This month’s edition of District Brief is a focus on our people - officers, staff, volunteers and apprentices.
A celebration of those who have recieved awards, long service medals and badges.
August is awards season and so it is important that the force takes this opportunity to shine a light on the resilience, talent and achievements displayed by many of our colleagues who contribute to Greater Manchester Police by stepping up and putting others before themselves. Whether you are a member of staff, volunteer or a frontline officer, GMP is proud to celebrate all for their good conduct and service.
On Tuesday 16 July the Chief Constable welcomed over 300 colleagues and guests to The Monastery in Gorton to celebrate long service, retirees, and outstanding commendations.
The ceremony was presented by ACC Matt Boyle, who welcomed each longstanding member of GMP while the audience applauded them for their hard work, dedication, and bravery during their years of service. Each awardee was presented with their Long Service Good Conduct Medal. Following that, retirees were called up to receive certificates, with the Chief and attendees expressing deep gratitude for their dedicated service to the people of Greater Manchester. Chief Constable Commendation winners were then called upon to celebrate their achievements and receive recognition for their outstanding contributions and exemplary service. In this edition, we will not only share some of the most recent deserving recipients of awards, but we will also reflect on those who have been commended throughout the year.
GMP could not be the force it is without each and every one of you.
Thank you.
Sarah O’Toole - Student Officer
In March 2024, the City of Manchester district welcomed 16 new student officers, who started their tutorship period on district and will be working towards getting an official qualification while on duty.
We had the chance to speak with Sarah O’Toole, a new student officer based on the City of Manchester South district. Sarah is a highly motivated individual, who joined the programme last October after she came across the apprenticeship opportunity on LinkedIn. She describes herself as a compassionate and dedicated individual who values helping others, which align with the core values of the force.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I was born in Derbyshire. I moved to Cornwall just before my second birthday and I lived there for 40 years. I managed an independent nursery school in Cornwall for 16 years. However, my marriage came to an end after 20 years and I moved back to Derbyshire in 2022, where I worked as a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Officer for the council.
It was challenging leaving all my friends and family in Cornwall behind, but I wanted to start a new life and career. I would say I was going through a mid-life crisis, and I was unsure of what step to take next. It was then when I came across the Student Officer program ad on LinkedIn. What motivated you to become a police officer?
I want to make a difference; I want to contribute to making a positive impact, ensuring public safety, and building trust with the community. What aspects of the job have you found most challenging and most rewarding?
It is very rewarding to see that I can change the life and safeguard members of the community. My aim is to protect the public and experiencing it first hand is the most fulfilling part of the job.
As for challenges, case files and systems have been a bit of a battle for me. There is a lot of information to keep track of, which I didn’t expect all when I started. The moment you go out to a case, you are fully responsible for it as Officer In Charge (OIC) and must manage all documentation and evidence. This was a massive eye opener for me.
How do you unwind or relax after a busy day on shift?
I love spending time with my son, video calling my daughter and granddaughter in Australia or going on adventures with my girlfriend and dog after a busy day at work. Your background is quite an interesting
one, how does policing support diversity and inclusion?
I have dyslexia and ADHD which can be challenging sometimes. However, I have amazing team members and supervision who have been extra supportive when adapting to my individual needs and circumstances. My coloured paper pocket notebook has also really helped with my visual needs, due to my dyslexia.
Any advice to other students in the force?
Be open minded in every situation and don’t judge a book by its cover. Also, be organic, dynamic and respond to what you see, and experience.
What are your plans for the future?
I don’t have a set path; I am very open minded on what opportunities might come within the force. I will embrace lots of different experiences to learn and find strengths and interests whilst I complete the program. What is right for me will find me at the right time.
What would you be if you were not a police officer?
I would move abroad and get involved in outdoor based opportunities such as running workshops for younger people or a women’s retreat camp (holistic). Something that is hands-on helping the community!
