1989

Cover feature: Celebrating 40 Years of GMP

Celebrating

years of GMP

Planning for the future THIS is a special edition of Brief which celebrates 40 years of GMP. We are quite young compared to other police forces but on the other hand we build on around 180 years of local borough policing which was brought together with the formation of Greater Manchester.

GMP has dealt with many, many challenges during that period. Many hit national headlines and have stayed long in the memory. The Force now faces its greatest challenge with a long term fundamental reduction in our level of funding.

We have now started the next phase of our change programme "Fit for the Future" as we need to ask

questions about everything we do and in particular the way GMP makes use of staff and also the very structure of the organisation.

The Force has made big advances in recent years with our impressive record dealing with serious crime and our commitment to neighbourhood policing.

Policing has become ever more complex, the public have higher expectations and the policing mission has grown substantially. If we are to hold on to our policing style, our core values and our service to the public in the face of budget cuts we will need to keep changing.

Sir Peter Fahy, Chief Constable

Our region is a safer place not only serves the people of Greater Manchester, but also plays an active part in our neighbourhoods.

I was reflecting recently on the oath all police officers take to serve the public with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality. The words are so important because they place the public at the heart of everything you do.

AS GMP marks its 40 th anniversary milestone, there is much to celebrate.

Our region is a safer place, there is less crime and communities across Greater Manchester have a high level of confidence in their police service.

That confidence is due, in a large part, to the hard work and dedication of all of you ­ the police officers and staff who transform GMP from a faceless, distant entity into a community­based organisation that

It’s a solemn and binding commitment, which I know is taken incredibly seriously by police officers.

Indeed, even though police staff don’t take an oath, its principles apply to how all of you do your job every day.

Making a commitment to the public is something I also consider to be very important, having made a similar declaration when I was elected to office.

What a good police service does is take the words of that oath and make them real, and that’s what I see on a daily basis when meeting with the dedicated officers and staff of GMP. That’s also reflected by the people I meet regularly who share their good experiences of dealing with GMP.

That’s not to say there aren’t challenges. We face an incredibly difficult road ahead as resources shrink further and further as the government cuts deeper and deeper. I have made the case to Government – and will continue to do so – that policing needs to be funded properly to ensure the service can continue to do its job effectively. As things stand now, in a few years we won’t be able to do this, which is why it’s so important the Government rows back from its programme of reckless cuts.

It’s also the case that, sometimes, individuals let the service down.

Acknowledging that doesn’t undermine policing. Facing up to it strengthens the service, which is why the Chief Constable and I are setting up an Ethics Committee, as a new way of approaching ethical standards in policing. This is something to welcome, not to fear, as its aim is to continue to drive up standards and ensure that our service can be as effective for the next 40 years and beyond.

Tony Lloyd, Police and Crime Commissioner

News

Editorial WELCOME to the ‘Spring’ edition of Brief, a special commemorative issue celebrating 40 years of GMP. When GMP was formed on 1 April 1974 you could expect to pay just 40p for a gallon of petrol. Today you’d pay around £1.28 for a litre of petrol ­ that’s just 0.22 of a gallon!

Things have certainly changed since the 1970s and in this issue we look back at the last 40 years as well as ‘Project 40’ that is looking ahead to the future. See pages 13 to 21.

Turning to our features, mental health is a key priority and an issue that has been raised by staff during the Chief Constable’s road shows. There is a lot of great work going on around the Force and former Supt Dave Wilkinson is now working with the NHS and other agencies to bring much of this work together. You can read more about this on page 5.

Along with many other forces, cyber crime is also on GMP’s agenda. With an increase in crimes being committed on the internet Det Supt Mark Smith is heading a cyber crime team to tackle these crimes and they’ve already had a number of successes. Whether you use the Internet yourself or have children who use the Internet, it is well worth a read – see page 9.

Also, Lauren Taylor who recently joined the Force as senior PR officer caught up with Jim Jones from the Firearms and Explosive Licensing Unit. Did you know that the unit deals with all types of licenses whether it’s for clay pigeon shooting, hunting or just target practise. Read all about it on page 32.

Finally, the Internal Communications Team is always looking for new stories.

You can either contact one of us using the contact details below, or contact your divisional or branch ‘communicator’ who will be able to forward stories to us. For further details visit the Corporate Communications Branch Intranet site.

Editorial team Catherine Barlow

Patricia Jones and Melissa Mead

We hope you enjoy this special edition!

4

Force leading the way in social media

5

Joint approach to mental health

7

Wellbeing at work

8

Introducing GMP’s Frontline Champion for the College of Policing

9

Hat­trick of awards for Op Alloy

11 Chief Constable explains how the Force is getting ‘Fit for the Future’ 12 Laptops issued to response officers Celebrating 40 years of GMP

14 Timeline of key events from 1974 ­ 2014 20 The birth of GMP ­ a look back at 1974 21 Down memory lane 22 Your memories from the last 40 years 27 Remembering colleagues who have lost their lives over the last 40 years Features

28 Recruiting to represent our communities 29 Cyber unit tackles new crime frontier 30 Sunrise team tackling CSE in Rochdale 32 Focus on the gun licensing team GMP Community

34 Letters of appreciation 37 Running to remember PC Nicola Hughes

Guest contributors

39 Staff chip in to help Megan

Lauren Taylor Lauren is Senior PR Officer within the GMP Corporate Communications Branch. She joined the Force in January 2014 having previously worked within public relations and brand management, with a number of commercial and public sector clients.

Alison Etherden Alison works in the Press Office at GMP and joined from a PR consultancy in January 2013. She previously worked at Hertfordshire Constabulary as a Press and PR Officer.

Andy Shaw Andy is a sergeant in Salford’s Partnership Team.

He has worked at HQ but the majority of his service has been in Salford where he has worked on response and as a sergeant in the Hub.

Contact us

Editorial team: Catherine Barlow, Melissa Mead and Patricia Jones 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 856 856 5939 / 2238 / 5938 Email: Brief@gmp.police.uk Brief online: www.gmp.police.uk/Brief

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

Deadline date Friday 16 May

News GMP leading the way in social media The infographic below shows some of the successes the Force has seen in this area in the last four years….

News in Brief OFFICERS were called to an address in Whitefield Road, Clifton following reports a snake had been found down the back of a sofa. The occupant had been cleaning when she found the lively, one and a half foot long corn snake. Officers removed the snake and took it away to a snake breeder.

Following further enquiries they found the snake belonged to a next door neighbour who had ‘lost’ the snake, affectionately known as ‘George’ two months earlier.

WHILE out on patrol in Boothstown, officers Adam Magee and Claire Wilde couldn’t believe their eyes when they thought they saw the latest multi­ purpose vehicle in the canal. It turned out the vehicle had suffered hand break failure and rolled into the water. After hours of deliberation by insurance officials, officers were asked to smash the window of the vehicle so a hiab truck could retrieve it.

BASQUING IN GMP: TWO senior officers from the Basque Country recently visited the Force to see how policing differs from their usual beat.

During their time in GMP the officers visited Force Command and spent a day on Trafford Division where they were able to watch policing of a ma­ jor football match. The Basque re­ gion is found at the north­eastern tip of the Cantabrian Coast spanning the border between France and Spain. It is home to 2,155,546 peo­ ple and covers an area of 7,234 km2. The Ertzaintza is the integral police of the region.

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PCSO Paul Dickin from Salford Division used Facebook to trace the owner of Brian – a dog he found wandering the streets of Walkden whilst he was out on patrol. After playing chase with the dog for the best part of his shift Paul managed to catch Brian and post a picture on the Salford West Facebook page.

The post was shared, liked and commented on hundreds of times by members of the public and eventually Brian’s owner was traced – much to the relief of the Salford West team as Brian was starting to make a bit of a mess all over the station!

News

A joint approach to mental health issues

Pictured: PC Paul Nikeas (right) with colleagues from Bolton Hospital in the new 136 unit

OFFICERS and staff around the Force are helping to tackle mental health as the number of incidents rise at an alarming rate.

One of the most common problems is the length of time officers have to stay at hospital with patients detained under section136 of the Mental Health Act. The police are often the first point of contact for people with mental health issues and there isn't always 24 ­hour support for these vulnerable people when they need it. There are often delays when, for instance, the person is drunk or injured or when the person is waiting for an assessment or for a bed to become available.

There is already some excellent work underway in a number of divisions to help tackle these issues.

Oldham Division has introduced a telephone triage pilot. Working in conjunction with Pennine Care, officers can now contact a mental health professional 24/7 who has access to health systems. Based on the information they receive about the patient, the officer is then able to make a more informed decision to deal with the problem and also able to link in with the individual’s care plan. Since the pilot began there has been a 40 per cent reduction in the number of section 136 cases as alternative action has been taken. An assessment of the pilot is now taking place with a view to

implementing this across Greater Manchester.

In Bolton, PC Paul Nickeas has built up an excellent rapport with the staff at Bolton Royal. His work has led to investment in a new section 136 facility, which can house intoxicated persons without the need for officers always to remain. A similar suite is due to be introduced in Salford.

Former Supt Dave Wilkinson spent many hours waiting in hospitals with patients and understands the frustrations of officers today. He is now working to strengthen the links between GMP, the NHS and other agencies. He said: “My number one task is to create a Strategic Mental Health Management Board to oversee issues around mental health and policing. The group will have representation from all four mental health trusts as well as GMP, North West Ambulance Service, NHS England, Adult Social Care, voluntary sector organisations and the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office.”

He is currently working to ensure all the good work across Greater Manchester is captured and is introducing a ‘Navigation Centre. This will provide officers with telephone access to all four mental health trusts 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Officers will be able to call and speak to health professionals who may have more information on people currently

in police care. The centre will also have an A&E facility where patients can be treated immediately and an area for patients to sober up before assessment, negating the need for officers to stay.

LEADING THE WORLD IN ANPR: Visitors from Abu Dhabi flew to GMP to observe a large Automated Number Plate Recognition operation in Manchester City Centre. During the operation more than 60 cars were stopped. Eleven cars were seized for no insurance, 17 traffic reports were issued and VOSA detained four un­ roadworthy vehicles. Pictured are: Det Sgt Trevor Eaton with visitors from Abu Dhabi.

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News

Appy days for GMP MORE than 25,200 people have downloaded the GMP app since it was launched a year ago.

The app was developed in­house by the Corporate Communications Branch Web Team. It was first available on iPhone with an Android version available during last summer.

In recent months, the team have been working hard to produce a second version of the app that will include more features, including the ability to personalise information based on what matters most to members of the public. Notifications will also be sent out to each individual device when new information is added or to get priority policing messages out.