My first beat:
My first job was a young woman in her 20s who was experiencing a mental health episode and was attempting to take her own life. She had been to the hospital the day before but felt very unwell and discharged herself. She eventually agreed for me to take her back to the hospital and get the help she needed from health professionals.
How did you feel about it?
The situation was quite challenging. I did not have any initial mental health training, so I was not aware on how to deal with these situations.
However, I supported her in the way I saw would be suitable. I was very compassionate and kind to her whilst engaging in a conversation with her. I am very grateful of the outcome and that I could safeguard her in such a vulnerable situation.
What did you learn from it?
The importance of listening and being compassionate with the public. I also learnt that you have to give more opportunity for the family and subject to ask more questions about the incidents and the process.
New Jersey delegates visit GMP
Senior officers from the US state of New Jersey visited teams and locations across GMP in July, as part of a week-long visit designed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and cultural awareness, foster collaboration and share insights into different challenges impacting policing.
The delegation comprised representatives of 14 police departments from across the state, who brought with them a wealth of experience and insights. The delegates were all members of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police
(NJSACOP), a professional body akin to a more regionalised version of our National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).
On Monday 8 July the delegation, led by executive director of the association Mitchell Sklar, was warmly welcomed by Ch Supt Niall Hayden-Pawson to the People and Development branch. The guests stayed in accommodation at Sedgley Park for the duration of their visit, and were able to spend time at several sites across the force to observe some of the great work that goes on within GMP. In addition to spending time at the GMP Museum, they visited teams and attended inputs for fields including:
• Neighbourhood policing
• Occupational training
• Operation Vulcan
• Professional Standards Department
• Roads policing
• Specialist Operations
While the demographic and policy landscapes of New Jersey and Greater Manchester may differ, police forces around the world share certain goals and challenges; and the visit provided representatives from both sides of the pond with a range of valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, share best practice and learn from each other.
Behind the scenes: Change branch programme
manager Kelly Glynn
A huge amount of work is going on behind the scenes on a range of improvement projects. Here are some of the highlights from this month:
• Developing GMP’s five-year corporate strategy and delivery plan: business planning continues to accelerate at
pace across the organisation, including constructing a long-term view of GMP’s workforce, finance, IT and estates.
• Tackling critical risks in evidential property management: a ‘day of action’ was held on Friday 2 August to further reduce the evidential property backlogs at Swinton.
• Improved Occupational Health & Wellbeing Service (OHWS) offer: the MyCority platform has now been rolled out to all managers, to allow them to submit and monitor management referrals, and to the recruitment team for pre-placement health questionnaires.
• Learning from our neighbours on fleet logistics and telematics: the project team visited police forces in Lancashire, Cheshire and Merseyside
to study their telematics and logistics solutions, gaining valuable insights into the costs, decision-making processes, lessons learned and benefits. This best practice will be used to inform recommendations to streamline fleet management, improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.
• Strengthening performance management and quality across Corporate Services: The new VCPF organisational board has now been established to strengthen performance management and reporting.
• Video conferencing: 42 of 137 meeting rooms across the force have had new video conferencing installed. Feedback indicates that parade briefings are more efficient when the new technology is used. More to come next month!
Tactical dog handler of the year
PC Stuart Oram has been awarded the Gary Mathieson Trophy, which celebrates GMP’s tactical dog handler of the year, for his impressive work with PD Bren.
The award commemorates the work of GMP dog handler Gary Mathieson, who died from cancer in 2005; and is given each year to recognise ‘outstanding performance’ by officers
in the Tactical Dog Unit.
PC Oram and PD Bren have been tackling crime across Greater Manchester together for some years now, and their work has resulted in 48 arrests over the past year alone – the most in the Tactical Dog Unit. The pair have received external recognition for their work, and in May they represented both GMP and the northwest region at the National Police Dog Trials in Stirling.
In addition to his work with PD Bren, PC Oram is a National Police Chiefs’ Council instructor, and has trained and mentored several new dog handlers at GMP.
PC Oram, who has been with GMP for almost 25 years, said: “It’s a great honour to receive this award. Having known Gary early in my career, it’s a privilege to accept this trophy – I really enjoy teaching new and established dog teams and seeing their progression.”
Six-year-old PD Bren, without whose performance the award would not have been possible, was not available for comment. “Bren is a fantastic partner and continually surprises me with the results he gets,” PC Oram said. “Getting to the national police trials while he is still maintaining his work on the streets is outstanding.”
Insp Michael Weedon said: “PC Oram thoroughly deserves this award and everyone at the Tactical Dog Unit is extremely proud of him and Bren. PC Oram demonstrates the right attitude and enthusiasm required to be a successful dog handler.
“As one of the most experienced handlers on the TDU, he continues to set high standards to the new officers; having recently qualified as a NPCC Instructor, he is now passing his experience and knowledge onto the new handlers and dogs, ensuring the future of the TDU is looking bright.
“Well done PC Oram and PD Bren!”
Joe’s race for life
On Sunday 7 July GMP janitor Joe Lyons, who works to support Customer Services in the daily running of Force Headquarters, completed the Manchester 10k in Heaton Park in aid of Cancer Research UK.
With sponsorship from friends, family and a host of GMP colleagues, Joe was able to raise £550 for the charity – more than five times his initial target.
Joe said: “I’m running this 10k in memory of past family and friends. This run is not just about finishing the 10k; it’s about celebrating their lives and the positive impact they had on everyone around them. I hope to raise awareness and support for the causes they cared about and encourage others to remember and honour their loved ones too.”
One in two people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and in the northwest alone around 44,100 people are diagnosed with cancer every year. Cancer Research UK is the world’s largest independent funder of cancer research; every year hundreds of people take part in its Race for Life events, which include 3k, 5k and 10k runs, as well as the Pretty Muddy 5k obstacle course. More than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life since it began in 1994, raising over £970 million for Cancer Research UK.
Making a splash in Blackpool
Earlier this year, GMP teams headed to Blackpool’s Palatine Leisure Centre to compete in the 2024 Police Sport UK (PSUK) swimming and water polo championships.
Competing in the swimming events were new team members PC Frances Harwood, of the Bury neighbourhood policing team, and judicial processing and support assistants Jennifer Sumner and Rebecca Dawson, both from the Criminal Justice Unit.
The force was also represented on the North West water polo team by DC Andy Pearson (Oldham Challenger), Insp Clem Jones (Rochdale response) and Nicola Holt (now retired).
Our latest swimming recruits illuminated the swim competition, entering a number of races. Rebecca lit up her events with wins in the 50m butterfly, 50m freestyle, 50m
breaststroke and 50m backstroke for her age group. Jennifer entered five events across the two days and came third in her age group for the 50 metres backstroke, along with respectable performances in all of her other races.
The water polo team also hit the top of the table, beating the Metropolitan Police in the final to take the championship trophy once again.
All the members of the team had a fabulous weekend, and we would love to recruit many more swimmers for the 2025 championship, which will hosted by Leicestershire Police in Loughborough.
If you’d like to be added to our email list, please contact DC 12057 Andy Pearson (andrew.pearson@gmp.police.uk) or Insp 12564 Clem Jones (clement.jones@gmp.police.uk)
Branch status for GMB at GMP
The GMB union has now attained branch status at GMP.
Where police officers up to the rank of inspector are represented in labour matters by the Police Federation, GMP staff are represented by two trade unions: Unison and GMB. While Unison, the largest union in the UK, has had a branch at GMP for many years, GMB only gained branch status – meaning that the branch’s four union stewards now solely represent GMP staff – earlier in 2024.
GMB, the UK’s third largest union with more than half a million members, is a general union, meaning its membership is drawn from all types of fields and roles across the public and private sectors. Members include council and NHS workers, Amazon and Uber employees, civil servants, retail workers, engineering and manufacturing employees, and many more.