In addition to providing people with up to date information, the app will allow the public to submit data and pictures.

However the most exciting feature will be notifications providing information when people go inside a specific location.

Deputy Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, who is the national lead for social media engagement said: “This really is going to provide people with up to the minute information about where they live, work or are visiting.

“We have had fantastic feedback from people who have downloaded the app and use it to share information with us. We have listened to what people have said they wanted and that has helped us to provide these new developments.

“People use apps on a daily basis to assist their lives and we want to be able to provide information and share updates that will help people.

“There is so much that we can do

Rowetta supports domestic abuse campaign

More than 25,200 people have downloaded the GMP app

using new technology and we will be continuing to develop and improve the app.”

The app can be found at the App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/ gmpolice/id592406619?mt=8 and on Google Play: https://play.google.com/ store/apps/details? id=police.uk.greatermanchesterpolice android&hl=en_GB

Fitness test familiarisation A number of additional familiarisation sessions have arranged for officers who will be required to undertake the fitness test.

To book a place, please contact Sedgley Park admin on Ext. 60900.

Sessions have been divided into male and female sessions only and will take place at the Claytonbrook Complex on the dates below: Wed 9 April

Pictured: Rowetta with Det Ch Supt Vanessa Jardine

ROWETTA from the Happy Mondays supported GMP last month during a na­ tional week of action to tackle domestic abuse.

As a former victim of domestic abuse, Rowetta joined forces with GMP to encourage other victims to come for­ ward.

Det Ch Supt Vanessa Jardine, Head of the Public Protection Division said: “Tackling domestic violence is a force­ wide priority and targeting known of­ fenders who cause misery to their vic­

tims and their families on a daily basis is of great importance to us.

“Along with our partner agencies we have skilled officers and staff who are able to deal with circumstances involv­ ing domestic violence and offer the sup­ port and advice that victims and families need to get themselves away from the situation.

“Together it is our responsibility to not only arrest and bring offenders to justice but to safeguard victims of domestic abuse.”

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9 ­ 11am men only 12– 2pm women only Wed 30 April

9 ­ 11am women only 12– 2pm women only Fri 30 May

9 ­ 11am men only 12– 2pm women only

News

Wellbeing at work in Bury

Keeping staff healthy in Oldham

OFFICERS and staff in Bury have been treated to a number of relaxation treatments by students from Oldham College.

The treatments were part of the Division’s ‘Wellbeing Day’ which aimed to raise awareness of the benefits of staff improving their health and wellbeing.

Beauty therapy students gave body massages and Indian head massage treatments to staff, who in turn made a donation to The Children’s

Adventure Farm Trust (CAFT). A total of more than £200 was raised for the charity.

Supt Karan Lee said: “We would like to thank the students for their professionalism and enthusiasm in taking part in our wellbeing day.

“By the very nature of the job, police officers don’t get much opportunity to experience a relaxing session in their day­to­day business and the treatments made a real difference.”

OLDHAM Division’s new wellbeing programme is proving to be a success amongst officers and staff.

In January a team headed up

by Ch Insp Joanne Marshall put together a schedule of wellbeing events for this year.

The programme covers health, fitness, diet as well as mental and physical wellbeing – the aim being to take a light hearted and enthusiastic approach to serious issues.

So far events have included health MOTs, with more than 60 staff taking up the opportunity to be assessed for blood pressure, diabetes risk, weight, fitness and alcohol dependency by NHS staff during 20 minute clinics.

February saw the division take part in the British Heart Foundation’s ‘Ramp up the Red’ challenge with NHS staff again on site to offer cholesterol testing clinics.

Many more activities are planned over the year to help staff keep healthier and happier.

Mirato team pick up national award

The team collect their prize at the Excellence in Investigations Awards

THREE detectives who trawled thousands of pages of phone data to help convict five murderers including Dale Cregan, have been recognised with a national police award.

DC Sandra Parry, DC Stuart Kay and Elaine Robinson won the ‘Innovation in Forensics’ category at The Investigator Excellence in Investigations Awards.

ACC Steve Heywood said: “This was a particularly difficult case to work on given the circumstances and the team worked tirelessly to ensure a successful outcome, not only for the families involved but also their colleagues.

“I’m delighted this commitment, dedication and diligence has been recognised with this award and I applaud the team on the professionalism shown during one of the most challenging times the Force has ever experienced.”

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News

Your voice for the College of Policing INSPECTOR Karen Lindsay has been appointed as GMP’s College of Policing frontline champion. Here Brief finds out more about her role….

Tell us a bit more about the College of Policing?

In December 2011, the Home Secretary announced the creation of a professional body for the police service – the College of Policing.

The College’s aim is to share best practice among officers, develop professionalism and set standards for specialist skills training such as investigation, intelligence and firearms.

What does your role involve?

All officers and staff are being given the opportunity to help shape how the College of Policing can best support them in their daily roles. In order to strengthen links with officers

and staff and understand their needs, the College has introduced ‘frontline champions’ in all forces.

Frontline champions are able to provide information and guidance on a number of products and services available, as well as consulting officers and staff on a variety of issues

such as membership to the College, learning and development, continuous professional development, best practice in tackling crime, antisocial behaviour and standards of professional practice.

I will be out and about speaking to staff on the ground about things that they see as obstacles when going about their day­to­day job. I will also be taking any feedback back to the College, as well as informing officers and staff what is coming out from the College to support them in their roles. I would love to hear about any issues that staff feel the College could be looking at on their behalf.

How can people contact you?

Staff and officers can contact Karen by email collegeofpolicing@gmp.pnn.police.uk or calling Ext. 62248 or 07824 350379

Professionalising learning and development THE partnership between GMP and Manchester Metropolitan University has been given an extra boost of £50,000 by the College of Policing.

The funding will enable six police officers to study policing fellowships at Manchester Metropolitan University to evaluate police techniques or approaches.

The money will also be used to share with police officers and staff the very latest academic research on tackling crime and public safety.

Chief Inspector Shane O’Neill,

Head of Uniform and Crime Training said: "I am very pleased that the partnership between the Force and Manchester Metropolitan University has been recognised by the College of Policing, who have agreed to fund its continuing development.

“Working with local educational bodies to professionalise learning and development within the police service is key to delivering much better and more informed services to the community.”

PROTECTING THE SERVICE THE Professional Standards Branch held an ‘Open Day’ last month helping to break down barriers around their work.

Officers and staff from around the Force visited the Branch at Force Headquarters. They were able to hear from members of the Branch about how to deal with complaints, un­ necessary complaints, latest legislation, vetting, career opportunities, meet members of the Branch and find out about some of the current work by the team.

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News

Rochdale’s cadets ready for action THE Mayor of Rochdale joined Ch Supt Chris Sykes and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jim Battle at the passing out parade of 28 of GMP’s newest volunteer police cadets in Rochdale.

The ceremony took place at Rochdale’s historic town hall, on the day the Force celebrated its 40 year anniversary.

There are now 12 police cadet schemes across Greater Manchester in North Manchester, Rochdale, Salford, Oldham, Stockport, Wythenshawe, Bury, Wigan, Bolton, Trafford and two schemes in

Tameside.

Police cadets are young people aged 13 to 18, who volunteer to work with the police to help their communities, learn about policing, take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and support Crime Prevention initiatives. There are now How can we protect more than 250 cadets across the ourselves online?

Force.

Everyone should be aware of cyber Sgt Jane Butler, responsible for the threats and the simple measures they cadet schemes, said: “2013 was an can take to protect themselves. Here exciting year as we were able to work are some of the most useful tips: with more young people than we had · Always use strong passwords expected. combining letters, numbers and “At the start of the year we had special characters · Secure your computer with a firewall, anti­virus and anti­ spyware software and keep them updated

hoped to have 10 schemes up and running so to reach the point of 12 is a huge achievement.

“This has only been possible as a result of the volunteers who run and support each scheme. They are Police Officers, PCSOs, Specials, Police staff and members of the public who give up their own time each week to support and develop these young people.

“We hope that we can build on this and develop more schemes in 2014.”

For more details about the cadet schemes contact Sgt Jane Butler via volunteerpolicecadets@gmp.police.uk

Operation Alloy wins hat­trick of awards · ·

·

·

Secure mobile devices with passwords and don’t store sen­ sitive information on them Never reply to emails that ask you to verify information, and never click on links or files of unknown origin Be cautious when giving out personal information such as your name, address, phone number or financial details on the internet Make sure websites are secure

Pictured (L­R): John Woods, Sergeant Neil Monaghan, PC Steve Bryant, PC Mark Smirthwaite from Greater Manchester Police and Mandy Ingham from Hoping for sunshine in Yorkshire!

Electricity North West

THE success of Operation Alloy in re­ ducing metal theft has been recognised nationally with three awards.

The team picked up awards for ‘Most Successful Crime Reduction Ini­ tiative’ in conjunction with Electricity North West and the Institute of Materi­ als, Minerals and Mining and ‘Outstanding Problem Orientated Part­ nership’ for a regional week long opera­ tion which GMP coordinated.

Operations Coordinator for Opera­ tion Alloy, John Woods also received an award for his individual contribution to reducing metal theft.

Operation Alloy was launched in 2011 following a huge increase in metal theft. Since then it has reduced by 72 per cent, with officers using every tool at their disposal to stop metal theft for good.

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News

New Head of HR

Officers star in film to tackle hoax calls GMP staff became stars of the small screen as they took part in a short film to teach young people about the consequences of hoax calls.

‘Malicious’, a DVD targeting school pupils has been piloted in a local school to address antisocial behaviour, with plans to roll it out to schools across Greater Manchester.

Filmed on location in Stockport and the brainchild of ex­Senior Magistrate Len Howarth, Malicious is a 30­minute short film that shows viewers the life of ‘Jake’ – a teenager that spends his spare time making false calls to the police and fire services.

During the programme viewers see Jake being arrested, interviewed, charged, appearing at court and remanded in custody after multiple hoax phone calls were traced to him.

Len, local magistrate for seventeen years, first approached Stockport

College with the idea back in 2012, and with the help of GMP, GMFRS and other partners, a small campaign quickly escalated into a 12­month project to create a short film worth thousands of pounds.

The partnership approach meant real costs were minimal, with time, space and experience given for free, or as cheaply as possible. The filming, acting and production was undertaken

by Stockport College, and GMP worked in association with partners including Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, the Prison Service, GEOAmey, witness/victim service and the GMP Museum to produce the DVD. Seven GMP staff make cameo appearances, including five neighbourhood officers from the Stockport Division and call handlers Amanda Hitchen and Emma Orr.