GMP trainer Lindsey Iqbal, who is a GMB union steward and voluntary branch secretary, said: “Having two unions in GMP gives people a choice, and having a branch at GMP means that our stewards only represent police staff.
“All four of us work at GMP – our branch president works in the FCCO –and though we are a bit thin on the ground, we care a great deal about our members. GMB’s slogan is ‘Make Work Better’, and this is our intention for our GMP colleagues.”
The past few weeks have seen outbreaks of violent unrest in towns and cities around England, largely driven by racist, xenophobic and antiIslamic sentiments.
Following a multiple stabbing in Southport, Merseyside in late July, which caused the deaths of three young girls and injuries to eight more children and two adults, a large group of people attacked a local mosque, partly inspired by false claims online that the perpetrator was a Muslim. The crowd, which included supporters of the now defunct far-right English Defence League and members of the neo-Nazi organisation Patriotic Alternative, threw rocks and fireworks at the mosque, hurled wheelie bins and bricks at attending police officers, and set nearby vehicles –including a police van – on fire. More than 50 officers were injured. GMP, along with other neighbouring forces, mobilised rapidly to provide mutual aid.
The Southport riot was followed by
further pockets of disorder in Hartlepool, Aldershot and central London; as well as the Newton Heath Area of Manchester, where offenders threw bricks and bottles at police and attacked members of the public. GMP prepared extensively for further unrest over the weekend of 3 and 4 August; rest days and holidays were cancelled, and officers, staff and volunteers from across the force mobilised to meet the potential challenge.
With a comprehensive public order operation in place, a resilient command function and the considerable weight of resources available to the force – as well as the exemplary professional dedication shown by GMP officers and staff at all levels, both on the ground and in support roles – the weekend was relatively tranquil. An anti-racist protest organised in response to the week’s events was largely conducted peacefully and within the bounds of the law. Pockets of criminal behaviour were
addressed swiftly and effectively, with 19 arrests made over the course of the weekend.
While GMP remained prepared for and equipped to curb further outbreaks of violence, the events of the previous week were not repeated: in part, this can be attributed to the rapid and comprehensive response to the initial disorder, which saw GMP officers engage in exemplary professional policing in extremely difficult circumstances. Aspiring rioters will have been deterred by the consistent, visible, positive police presence over the past two weeks; while many members of the public have taken the time to thank us for continuing to ensure their safety and security.
As The Brief went to print, GMP had arrested 86 people between the ages of 12 and 53 for offences relating to Op Rotation. 68 people have been charged; and further arrests and charges are
Long service and a long marriage
On Tuesday 16 July the Chief Constable welcomed over 350 colleagues and guests to the Monastery in Gorton to celebrate long service, retirees, and outstanding commendations.
Among the awardees were PC Diane Hasleden and Sgt Ian Hasleden, who each received a medal celebrating 20 years’ service with GMP – and who have been married to each other for 18 years. Diane and Ian told us about how they met, their policing careers, and how GMP has changed in the last two decades.
When did you first join GMP?
Diane joined the force in December 2002, then Ian joined in November 2003.
What do you feel most nostalgic about from that period?
Ian: I started as a 20-year-old boy, joining a team of experienced officers. The kindness and support that they showed me in helping me learn my trade is something which I have tried to carry through my career in helping younger officers in their early careers. The camaraderie within my first team is something I will always remember: they were a very close team both inside and outside of work, with a genuine willingness to help each other.
How did you meet?
We met working on the response team in Trafford, but we didn’t initially start out on good terms: we both have quite strong personalities and we often clashed over work issues.
It wasn’t until late 2005, when we worked together on the van, that we realised that we actually got along quite well. Our relationship blossomed from there. When we began seeing each other, we kept it fairly well under the radar in the early stages – it only became common knowledge after we submitted our new house forms to the sergeant within an hour of each other, both listing the same address.
After three months of dating we got engaged, and we were married the following summer. 18 years later we have four children and, despite a few bumps and scrapes along the way, we remain happy and enjoying our work.
Have you ever worked together on cases, operations or projects at GMP?
We spent the first four years of our careers working together on the Trafford response team.
Shortly after our wedding in 2007
Diane became pregnant with our first child Olivia, prompting a move to an office-based role in Stretford; meanwhile, Ian began working towards his promotion aspirations, moving to the City of Manchester (CoM) district in 2009 after a short period acting at Stretford.
Diane spent much of the next few years on maternity leave or pregnant with our next three children, Emily, Josh and Charlotte; following which she returned to response policing in Rochdale for a period before moving to the firearms team. She spent five years on firearms, during which she completed acting sergeant roles, before moving to her current role in the Force Operations Centre (FOC) in 2020. Ian remained in the CoM intelligence development team (IDT) in North Manchester for number of years until he moved to the city centre in late 2019, where he continues in his current role to this day.
What aspects of policing do you both think have changed the most since you started?
Ian: Technology has changed a great deal – I quite miss queuing for the faulty fax machine at the front desk in Altrincham police station to fax over the paper crime report, or asking a victim if we could use their house phone to call in a report of a crime.
The recent work to bring GMP up to speed with modern technology has been impressive, with the rollout of new laptops and work mobile phones, the additional functions they provide, and the partnership with Axon upgrading our body-worn video capacity and enabling us to quickly obtain CCTV footage – these have all proved important in improving GMP and allowing us to do things more efficiently.
How do you think policing will change in the next few decades?
Ian: I think GMP is becoming a younger organisation overall, and this can sometimes mean that we try to run before we can walk.
I think we will begin to return to more disciplined initial training programmes, where a greater emphasis is placed on the core skills and knowledge of police
officers which are developed in the early stages of an officer’s education and which will serve them well for the remainder of their career.
I’m sure technology will continue to evolve in policing, which will assist us in our investigations; but which will also assist the criminals in more complex criminality, to which we will then need to adapt our processes.
Can you tell us about some of your most memorable experiences with GMP?
There are a few that are better not spoken about! However, the funniest experience we had together would be when attending a job in Sale back in the early days.
It was a very cold and frosty night and Ian, Diane and a couple of other response officers attended to reports of a youth breaking into a shed. We all got out of our vehicles and saw the suspect running from the garden.
Surely for four nimble young highly trained officers, this would be a simple arrest. Instead, after a short chase on foot along a very icy road, all four of us ended up on our backs in the middle of the road while the sure-footed young lad made good his escape. Diane
got closest of all of us to catching the suspect, however after grabbing onto his jacket, she too ended up on her back with a broken false nail.
In another memorable getaway, Ian once made the mistake of chasing a wanted male through a very dark back garden. To Ian’s surprise, when he reached grabbing distance of the male, all of a sudden the suspect disappeared and Ian felt very wet. Having failed to notice the fishpond in the back garden –which it appeared the suspect was aware of, and thus able to avoid – Ian ended up fully submerged. The next thing Ian remembers was one of his more sarcastic colleagues standing at the side of the pond asking: “Where did he go?”, followed in short order by: “and what are you doing in there?”
Meet the ‘poly
Vicki Hopley and Kerry Clarke are polygraph examiners – or as they call themselves, ‘poly dollies’ – in GMP’s Sex Offender Management Unit (SOMU). They tell us about their careers, what a typical day looks like, and whether polygraph examinations actually work.
How long have you been with GMP?
Vicki: This is my 34th year at GMP. I arrived at Rochdale Police Station in 1990 as a school leaver on the old Youth Training Scheme [an initiative delivering on-the-job training and education for 16- and 17-year-olds leaving school].