REPRESENTING OUR COMMUNITIES: Fifty three of the Force’s newest PCSOs are pictured during their passing out parade at Sedgley Park. The event was at­ tended by the Chief Constable and Deputy Chief Constable. The new recruits will be spread across all Divisions and some have been selected from our diverse communities as part of Operation Peel. More PCSO colleagues will be joining GMP in the near future.

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DENISE Hill (pictured above) recently joined GMP as the new Head of HR Services. Brief caught up with her to find out about her role and what experience she brings to GMP. Where did you work before joining GMP? I worked for Derbyshire Constabulary for 15 years in HR and training. Before then I also spent about eight years in the commercial sector working for Whitbread plc.

What changes will we see in the future around HR services?

Like Derbyshire, GMP is changing to meet the demands of the economic climate and we need to be able to invest in technology and collaborate with partners so that we can still provide the right services to managers and all our staff.

Our vision is to change the way staff access information by creating a flexible service that empowers managers to make decisions and allows individuals to take responsibility for their own work life balance.

This will create a real change to the relationship between managers, staff and the HR function but an important step change in the current financial climate.

What do you think of GMP so far?

I am really excited to join GMP at a time of transformation. Despite a lot of recent changes have found everyone I have met so far to be very welcoming and nothing has been too much trouble.

Denise is married with two daughters and one granddaughter.

She was brought up in the Peak District and continues to live there. In her spare time she loves walking, riding and gardening.

News

Creating a Force ‘Fit for the Future’ AS the Force faces up to its greatest ever challenge ­ a continued reduction in funding, Brief spoke to Chief Constable Fahy, to find out how the Force is preparing for this with the launch of the new change programme ­ ‘Fit for the Future’.

single process to reduce the amount of supervision and checking and the number of hands work passes through.

We need a flatter organisation where there is a smaller gap between chief officers and the front line and we have started on this process by changing management structures on divisions.

increasing issue of vulnerability and the increased range of responsibilities placed upon us. I am also concerned about the impact on staff morale, the lack of promotion opportunities and the uncertainty and stress change creates for our staff.

We will have fewer staff so there has

Haven’t we had enough change in to be less demand on the Force overall.

Lots of our demand is internally created Tell us about the Fit for the Future the Force? through complex processes, Everyone is exhausted by change, Programme?

Essentially it is clear that our financial situation is not a temporary one and we are experiencing a long term fundamental shift in our level of funding.

With this continued reduction in budget, the operational challenges we face and an increasingly complex society in which we operate, we need to make fundamental changes to ensure the Force is ‘Fit for the future’.

we’d love to be able to say let’s pause for a year, but the trouble is we have to continue to find savings as the number of officers continues to go down. Greater involvement from staff makes it a bit easier along with clear communication and dealing with those issues which most frustrate staff in their day to day working.

As a Force we’ve made a lot of advances, how we deal with organised crime, how we do neighbourhood How will we make this change policing, investment into the Public happen?

Protection Division. The big risk is as we We have done well as a Force in coping with the cuts so far but it's going reduce in size we lose a lot of that capability and we revert back to just to get more challenging. We know we need to make better use of the skills and doing emergency policing. It’s really talents of our staff and create a culture important that we hold onto advances in the Force where everyone feels part we’ve made, particularly that proactive of the team and feels their contribution is capability. valued. We have seen many examples What are the main challenges of staff coming up with great ideas on facing the Force in the future? how they can work differently and this The scale of the budget reductions in needs to be at the heart of our approach coming years is very worrying but to change. We want to give more responsibility to staff by examining every perhaps the biggest challenge is this

unnecessary forms checking etc. A lot of the external demand is repeat demand going back to the same locations, same families, same repeat offenders, same young people, care homes etc. We will have to move to more integrated working with other agencies with joint teams sharing information day to day and ensuring we have joined up plans and send the right professional to the right job and be clearer about what we want the police to do.

What will be the first stage of the fit for the future programme?

We first need to take stock and draw together all the information we have about the demand on the Force and our capability to deal with it. We will carry out a Force review to identify our strengths and weaknesses and draw upon work carried out by HMIC. There is already a lot of good work underway in various projects and that will be pulled together and we have literally hundreds of post it notes with ideas on them from the staff road shows so we have plenty to be getting on with.

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News Laptops issued to response officers RESPONSE officers across GMP will soon be equipped with laptops – enabling them to access GMP IT systems while out on patrol.

A new scheme is being rolled out across the Force following a successful pilot in Stockport.

Feedback from the pilot has been positive, with 71 per cent of officers estimating they were able to spend extra hours out in the field as a result.

Officers also said that when they attended incidents, they were far better prepared as they had access to FWINs and any associated intelligence.

Supt Chris Ullah who has been "Results have indicated that there leading the rollout said: "The feedback is a significant reduction on time spent from the pilot has clearly shown there is at the station, leading to an increased a need for response officers to have presence on the streets. access to mobile data.

"I'm extremely pleased to say that on

Pictured: Supt Chris Ullah (right) with Rochdale officers who have been issued with laptops

the basis of the pilot's success, Rochdale Division has now been issued with laptops and we will be looking to equip all response teams across GMP by this summer."

New team tackles GMP’s most wanted

THE Tactical Crime Unit (TCU) was set up last year to help locate Force fugitives and in its first few months has already had some notable successes. Insp Matt Bailey­Smith talks to Brief about their work so far.

The TCU works within the ANPR & Intercept Unit at Stretford Police Station. Led by Sgt Graeme Murrie, the unit consists of six operational PCs who bring with them experience from Tactical Aid Unit, firearms and the ANPR Intercept Unit.

The team is able to dedicate time to research offenders using a mixture

of intelligence, information from partner agencies and proactive enquiries. In addition they are able to carry out observations and foot surveillance.

In November the TCU assisted the Serious Sexual Offences Unit with Operation Leafwing, an initiative to locate outstanding suspects of sexual offences.

The TCU carried out a range of enquiries which led to the arrest of 19 offenders wanted for rape. In addition the team were also able to identify the whereabouts of further offenders who have left the UK. Talking about the success of this

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piece of work, Chief Superintendent Vanessa Jardine said: “The team made excellent enquiries and I cannot thank them enough for their support.

“The important thing in all of this is the value they have given to every single vulnerable victim of rape who now has at least some resolution and reduction in fear knowing the respective offender for their crime has been arrested.”

In February the TCU were directly involved in the arrest of an offender who had been wanted for some time by police in connection to a number offences, including a robbery in which more than £70,000 was taken.

Due to the nature of his offences the man appeared on Crimewatch last year but had so far managed to evade capture.

On Monday 10 February, officers from the TCU identified a Vauxhall Astra van, similar to one used by the wanted man. Officers followed the van with support of the police helicopter and following a short pursuit, in which the driver attempted to ram two police cars, the van was stopped.

Following a short chase on foot a 36­year­old man was arrested and has since been charged by Lancashire Constabulary with conspiracy to commit robbery and dangerous driving.

News

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40th anniversary edition

18 Brief 40th anniversary edition ­ Spring 2014

40th anniversary edition

Brief 40th anniversary edition ­ Spring 2014 19

40th anniversary edition The new Force - the birth of GMP THE creation of Greater Manchester Police was in many respects the final stage of a process that began after World War II. At that time there were more than 250 police forces in England and Wales and the merger of forces into bigger units was seen an important

Overseeing a new era of policing in Greater

way to improve efficiency.

In Greater Manchester, the twin city forces of Manchester and Salford be­ came a joint Force in 1968 and the borough forces merged with their re­ spective county constabularies a year later. A further merger, to create a joint Manchester/Salford /Oldham and Stockport police Force was suggested but never pursued.

In the end, the creation of new Met­ ropolitan Counties was to shape the policing landscape. A new Force was created to police Greater Manchester County which centred around Man­ chester and Salford Police, and in­ cluded parts of Lancashire, Cheshire and West Yorkshire Constabularies.

The first GMP Chief Constable was William James Richards, who was the Chief of the Manchester and Salford Police. He said his new Force had been born into “an age of terrorism, violence and dissent” – in 1974 a struggling national economy was beset by protracted strikes and the detona­ tion of terrorist bombs both in Northern

Ireland and the British Mainland.

At a stroke, planners had created a Force that policed the most densely populated conurbation outside London, was responsible for 104 miles of mo­ torway and had the highest crime out­ side the capital. To make matters worse for GMP, the Force was desper­ ately under staffed – the establishment was for 6,628 officers, but the actual strength was only 5,545.

Despite all that and shortages of stationery, delays in delivery of uniform and equipment, problems with the V.H.F. radio network and in some ar­ eas the telephones, GMP was ready for the challenges ahead.

Manchester: Chief Constable William James Richards

A look back at 1974...

MANY will remember 1974 as a year of unrest. We take a look back at some of the major events that shaped the year and indeed the future of the UK.

January to March:

July:

­ Government imposes three day ­ Violent demonstrations in London over working week to conserve coal supplies invasion of Cyprus by Turkey to power stations during the miners’ ­ Police National Computer goes live strike

February:

October:

­ Guildford pub bombings by the IRA kill ­ IRA explode a bomb in a coach five people carrying army personnel and families on ­ Second general election of year the M62, killing 12 people returns a Labour government with a ­ General election returns minority majority of only three seats Labour Government

April: ­ IRA bomb at Manchester Magistrates Courts

June: ­ IRA bomb explodes at Houses of Parliament. A month later bombs explode at Tower of London and Government building in London

November : ­ Lord Lucan disappears after murder of his children’s nanny ­ The Birmingham pub bombings by the IRA kill 21 people

December: ­ London home of Conservative leader Edward Heath bombed by the IRA

20 Brief 40th anniversary edition ­ Spring 2014

A HISTORIC DAY: John Gormley, Ballistics Technician joined the Cheshire Police Cadets on 10 July 1972, then moved over to GMP on the day it was formed, 1 April 1974.

He has kindly supplied Brief with his original cadet ID card, signed by Chief Constable of the time William James Richards.

A HISTORIC DAY: John Gormley, Ballistics Technician joined the Cheshire Police Cadets on 10 July 1972, then moved over to GMP on the day it was formed, 1 April 1974.

He has kindly supplied Brief with his original cadet ID card, signed by Chief Constable of the time William James Richards.

40th anniversary edition

Down memory lane TONY Clitheroe joined GMP in October 1974 as a car mechanic. He spoke to Brief about what it was like to work for the Force in the 70s and what has changed.

I joined GMP as a member of police staff in the 70s and there weren’t very many civilians back then. I began working as a mechanic for the motorway unit in Swinton, mainly working on Range Rovers. There was a huge demand for us to make sure these vehicles were road fit especially in the winter. The region relied on these cars as we did get much more snow in those days.

But this has all changed and

nowadays you get a whole range of cars into the workshop to work on and of course they are far more sophisticated. I remember cars just having a light and siren!

Cars used by officers have also changed over the years. As GMP brought all the areas together we saw a range of different cars being used. Rochdale and Bolton used Ford Escorts MK1, the traffic officers used a Ford Console Granada while Manchester and Salford Police used the Mini.

I also remember working a three day week in the early 80s during the miner’s strike. The Government had restricted power and this meant that we could only work underneath cars during certain points of

Pictured: Some of the GMP fleet from years gone by

Pictured: Tony in the Openshaw workshop

the day. I also remember when police carriers would transport officers over to Yorkshire and when they returned they’d sleep anywhere in the station just to get some kip.

You wouldn’t see that happening now.

It was a great time though as no one forgot that you were part of this team no matter what small role you played. There was a real team spirit amongst those you worked with and a real sense of being part of a bigger family.

How we did things back then murdered by the Yorkshire Ripper.

“When the call came in that there was a body in an allotment I assumed it was an old man that we knew who lived near there and that he had passed away. But when I arrived the old boy was there on the allotment boiling water in a pan.

He shouted ‘you thought it was When you worked on a me didn’t you.’ Ian Sutcliffe had particular beat you were buried the prostitute but had responsible for everything. come back and dragged her body “You had lots of contact and out so that it would be found. It knew every alley and was pretty awful but you just got everyone. I remember on with your job. Back then you stopping one lad on a bike. It had to go to post mortems as was clearly not his and he said part of your training. he’d found it. So I made him “Some of the police cadets came come back to the station and down to search the area and they fill in a load of forms to say found her purse and that’s when he’d found the bike even we knew who it was. There was a though I knew he’d nicked it. brand new £5 note in her purse Years later I was in a pub and we were able to trace this to when this lad spotted me. I a garage but not to the person.

He also recalled the moment he got Forensic didn’t recognise him but we got talking a call about a body that had been and he said how grateful he was for investigations what I’d done as he now had a really found at an allotment near Withington were very good job and this wouldn’t have been Hospital. “I was the first officer on the different back the case if he’d had a criminal record. scene after the body of a prostitute then.” was found. She had in fact been “If a kid didn’t have lights on their

DONALD McDonald joined Manchester Police in 1960 and retired from GMP in 1990. He spoke to Brief about being an officer on the beat and his involvement with the Yorkshire Ripper case.

bike in the dark you’d just stop them let their tyres down and say well you can walk home now! That seemed to solve the problem and you wouldn’t get any trouble from them again.”

Donald McDonald as a local intelligence officer, Moss Side, 1981

Brief 40th anniversary edition ­ Spring 2014 21

40th anniversary edition

Memory tree TO commemorate 40 years, GMP asked you what your fondest memories are from the last four decades. These have been written onto leaves for a memory tree installed in the Force museum. We have shared a selection of these below…

s one t Christma a 9 7 9 1 n usholm e i rang rk a voice y beat in R a P m s g ld in ie lk a I was w m e sing Platt F had seen when pas e , if y a w is d h ld d o very c ed of a cem an an y be in ne etired poli a r m ld I o g n in k A hin tea, out. full meal, cold and t ll a a d , a g n h I lo d n walking a hristmas. n. In the e e it was C vited m e i s n u i a k c n e ri b ll d warm brandy, a ake and a c d n a e e coff

One of my most pleasant memories of my time in GMP was when I was assigned to look after Peter Sellers who was filming at Manchester Airport. He had a black Rolls Royce with blacked out windows. He would leave the car, act his part, then immediately return to his car. He only spoke to me when he was off set and wasn’t filming.

One f ond m em ory I ha v e of GMP m em ber o is when m f the custo y self and a m e r enquiry u around He f ormer nit (switch r Majesty's board) we Rolls Roy including b re sho wn ce by a m e ing show em ber of s n the silve p of E cstasy e c ia l branch r S t George w when HM hich rep la is trav ellin Standard w c e g in the R s the Spirit hich is flow olls and als

n on the c o the Roy photograp a r. al W e were a h but not o llowed t o t f the interi yard at Ch ake a or. This all ester Hou t o o k p s lace i n the e when th preparatio secure e Rolls ha n for a v is d been de it by The Q liv ered in ueen to M anchester.

22 Brief 40th anniversary edition ­ Spring 2014

40th anniversary edition

s the office, wa nd sm oking in a ar b the 's it ith ith w w , (ev en Chester Hou se n and orange w ro r l b al s m 70 s the co pute t of the the early day som ething ou n I ). w le b as ds – it w ed the blin with a m ouse it te window s clos ra pe t o n’ u old you could ng printing yo anted som ethi system was so w u yo

if re – e he ester. T ack in t im Hall in Manch y like stepping b nt ou C o a t ist on a bus and go t and one typ en m rt pa had to get on de e

th onal files were com puters f or nd all the pers a were only two ng hi yt er ev typed up type writer who binets. large filing ca paper stored in

I hav e seen so m any c hanges in G from office e MP quipm ent to managem From shyn e nt. ess to open ne ss and change. GM P has been m y lif e; wit hav e share h it I d sadne ss, s u ccess and happ iness.

I attende d a 999 c all f or ass Ancoats H istance b ospital – ack in 19 nurses in 70 to trou assaulted the A&E ble at by a v iole departm n t en t being drunk. O and ran o n arriv al th

ff onto th e canal b e off ende was a go ank at th r s a w m e od 50 y a e rear of rds in fro the hospit shout abu n t, b a ut occasio l. He se and ta n ally he w unt m e. U back tow ould stop nfortunate ards m e w to ly while r hile shou bridge an unning w ting abus it d f ell into h h is e , he ran in the cana didn’t dro to the sto l. It was o wn – but n e nly three

he who la f eet dee ughs last p so he etc…

At 11pm on 31 March 1974, I was at Mill Street Police Station, 'C' Division, Beswick, Manchester. My group was parading for night duty when Inspector Johnson gave us our new collar numbers. An hour later I was on foot on Pollard Street East, Ancoats, when I became part of GMP. Fondest memory ­ I ended up with the same number as the Star Ship Enterprise from Star Trek!

Why not pop down to the Force museum to view more memories from officers from the past 40 years….

Brief 40th anniversary edition ­ Spring 2014 23

40th anniversary edition

Celebrating Celebrating 40 40 years years o o

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24 Brief 40th anniversary edition ­ Spring 2014

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40th anniversary edition

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Brief 40th anniversary edition ­ Spring 2014 25

40th anniversary edition

Project:

Looking to the future of our communities

COMMUNITY projects in each of the Force’s Integrated Neighbourhood Policing Teams (INPTs) will benefit from the Force’s 40 year anniversary celebrations.

Project 40 is a new initiative which will see £40,000 allocated by the Police and Crime Commissioner split between all neighbourhood teams and used specifically towards community work.

Each INPT has nominated a community project to receive funding.

GMP is not only commemorating its 40 year anniversary but has pledged a commitment to support

Greater Manchester’s communities for the next 40 years and beyond.

Project 40 will help to create a long­lasting and positive relationship between the police and the diverse communities it serves.

Each INPT understands the needs within the community, which can range considerably. Projects nominated for funding range from a local recycling scheme to improving the facilities of a local youth club.

Not only do employees provide an outstanding service to the public, they regularly go above and beyond in their own time whether that be through

charitable initiatives or participating in local events, as illustrated regularly in Brief.

In light of this, Project 40 has been launched to reach out to our communities.

Project 40 will also provide both police officers and staff with the opportunity to make a real difference in their community, further strengthening the relationships we have worked hard to build up over the past 40 years.

Stay posted for further information on Project 40 and updates from around the Force.

STANDING PROUD FOR GMP TWO schools from the Stockport Division have joined forces to form a Mosaic banner in the shape of GMP as part of the 40 th anniversary celebration.

Legoland have special way to mark 40 years of GMP

TO celebrate 40 years of Greater Manchester Police on 1 April, the Force has teamed up with LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester to build a version of the GMP crest. The crest was built by GMP's very own Special Constable Alex Bidolak (Pictured left) who is also a master builder at the centre. Selected as part of a social media poll, the crest is made up of 1,322 bricks and is now on display at the Legoland Discovery Centre.

DCC Ian Hopkins presents the lego GMP crest

26 Brief 40th anniversary edition ­ Spring 2014

40th anniversary edition

03/04/1975: PC Ian Rodgers -

21/10/1986: DS Thomas

14/01/2003: DC Stephen Robin

Fatally injured when hit by a

McCarthy - Killed in a road

Oake – Stephen was stabbed

train checking for children on

accident during mobile

in the course of an anti-

the railway.

surveillance training.

13/03/1976: PC Norman

21/05/1989: PC Nigel John

Salisbury-Collapsed and died

Heap - Fatally injured when

during a police dog training

kicked by a horse in the

exercise on the moors.

Force's stables.

06/01/1977: PC John Cameron

14/09/1989: Insp Raymond

– Died in an accident after

Anthony Codling – Shot whilst carrying out a routine vehicle

call in fog on the M66 at

check.

27/03/1996: DC Kevin James Dearnaley - Killed in a

Killed in a road accident at

collision with a car on a police

Collyhurst whilst an observer

motorcycle training course.

27/02/1999: PC Robert

22/12/1981: PS Lewis Entwistle

Nathans - Collapsed and died

- Killed by a lorry while

of heart failure soon after

checking a car on the

chasing a suspect on foot.

motorway hard shoulder.

23/07/1999: PC Peter Thomas

11/03/1982: PC John Egerton –

Fox - Killed in a motorcycle

Stabbed whilst trying to

accident while travelling to

arrest a thief who was

report for duty.

siphoning petrol in a yard at Farnworth. Posthumously awarded the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct.

02/05/1982: DC John Sandford – Attacked by youths with a wheel brace whilst investigating a complaint at Manchester Airport.

from harm was recognised in 2009 by the posthumous

Gallantry Medal.

19/07/2006: PC Allan Shaw Killed in a road traffic accident while taking part in

24/02/1978: PC George Main –

in a patrol car.

who died protecting colleagues

award of the Queen’s

responding to an emergency Bury.

terrorism investigation. The courageous actions of Stephen,

VIP escort practice.

10/09/2007: PCSO Christopher Donald Maclure - Killed in a collision with a wagon while on bicycle patrol.

12/01/2008: PC Christopher Hart - Killed in a road traffic accident while responding to an emergency incident.

09/06/2008: PC Ian James Terry – Fatally wounded when accidentally shot in a

31/08/1999: PC Raja Bashrat Ahmed - Motorcycle rammed into the path of an oncoming lorry by a man later sentenced to life

firearms training exercise.

06/01/2012: DC Andrew Stokes – Collapsed and died of heart failure whilst on duty.

18/09/2012: PC Fiona Bone

imprisonment.

05/03/2001: PC Alison Armitage – The first female officer to be killed on duty in GMP, Alison died after being hit by a car in Hollinwood.

and PC Nicola Hughes: Still a painfully fresh memory in GMP’s history, tragedy struck the Force with the murders of PCs Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone who were killed in the line of duty in Tameside.

Brief 40th anniversary edition ­ Spring 2014 27

Features ‘Peeling’ away layers to reveal more diverse recruitment process positive feedback from the community. The information gained from our interaction with them will greatly assist future recruitment, as well as crime prevention and other campaigns.”

In the city centre, the story is very much the same – the new approach is working.

A Chinatown event held in January gave locals a chance to meet officers in a two­hour session which saw over 50 people sign up for an official recruitment event. As well as offering career advice, the team were able to address the concerns surrounding hate crime in the area, of which many attendees had experienced.

PC Lee ‘PUTTING people first in everything consider Broadstock tells we do’ is one of the key Force visions roles within GMP. “Under Op Peel we are really us: “This was a gaining momentum in changat GMP. There are times when we Adam said: great event that can better meet the needs of the “We decided the ing the way we communicate provided both communities we serve. best way to encouragement with our local communities “ There are lots of ways we can connect with the and reassurance improve the way we serve a diverse community would be to attend places for local residents ­ we were able to community, and a significant part of of worship, social clubs and shops offer them recruitment advice while at that strategy needs to be ensuring the which cater for different nationalities the same time take note of their people who work for GMP reflect the and cultures to speak to people and concerns about crime in the area.” community they serve. The skills, distribute literature.”

The biggest challenge is knowledge and capability out there in The annual Cheetham Faith understanding the obstacles that have our communities is phenomenal and Festival ­ a series of events held at a seen limited interest and applications we have recognised that our number of places of worship and from target communities in the past. neighbourhood staff will know best community centres in the Adam tells us his team is addressing where this talent exists neighbourhood this by using a new ‘appreciative in our communities. In – was identified enquiry’ technique: “Rather than “Most encouraging has June 2013, Operation as a key target simply offering attendees career been the positive feedback Peel was launched to for Adam and information, participants are put into from the community” strip back and review all his team. “The small discussion groups along with aspects of the Force’s Festival is a GMP staff and asked what GMP can attraction and recruitment process to great example of how communities do to increase interest from within its address this balance. unite and a great chance to speak diverse communities.

Named after Sir Robert Peel, people who would make great “It is extremely important to founder of the modern police service candidates for roles in GMP” understand the views and any and author of the phrase, ‘the police Adam’s team also held recruitment constraints they are the public, and the public are the stalls at a local might be feeling “The biggest challenge is underpolice’; the aim of Operation Peel is to supermarket, and standing the obstacles that have attract a more diverse workforce to and organised appreciative improve the Force’s workforce mix a specialist seen limited interest and applicaenquiry is an and make GMP more reflective of our recruitment excellent tool in tions from target communities in communities. day at a local gaining this the past“ Operation Peel aimed to take a community knowledge and community­based approach, centre, staffed by GMP employees understanding. encouraging INPTs to have more of a who also originated from some of “Under Op Peel we are really hand in the process. Divisions are GMP’s target communities. gaining momentum in changing the encouraged to organise events, He explained: “The recruitment way we communicate with our local meetings and publicity that will reach event was by far the most effective communities and the hard work is the right people, at the right time. tactic; it was extremely well attended paying off,” Lee added: “This is an In North Manchester, PC Adam and participants were able to meet up inclusive ­ not exclusive ­ policy and Wignell’s team were responsible for with GMP staff from similar the feedback and support from public recruitment in the Cheetham Hill area, backgrounds and share their has been outstanding. We are on and used a number of methods to experiences. track to change the face of Force encourage community members to “Most encouraging has been the recruitment for good.”

Officers speak to potential GMP candidates at a recent recruitment event

28 Brief 40th anniversary edition ­ Spring 2014

Features

Cyber unit tackles new crime frontier THE internet plays an increasing role in our lives and so GMP is setting up a dedicated cyber­ crime team headed by Det Supt Mark Smith. The team will span across the Force Intelligence Branch, the Force Hub and the Serious and Organised Crime Unit. Brief spoke to Mark to find out more.

What is cyber­crime?

It covers a broad range of criminal activity using a computer. Examples include identity theft, financial fraud, blackmail and cyber bullying. At an organisational level it may also involve hacking customer databases and theft of intellectual property.

Why was the cyber­crime unit set up?

Many retail and banking transactions, as well as social interactions, now take place online, so it’s not surprising we’ve seen an increase in crimes being committed on the internet. The rise is difficult to quantify but from 1 April the Force will start to record cyber­crimes officially.

What are the effects of cyber­ crime?

The effects of a successful cyber­ attack can have far­reaching implications including financial losses, theft of intellectual property and loss of consumer confidence. The overall monetary impact of cyber­cri me on society is estimated to be billions of pounds a year.

Has your unit had any successes so far?

We’ve had a number of successes around tracing individuals who posted comments online during a high­profile court case. Their comments amounted to an offence which is currently progressing through the judicial system. We have also had great success dealing with an international blackmail case where a local businessman received threats online that his business would be subject to a ‘denial of service’ attack. Two people from Poland were convicted and a third is being sought overseas.

But it’s the everyday support that the team provides which is proving most beneficial, not only to operations

such as fracking, but also to divisional staff in monitoring tensions, developing online intelligence and responding to threats.

How can we protect ourselves online?

Everyone should be aware of cyber threats and the simple measures they can take to protect themselves. Here are some of the most useful tips:

· ·

· ·

·

Always use strong passwords combining letters, numbers and special characters Secure your computer with a firewall, anti­virus and anti­ spyware software and keep them updated Secure mobile devices with passwords and don’t store sen­ sitive information on them Never reply to emails that ask you to verify information, and never click on links or files of unknown origin Be cautious when giving out personal information such as your name, address, phone number or financial details on the internet

Many people now interact socially on Twitter and Facebook. How can they stay safe on these sites?

there are those who try to steal private information, or to bully and intimidate others. If, for example, your child loves using social networking sites, teach them about protecting personal information by thinking about what they are sharing and who they are sharing it with. Show them how to use privacy settings, how to block and report, and advise them to only accept friend requests from people they know in real life.

Where can people get more information on how to protect themselves online?

The GMP website now has a Staying Safe Online section that can be accessed here.

It includes advice on online security, links to other websites, and videos on topics such as cyber­bullying and staying safe on social networks.

Where can officers get more information on how to investigate cyber­crime?

We now have an Intranet page which provides guidance to officers on all aspects of cyber policing. The page can be found by clicking the link below, and contains reference documents and links to useful websites. http:// gmpintranet.gmpnt.rootdom.gmp.police .cjx.gov.uk/PDQ/data.nsf/article.htm? readform&Unit=281290&Section=3987 77&Article=61297321

Although social media is used in a positive way by the majority of people, Brief 40th anniversary edition ­ Spring 2014 29

Features

A shining example – Rochdale team lead the way in

IN February 2013, Project Sunrise emerged from one of Rochdale Division’s bigges

begin the fightback against child sexual exploitation. Twelve months on, Adrian W and discovered they are in it for the long haul.

THE phrase ‘marathon, not a sprint’ was never more apt.

For Det Sgt Kirsty Simcox, not only does it describe her hobby – long distance running – but also her team’s approach to police work.

Kirsty is head of a team that is breaking new ground in the fight against child abuse.

Re­formed in the wake of Op­ eration Span, Project Sunrise was designed to be a multi­agency hub run by a team of specialists working with, and working for, vulnerable youngsters on the Rochdale division.

An apparent explosion of CSE cases in Rochdale, partly driven by the police’s renewed ability to better identify the signs, has seen referrals rocket since this time last year.

With 55 vulnerable young peo­ ple currently being managed by the team, the workload is shared be­ tween police officers, social workers and health professionals. The police side is made up of one sergeant, Kir­ sty, two detective constables, Ben Harris and Laura Crossley and one PC, Andrea Burlison.

They are matched by a social services team manager, four social workers, Youth Offending Team, Early Break (providing help for drug and alcohol depend­ ent youngsters) and Par­ ents Against Child Exploi­ tation, the whole inte­ grated team is led by Julie Daniels.

So, what does a typi­ cal day look like? “Well,” said Kirsty,” we have a daily briefing at 9.30am at which we discuss any new referrals that have come in overnight and we will decide, between us, what the best course of action is.

“There’s no such thing as a typical referral as victims can come from all walks of life, however, in the main, they are NOT from private care homes and tend to live with their families. Having said that, they are usually pretty chaotic families and will often be vulnerable even before they come to us.

“This week, for instance, we picked up the case of a 14­year­old

girl called ‘Chloe’. She’d come to our attention after she had been returned to her home after going missing.

“After she was supposedly home ‘safe and well’, the officer who took her home later noticed some really troubling stuff on her Facebook page. She’d been post­ ing naked pictures of herself and we saw a photo of a man who ap­ peared to be much older than her.

“We sent DC Ben Harris and a social worker to speak to her and we discovered she had been having a relationship with a 24­year­old man.

The reason for this is that many victims believe they’re in a legitimate, consensual relationship and don’t perceive themselves to be victims at all and certainly don’t want the au­ thorities poking around.

“What people don’t realise is that it can take up to 10 months or so before we can gain the trust of a vic­ tim enough to persuade them to be video interviewed. The average is about three months.

“That means of course that we cannot pursue a criminal case and

30 Brief 40th anniversary edition ­ Spring 2014

that the offender could reoffend in that time. That’s why, more often than not, we give the suspect a warn­ ing under the Child Abduction Act, which essentially means they will be arrested if they are again seen with the victim.

“This is only an interim meas­ ure, but it means we have a trigger plan that can spring into action way before we could even consider charges.”

Another advantage to having a multi­disciplinary team is the range of disruption tactics available to them.

Kirsty added: “For every victim we put together a bespoke CSE assessment which looks at the victims’ relationships at home, their relationships at school/ college, any substance use and any risky peers they could be hanging around with.

“We then widen that out to see whether we can disrupt the exploita­ tion in any way we can.

“When the team as it stands now started in January 2013 there were over 100 young people consid­ ered to be at risk of CSE. Through

Features

n tackling CSE

All about the lads

est ever challenges to

Worsley visited the team

Sir Peter Fahy, Ch Supt Mary Doyle, PC Craig Phoenix and Sgt Andy Shaw in a typical ‘Smiths’ pose outside Salford Lads Club

By Sgt Andy Shaw, Salford Pictured: Det Sgt Kirsty Simcox

engagement and intensive work com­ pleted by the closer working with partners there are now just over 50.

One young person who has received help from the Sunrise team has said “All the things that the Sun­ rise team have done for me has helped me a lot. It helps me stay safe more and when I am out I always think about keeping myself safe.

But that isn’t the only praise the team have received. They were this year given the Rochdale Divisional Excellence Award for Outstanding Team Performance.

‘Working in the Sunrise team is a very rewarding role. My job is made much easier by the hard work and enthusi­ asm of Ben, Laura and Andrea who are dedicated to tackling CSE in Rochdale and helping the young peo­ ple. We have all come to realise that this job is not just about criminal in­ vestigations and convictions but turn­ ing someone’s life around. That is far more important and more rewarding than anything else.”

To find out more about the Sunrise team contact DS Kirsty Simcox on Ext. 68487 or 63376.

LAST month the Salford Lads Club hosted the final divisional Chief Constable’s Roadshow.

The iconic building was established in 1903 and is regarded as the finest example of a pre­First World War club surviving and operating today. It is perhaps best known worldwide for an iconic photograph of 1980’s indie band, The Smiths.

Situated in the heart of Salford, the Ordsall area has certainly seen its fair share of high profile incidents over

recent years. In turn this has attracted unwanted media attention which failed to recognise the community spirit, drive and determination of the public who strive to make it a better place.

As a result of work by Operation Gulf, the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub and dedication of local neighbourhood officers, community relations have been strengthened. In addition, the number and frequency of serious incidents has fallen dramatically, coinciding with a willingness from the community to start to engage.

Museum gets smart with new app THE GMP Museum has launched their latest app for Android users.

The free app which has been available for Apple users since 2012 offers the public an audio guide for their visit to the mu­ seum highlighting key informa­ tion and interesting tales.

This new addition will allow more smartphone users to en­ joy an enhanced museum ex­ perience.

GMP’s Deputy Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “After the success of the GMP Museum app on Apple we are excited to be able to unveil our latest app for smartphone users.”

Katie Brown from the museum is pictured with the new app

Brief 40th anniversary edition ­ Spring 2014 31

Features

In Focus:­The Firearms and Explosive Licensing Unit Jim and his team are keeping the safety on for gun ownership licensing

By Lauren Taylor CLAY pigeon shooting, hunting, target practice ­ just a few of the shooting sports of the Great British public.

This trigger­happy hobby means there are more than 700,000 licences issued for firearms in the UK, with just over 10,000 of these in the Greater team is dealing with those applications A key priority for the team is the Manchester area. or licences flagged to hold potential exchange of information and For people looking to own deal­breaking issues – ones that can improving the flow of communication firearms for sport and leisure, or effectively reject an application ­ and between operational officers and the perhaps as part of their employment, firearms team. how to move those forward. the Firearms and Explosive Licensing “Unless there is a gun involved, “For example, there may be a Unit is their department of choice. it’s not often a priority of attending domestic incident that makes you Jim is the manager of the unit at police officers to check question the GMP. It is his team’s responsibility to whether any individuals suitability for a “In 2013 alone, GMP reensure applicants are fit to own involved have firearms person to voked 301 certificates and firearms, have good, honest reasons licences,” Jim explains. become ­ or refused 16 applications “ for requiring their use, and a secure “However, if there is continue to be ­ storage system in place. any suspicion over this they are a firearms licence holder. We have to Every applicant, whether brand encouraged to bring it to the team’s look closely at anything like this– new or renewing their license, has to attention as soon as possible.” regardless of its severity ­ and assess undergo detailed system checks, such whether there is any danger in Jim tells us that when firearms as criminal record checks, to home are found at the scene of a crime, or in granting a licence. visits and other vetting procedures. a criminal’s home, a licence check is “Sometimes it can be really A veteran police officer with 33 difficult to make the call but we always much more common – and in this year’s service before his current role, case, officers must also try and err on the side of caution, and gather Jim was awarded an OBE for services as much info as we can that enables establish at that point whether it is to policing in the New Year’s honours safe to leave the discovered firearms us to make a list. there: “If in doubt, remove them. If you thorough, “The unit can often dip under Jim said: “I justifiable decision want a second opinion, call us.” don’t have an the radar within the organisation that we’re As well as checking PNC for interest in but our role is a crucial one.” comfortable with.” current licence­holders, the National shooting Firearms Licensing Management The statistics sports myself, so I have no bias either System for (NFLMS) holds all licence show Jim and the team’s meticulous way, which helps me to do my job. information, whether current or methods and their commitment to Conversely a number of the team do historical, and contains application ensuring only the most thorough hold licences so we have a well­ details, whether or not the application applications make it through to the rounded view as to what we are itself was successful. approval stages. In 2013 alone, GMP looking for ­ or not ­ in a licence revoked 38 certificates and refused 16 Both OCRs and divisional hubs holder. applications at the application stage. have access to the NFLMS but the “The unit is one that can often firearms team are happy to check There are 11 people working dip under the radar within the should they be contacted directly: within the unit ­ four research organisation as we deal primarily with assistants who process the “The information is there, and is members of the public rather than paperwork, six firearms enquiry very simple to access,” says Jim, “it staff, but we are very active and our officers who conduct the home visits could make a crucial difference in role is a crucial one. across the region and Jim ­ who is the preventing a serious incident should a “An average morning can bring manager and final arbiter, charged firearm be left in the wrong hands and us multiple incidents that require with making the final decision. it couldn’t be easier to flag it with us to further investigation, and it’s our final investigate further.”

“It’s crucial that we continue our say that can determine whether a excellent track record of making sure person is able to own what is, in effect firearms stay in the hands of those Contact the team on Ext. 60820 a very dangerous weapon.” that can be trusted completely with “The biggest test we face as a such a privilege” says Jim. Pictured: Jim Jones who heads the Firearms and Explosive Licensing Unit

32 Brief 40th anniversary edition ­ Spring 2014

Features Advertisements PROPERTY AND ARCHITECTURAL & DESIGN SERVICES TROJAN Locksmith Services Ltd, 24 hours local on call service. All insurance work undertaken. Boarding up service, repair or replace locks/ barrels on windows and doors. Contact Robert 07872 824 923 or Shane on 07711 222 471 or Dave on 07511 169 323. email trojanlocksmith@mail.com HOLIDAYS—ABROAD CYPRUS ­ Unique luxury private villa max 12 adults, wheelchair friendly in 2 1/2 acres gated grounds, 6 double beds (2 ensuite), 2 lounges, UK TV channels, sports and movies, large swimming pool and child safety fencing. Central location between Limassol and Larnaca. Discounts for GMP personnel. Please visit http:// www.exclusivevillacyprus.com. Tel Christine or David Williams on 0161 491 5910 LUXURY FLORIDA VILLA. 10 mins to Disney, 5 beds, 3 baths, games room, south facing pool and hot tub. Special GMP rate, exclusive location. Visit www.greenviewsvilla.com or call 0161 973 1822.

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ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES

HOW TO ADVERTISE IN BRIEF

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Tandle Accountancy Ltd, Chartered Accountants ­ self assessments, limited companies, cash planning, VAT, payroll and more. Email: info@tandleaccountancy.co.uk. Tel: 07889 182 373 for a competitive quote.

Please fill in the Electronic version of the Advertisement Coupon here: www.gmp.police.uk/briefads

GREG McGahan Accountants.

Everything from accounts to VAT, tax returns and advice. We put the customer first offering a friendly service at competitive rates. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your needs. Tel: 0161 303 3183. Mobile: 07968 354737. Email greg@gregmcgahanaccountants.co.uk.

Web: www.gregmcgahanaccountants.co.uk.

Cheques should be made payable to “Greater Manchester Police” and sent to:

PLASTERING & DECORATING PLASTERING, all aspects of plastering carried out both internal and external.

Full qualified time served with 28 years experience and fully insured. Excellent rates for GMP staff. No obligation quotes given on all jobs. Please contact Carl on 0161 652 1218 or Officers from Longsight Police Station will swap police boots for cycling shoes as they embark on a 145 mile charity ride.

Starting in Scotland the group of 15 officers (pictured left) will travel through England to a small village in North Wales. On the way, they will stop in Yorkshire to catch the Grand Depart, stage one of the Tour De France. Matthew Green, one of the officers said: “We all love cycling and

All adverts must be accompanied by a copy of the advertiser’s warrant/ID card or pension number

Brief Advertising, Corporate Communications, Force HQ, Northampton Road, Manchester M40 5BP. Although all reasonable steps have been taken to check the authenticity of advertisers, it must be stressed that acceptance for publication does not imply the acceptance of any responsibility or liability to GMP in respect of any advertisement.

Publication does not imply any endorsement of the companies, individuals or products.

Deadline for adverts for the next edition is: Friday 16 May 2014 last year decided to cycle from the Morecambe coast across to the Scar­ borough coast. It took us 11 hours to cycle the 136 miles and we raised more than £2,300 for The Christie Cancer charity.

“We are still working out the route for this year’s ride but it will be around 145 miles. We are all looking forward to heading off again and have been training throughout the winter to be ready for this challenge.”

Brief 40th anniversary edition ­ Spring 2014 33

GMP Community

Letters of Appreciation Caring officer Just wanted to say a big thank you to PCSO Alex Ebdale for his help, concern and support with regarding my son, Dominic Taylor after he was assaulted and robbed in the street in Breightmet last night. He seems okay today still very sore but went to col­ lege as normal which is a good sign.

You were able to calm him down a lot before the other officer arrived and picked him up and sat with myself until they returned.

I am really appreciative for the time you spent with my son and myself of course and you are seriously a credit to yourself and the police force, Your caring support, attitude, manner and efficiency is second to none.

A Taylor

Thank You I am writing to express my thanks to PC Denton and PC Varey who at­ tended our home on 25 January after an altercation with our neighbours.

They demonstrated amazing skill in diffusing a difficult emotional and very upsetting situation with excellent ne­ gotiation and mediation skills. Al­ though a trivial matter in the eyes of onlookers, they showed understanding and took on board our concerns with a neutral approach. I can only com­ mend them both for their understand­ ing and in the way they showed fair­ ness and efficiency in dealing with the situation for both parties. My husband and I feel these young officers will go far in their careers.

AH

High Praise I am writing to you to praise the work of DC James Teggart in his de­ tection and investigation in the case of R v George Norcliffe. I was prosecut­ ing counsel in the case.

I have absolutely no doubt that if this case had been allocated to a less determined, less conscientious and less sensitive officer then Norcliffe would have escaped justice.

I strongly believe in praise where it’s due but rarely find good cause to

commit my thoughts to writing. DC Teg­ gart is one such ex­ ception. Especially under these times of ever­tightening re­ sources we need more officers like DC Teggart. I commend him to you.

The Crown Prosecu­ tion Service

Thank you Just a short note to let you know about the excellent service I received from PC Bolt from Oldham Division this evening.

He helped me enor­ mously and I am very grateful to him. I would also like to mention the young lady I spoke to on the telephone in the af­ ternoon. She con­ tacted PC Bolt for me. Unfortunately I don’t know her name.

I can’t thank them enough.

P Heri, Oldham

Tha nks to o ff du ty

offic

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I would l ike t o pa ss on m gratitud y thanks e to DC and G areth T as sistan aylor f o ce at an r his inciden Port yes t at Elle terday. s m ere DC T ay in plain c lor was o lothes in ff d uty the Che area wh shire Oa e n he o k s bserv ed Store D a plain c etectiv e lo th s es tr uggling w de tained ith a f em ale s hoplifter im media and he tely step

p e d in to a fem ale w ssist. T as arres he ted and s charged ub seque with the ntly ft of goo £1 ,168.6 ds totall 5 and g in g

o in g equipp lar ge f o ed with a il lined b

a g and r m ainly d e m a nded, ue to he r p r olific his cov ering tory 5 counti es. I wo if you c o uld be g uld pass rateful on m y t hanks.

Heartfelt Thanks I just wanted to pass on my heart­ felt thanks to PCSO Dave Kelly who went above and beyond his role in supporting my mother. My father is presently in hospital and recently, while I was away in Spain, my mother was burgled and had her television stolen. With no company and father in hospital I'm sure you can imagine this was a dreadful event and would have been a very lonely position apart from your tremendous officer Dave Kelly.

He came and consoled her and pro­ vided, from his own supply, a televi­ sion so that she had some 'company' on the long lonely nights. For this alone I believe he deserves commen­ dation.

However, after my return and a re­ placement TV, Dave returned to col­ lect his set and arrived to find mother

in a panic with flooding water where she had left the tap on. He again rose to the occasion and cleared up leaving Mum safe and comfortable.

I thank Dave from the bottom of my heart for these actions and am sure he leads by example to his other col­ leagues who must be a great team.

Please pass on my thanks to him and let him and others there know that what he and you all, do is respected and more than gratefully received.

J Osborne

Send copies of letters or emails of thanks and appreciation to Brief, Corporate Communications, Force Headquarters, M40 5BP, making sure that the recipient’s full name, not just number, is included. Letters may be edited for reasons of space.

34 Brief 40th anniversary edition ­ Spring 2014

GMP Community Helped to ease the Trauma I would like to thank all your staff es­ pecially PC Ben Griffin and a female PCSO for the help following the at­ tempted burglary at my parent’s home.

My parents are aged 86 and 89 and were badly affected by the attempts to break into their house. I live 30 miles away and appreciated the follow up visits made by the PCSO to check on their welfare. My parents have also had another visit this week to inform them that someone has been appre­ hended. Would you please pass on my thanks, and those of my parents, to the officers concerned who helped to ease the trauma.

Mrs Hughes

Valuable Support I’m just writing to acknowledge some valuable support offered by Bolton’s Crime Reduction Officer, Chris Wa­ ters. Adult social care wanted to re­ spond to the Operation Liberal Initia­ tive which encourages the involvement of social care and NHS staff and also supports Priority 3 of our Local Safe­ guarding Adults Board. We feel that as a result of his input, social workers are better placed to identify risk, report concerns and most importantly take appropriate steps to prevent crime.

The session evaluations demonstrate their appreciation of his input. In times when we are all struggling for resources this partnership approach and trading of skills is much appreci­ ated and eminently sensible.

just wished more staff were of the cali­ bre of Gareth, at no time was anything too much trouble. Can I say a mas­ sive thank you to Gareth.

HMP Manchester

J Robinson

Follow up Visit Thank you for the Flowers Thank you very much for the wonder­ ful flowers which you sent yesterday evening. It was very kind. The re­ sponse and courtesy from all the offi­ cers who attended was truly wonder­ ful, that also includes the gentleman who phoned this morning inquiring how we were. Please thank all the officers involved. PC Senior, PC Rob­ inson, PC Jones, PC Garner, PC Twentyman, PC Whittle, PC Moriarty, PC Greaves and PC Potts P&VW

St Matthews CE Primary School I recently had the pleasure of working alongside one of your officers, PCSO Gareth Jones, whilst doing a schools input at St Matthews CE Primary School in Stockport. I run the commu­ nity team from HMP Manchester and visit schools all over the country and

Name Debbie Grimshaw @debgrim42 Tweet @gmptraffic I love this traffic twitter it's good to know how the police interact with the public & arrest where necessary!

Name Lisa @tinyfox

Tweet Absolutely fantastic service from @gmpolice in last 24 hours, Crime reported two follow up calls & car being fingerprinted today.

Name @hay_garth Tweet @gmpolice I saw the best policing today ­ accident on m67 at teatime ­ the officers were assertive, quick, safe and charming. Thanks x

Name @MrHappyCyclist Tweet For the 2nd time in a month, @GMPolice are taking a complaint of aggressive driving seriously.

Thank you officers. :­) #RoadJustice

I recently visited MR, who had been the victim of the most terrible abuse from her sister over the past 11 years.

She had initially been dealt with by PC Bamford, and during my follow up visit to her she told me that she wanted to record how very grateful she was for all that PC Bamford had done for her, saying how marvellous she had been.

PPIU

School Visit A note has been received written by the children from Class RFS at Manley Park Primary School to PCs Steve Bretnall and Jo Worsley. The note said: “Dear police officers, Steve Bret­ nall/Jo Worsley. Thank you for com­ ing to visit us at our school. We en­ joyed seeing all your equipment and when you shined your torch. Thank you for visiting us.”

Name Dawn Murphy Post Hi, I'd just like to say that we've had a visit this evening from 2 officers to deal with a FB issue. We'd reported some messages my young daughter had received. Both officers were really compassionate & were extremely kind to my daughter & made us feel like what we had to say is important, thank you

Name Coffee 4 Craig

Post We have had some great support from your officers over the last few months but wanted to say a special thank you to the officers who attended the incident on Sunday 23/03 and also to PCSO Ben Hadfield and his partner who attended yesterday 24/03 with a missing person pick up. Thank you for your

Brief 40th anniversary edition ­ Spring

35

GMP Community 14 May

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Obituaries

Hugh Mitchell, 83, died 15 November 2013

John Crosbie, 64, died January 2014

Denis Michael Murphy, 66, died 23 November 2013

Peter James Collins, 55, died 6 October 2013

James Pullman, 75, died 25 November 2013

Anthony Bertram Merricks, 76, died 8 October 2013

Christopher Prescott, 65, died 1 December 2013

James Fishwick, 77, died 17 October 2013

Eric Alfred Scragg, 84, died 7 December 2013

David Barry Morris, 69, died 25 October 2013

Gary Thomas Jones, 59, died 7 December 2013

Joan Reay Barker, 75, died 28 October 2013

Ernest McGarva, 69, died 11 December 2013

Eric Evans, 81, died 30 October 2013

Keneth Charles Fielding, 71, died 15 December 2013

Malcolm Maybury, 73, died 1 November 2013 Anthony Ordon Wright, 76, died 3 November 2013 Alan Hedley Smith, 79, died 6 November 2013 Cyril Campbell, 86, died 11 November, 2013

e

Joseph Entwistle, 90, died 10 January 2014

Gordon Speakman, 83, died 5 October 2013

Robert Olbinson, 75, died 1 November 2013

Lea gu

Final

Neil Phillips, 60, died 13 November 2013

John Edward Liversage, 86, died 17 November 2013

John Saltsman­Almond, 62, died 31 October 2013

ion’s

David John Morris, 72, died 17 December 2013 John McWiggin, 71, died 21 December 2013 Peter McDonald, 84, died 23 December 2013 Albert Bradshaw Gaskin, 93, died 29 December 2013 Michael Glynn, 74, died 1 January 2014 Peter Tabron, 90, died 8 January 2014

36 Brief 40th anniversary edition ­ Spring 2014

Lawrence Overington, 85, died 15 January 2014 George Leslie Rowbotham, 72, died 15 January 2014 Brice Robinson, 72, died 15 January 2014 Norman Fisher, 78, died 16 January 2014 Lindsay Hastie, 88, died 19 January 2014 Denis Henrey Sproson, 72, 9 February, 2014 Peter Rowland, 84, died 12 February 2014 Edward Knipe, 76, died 20 February 2014 Muriel Ann Sherman, 67, died 22 February 2014 Anthony Shacklady, 68, died 25 February 2014 Peter Woore, 71, died 26 February, 2014 Kenneth James Fairclough, 82, died 26 February, 2014 Phil Marsh, 54, died 27 February 2014 Ian Morrison, 49, died 27 February 2014

GMP Community

Running to remember Nicola GMP officers and staff have been putting their best foot forward to take part in the Run to Remember – a national event set up to raise money for the PC Nicola Hughes Memorial Fund.

Across GMP 183 staff have risen to the challenge which involves running two miles a day for 125 days. They started the challenge on Sunday 1 December.

The run will culminate in a final challenge at 12pm on Friday 4 April at the Athletics Track, Sports City, those taking part will have completed a distance equivalent to nine and a half marathons.

More than 1,800 people, mostly from police forces across the country have also signed up to take part in the event, raising more than £105,000 to date for the Nicola Hughes Memorial Fund. The fund will support Victim Support, North West Benevolent Fund and Care of Police Survivors (COPS).

Naomi Atkuna is a key member of GMP’s Team Longsight and has been playing a vital role to motivate the 98­ strong team. Naomi said: “When PC Rob Stapleton from Tameside Division came to collect the money raised from selling the wristbands, he planted the seed about taking part in the run and I ended up getting involved. As well as taking part in the running I have also been collating sponsorship, motivating

Pictured: Naomi and her colleagues from Longsight who have been taking part in the challenge

the team and keeping everyone on track. While I am looking forward to the end I also feel quite sad but will continue to run to keep fit.”

complete their two miles each day.

A couple of days after the final run at Sports City, Nicola’s father, Bryn Hughes and PC Rob Stapleton will set off for the North Pole ready to take part in the North Pole marathon that begins on 9 April. They will be running in sub­zero temperatures in one of the remotest parts of the planet in memory of Nicola.

Bryn said: “I’d like to say an overwhelming thank you to all the people that have taken part in the Run to Remember. Those who have taken part have kept running despite the horrendous weather conditions we’ve had over the last few months and remarkably we’ve only had twenty people pull out of the challenge through injury.

“What has really struck me is the fantastic team spirit with runners encouraging each other to go out and

“After the run to remember is complete I’ll turn my attention to the challenge of completing the North Pole marathon, a challenge I’m taking on in memory of Nicola. It’s a fantastic legacy for Nicola and she would be very proud of all her colleagues who have taken part in the run, raising such a large amount of money for three charities that can make a big difference to people’s lives.”

The Nicola Hughes Memorial Fund have a number of events planned over the coming months including the charity’s launch night at old Trafford on 10 May, Run to Remember ball in September, Charity Golf day and the Battle of the Forces boxing match. For more details visit the memorial fund website: www.pcnicolahughesmemorialfund.co. uk. To sponsor Bryn in the marathon please visit www.justgiving.com/ pchughesnorthpolerun

Customer service network launches staff, officer and volunteer delivers outstanding customer service, first time, every time, all of the time.’

The network is currently made up of two representatives per division who’s role it is to ‘champion’ customer service.

Pictured: Members of the network at the launch

A network of Customer Service Champions have been introduced across the Force to help improve the service we provide to our customers.

The network aims to: ‘Embed the position where every single member of

Claire Mayle, Customer Service and Victim Satisfaction Officer said: “Those who currently make up the network have been chosen as they already deliver outstanding customer service in their daily roles on the frontline and demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, expertise required.

“They will be on hand to share their

ideas and good practice, provide support to colleagues around customer service and provide that vital link, not just horizontally across the Force but also vertically up to and including command level.

Over the coming months the network will continue to grow and ultimately there will be champions in place across the whole of GMP. Find out who your divisional champions are below visit the following Intranet site: http:// gmpintranet.gmpnt.rootdom.gmp.polic e.cjx.gov.uk/PDQ/data.nsf/sec.htm? readform&Unit=281290&Section=648 843

Brief 40th anniversary edition ­ Spring

37

GMP Community

Get your socks on

Stepping up for SANDS

FOUR officers from Bolton Division are aiming to complete the ‘Three Peaks Challenge’ in under 24 hours, to raise money for the Stillbirth and Neonatal death charity (SANDS).

PCs Danny Pugh, Steve Dixon and DCs Andy Devine and Phil Warburton will take on the challenge on 6 June.

The team will attempt to climb the highest mountains of England – Scafell Pike, Scotland – Ben Nevis and Wales – Snowden within the fastest time pos­ sible.

During the challenge the team will walk 26 miles and ascend more than 9,800 ft. The challenge is taking place in memory of Danny Pugh’s daughter Maddie who was stillborn in August 2013. Danny’s wife, Becky, is also a serving GMP officer.

Danny said: “The death of Maddie left us devastated, my wife had a com­ pletely normal pregnancy, there were no warning signs. The first we knew that our baby had died was when we arrived at the hospital and the staff couldn’t find a heartbeat – we were told Maddie had died in the early stages of labour.

“Maddie was beautiful and appeared perfect in every way. We will never know what happened to our beautiful daughter, it left us devastated and we continue to grieve.”

Danny and his colleagues will be joined on the climb by some of his close friends – one of whom is a serv­ ing officer in Lancashire Constabulary and sadly lost his baby son in similar circumstances.

To sponsor the team please visit their just giving site at www.justgiving.com/dannypugh1

SIR Peter Fahy showed his support for Down Syndrome Day on 21 March by sporting a rather bright pair of socks.

Twincess to offer a place where the families of those with Down’s Syndrome can share, support and celebrate.

Down Syndrome International invited people to wear brightly coloured, mis­ matched, crazy socks on the day ­ any­ thing that would make people ask why they were wearing them, to raise aware­ ness of the condition.

Jodi said: “We were naive to Down’s Syndrome when the girls were born and we found that there was nowhere to turn. We decided that this must change.

We focus on the positives of the condi­ tion ­ many reports highlight negative aspects of living with DS, but this does­ Pictured with the Chief Constable are n't need to be the case. We ‘see the Abigail and Isobel Parry, the daughters Up's not the Downs’ of PC’s Jodi and Matt Parry.

To find out more about the charity Since the birth of the girls Jodi and please visit www.twincess.co.uk Matt have set up their own charity ­

Tour de France to come to Rochdale GMP is planning for the world’s biggest sporting event to come to Rochdale.

Around a kilometre of the Tour de France route passes into Rochdale on Sunday 6 July.

The stretch is recognised as one of the most fascinating sections of the route and is the culmination of the longest continuous hill climb in England.

Ch Insp Donna Allen will be Silver Commander for GMP. She said: “As

38 Brief 40th anniversary edition ­ Spring 2014

only 800 meters of the race is on the Force area this may seem like an insignificant distance. However, we have to remember that this is the largest annual sporting event in the world and therefore, this short distance will still be subjected to the strict requirements of the race such as route cleansing, road closures and crowd management.”

GMP Community Wheely generous: GMP staff chip in to help Megan THE Operational Communications Branch (OCB) and the Muslim Police Association (MPA) have helped raise funds for the daughter of one member of staff.

Ashley West, a Call Handler at Trafford OCR has a daughter, four­ year­old Megan who has a rare and chronic condition called Cloacal Exstrophy and Spina Bifida. Since she was born Megan has had surgery 27 times.

At her new school the students were asked to bring in their bicycles to learn about road safety and other dangers. But due to her condition she cannot use a regular bicycle as she is unable to walk and uses a propelling wheelchair. This left Megan feeling different and left out.

Ashley began to raise funds so that a specialist hand bike could be built for her daughter, however she would have to find around £1800 to have one built. When Supervisor Adele Dinnen heard about this she asked the branch for help to raise the money that Ashley and Megan needed.

The response was overwhelming and many volunteered and gave fundraising ideas. Fundraising activities included: a 100­mile sponsored cycle ride, sponsored swim, a Body Shop fundraising party, charity football match, GMP versus Cheshire Constabulary (Cheshire winning).

The fantastic work doesn’t end there. The MPA heard about the cause and wished to help, ten members organised a hike up Ben Nevis to get Megan a much­needed

Staff from the OCB present Megan with her bike

new wheelchair which was presented to her on Wednesday 19 March by the DCC at FHQ. Thanks to the enthusiasm and generosity of both OCB and MPA staff, almost £5000 was raised which was put towards Megan’s bike and a new wheelchair.

The extra money will be put towards specialist furniture to help improve Megan’s quality of life.

Officers scale Old Trafford for charity

Pictured: Insp Nadeem Mir (MPA) and DCC Hopkins present Megan with her wheelchair

AHEAD of the derby match between Manchester United and Manchester City, match commander Ch Supt John O’Hare scaled Old Trafford to raise money for charity.

He was joined by Insp John Haywood and Ch Insp Tony Hughes, the team abseiled 140 foot from the top of the North Stand of Old Trafford on Saturday 22 March.

The team raised nearly £2000 which will be donated to Francis House Children’s Hospice in Didsbury. The hospice has been endorsed by PC Mark Ollerenshaw whose daughter Willow Rose suffers from a rare form of muscular dystrophy.

Mark said: “Francis House is a very important place for us as a family. It gives us the support and care we need and gives us, as parents, essential respite, with the knowledge that Willow Rose is in the best care.”

Ch Supt O’ Hare added: “Francis House is a remark­ able place which really makes a difference to children and their families. We are proud to have raised the money which will help to fund future resources.”

John O’ Hare, Inspector John Haywood and Chief Inspector Tony Hughes at Old Trafford

Brief 40th anniversary edition ­ Spring

39

Taking us into the next 40 years Brief spoke to some of the Force’s new PCs and PCSOs to find out why they joined the Force and what they hope to achieve in the future…..

“

I joined GMP as I want to help people and I wanted a job where I could go home at the end of the day knowing I’ve done something worthwhile. I’m excited about the future, joining the police is a career at the end of the day and during your career there are lots of opportunities so it’s a very exciting prospect.

“

PC Stephanie Giffiths

“

I joined GMP because I want to make a difference to the community by doing the best I can do to help them out. I was in col­ lege before I joined the Force.

I’m most looking forward to meeting people as I love meeting people. There are going to be challenges but I will be there to help peo­ ple out and respond as they need me to. I’d like to progress to a police officer role and further my career in GMP.

“

PCSO Aun Ali

“

Previously I was a PCSO in Tameside. I had a great time as a PCSO and I’m excited about the challenges my role as a PC will bring. I’m staying in Tameside on the same neighbourhood and the same shift so I’m look­ ing forward to going back as a PC. I’m definitely proud to be part of GMP and can’t wait to get started in my new role.

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PC Robert Kelly

I’ve been a Special Constable in GMP for three years. I wanted a job where you come in and everyday is different. I enjoy helping people ­ as cheesy as it sounds. As a PCSO I’d like to help free up officer time, and try my best to do everything that’s asked of me so officers can deal with more serious incidents. I’ll enjoy be­ ing a PCSO but ultimately my aim is to become a police officer.

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PCSO Carli Malone

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I joined GMP as a Special in 2009, and then in 2011 became a PCSO. I’ve lived in Manches­ ter all my life, policing runs in the family so join­ ing GMP is all I’ve ever wanted to do. South Manchester where I’m going is a really di­ verse area so there’ll be lots of challenges.

PCSO Andrew Murray

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PC Neil Ecob

I’m at a time in my career where I wanted to give a little bit back and use some of the experience I’ve gained in other roles to help people. Becoming a PCSO was something I thought was completely differ­ ent, every day will be some­ thing new and exciting. In the next few years I’d like to em­ brace the PCSO role and see what it can offer me.