Kerry: I first joined GMP as a police officer in December 2000. I completed seven years in uniform on response and in the neighbourhood before leaving to look after my young children, aged eight, three, two and a baby at the time. I did a few family-friendly jobs while the children were little, and then in September 2013 I returned as police staff in the SOMU. This was the first time that non-warranted police officers were introduced to manage sex offenders alongside their police counterparts.
What is it that attracted you to become part of GMP?
Kerry: My mum was a call handler in GMP and she really got a lot out of her job, so at 25 I applied and was thrilled to be
accepted. When I saw the post advertised for investigative assistants (IAs) in 2013 I was excited at the prospect of being able to return as a civilian, and was made up when I passed and was offered a place in the SOMU.
Vicki: My dad was a police officer and growing up it was all I wanted to do – however, I never applied to become a constable. I’ve worked in lots of different departments throughout my career, and staying in a staff position has never hindered my progression into some of the most exciting roles within the force.
What other positions have you held in GMP?
Kerry: I trained as a polygraph examiner in 2017; prior to that I was an offender manager in the SOMU.
Vicki: I have worked in many different roles throughout the years; my favourites have always been the operational roles, like working in the custody office and conducting surveillance within covert policing. In 2015 I started working in SOMU as an offender manager – my previous role had been conducting surveillance in GMP’s undercover foundation unit, so it was a huge culture shock! While managing a cohort of registered sex offenders, the opportunity arose to become a polygraph examiner in SOMU and I jumped at the chance to apply.
What qualities do you believe someone in your role should possess?
Kerry: I think the most important attribute to being a polygraph examiner is excellent communication skills, as these are needed to coax disclosures from the examinees. We also need to know about safeguarding, to enable us to recognise and probe more around any potential safeguarding concerns; and I think polygraph examiners who test sex offenders in particular need patience and resilience.
Vicki: Excellent communication skills, rapport building and a lot of patience are a definite must, along with resilience – we mainly use the polygraph as a risk management tool when working with registered sex offenders, which means that we discuss sensitive topics around sexual interests and behaviours. It is also imperative to understand safeguarding and relevant areas of risk, so that I can identify if there are any issues which require further investigation.
What are you most proud of?
Vicki: I am extremely proud of the way Kerry and I have established and grown polygraphy within GMP and our contribution to police polygraphy on a national scale. Kerry and I are the most experienced police polygraph examiners in the country and are helping to shape the future of polygraph use within policing; we are very passionate about what we do, and with the help of some great leaders, we have been supported to progress polygraphy both within force and nationally.
Kerry: I have struggled with anxiety and depression my whole life, and I can often shy away from the limelight if I don’t push myself; so I’m proud of how I have made myself known and recognised in the world of polygraphy in policing nationally.
I’ve presented to audiences of my peers and senior leaders, as
‘poly dollies’
well as heads of departments in partner agencies, and along with Vicki I am now one of the two most experienced police examiners in the country.
Tell us about a typical day in your role.
Kerry: A typical day starts with me checking my emails, dealing with any enquiries and sorting through referrals. I then start to research for the day’s test – this research can take hours, depending on how much intelligence and information is held on the systems I have access to both locally and nationally. It’s important to know as much as I can about the prospective examinee, so that I am ready to challenge any inconsistencies they may self-report in the pretest interview.
The actual questioning (or data collection) stage of the polygraph only takes around 20 minutes, but there is a lot to go through prior to this. If the examinee has not been truthful the polygraph can last quite a bit longer, as a post-test interview can take around 45 minutes depending on how eager the examinee is to give up what they’ve been holding back.
After the polygraph I update everyone with the outcome and deal with any actions which have come out of the test: sometimes this can mean seizing and booking in phones for examination, or arranging for an examinee to be arrested if they’ve breached an order and need dealing with imminently. Then I type up a report for the offender manager or officer in charge of a case (OIC).
Vicki: As well as the usual emails and meetings, we manage our diary and collate our polygraph referrals, liaising with our colleagues in Public Protection. Prior to any polygraph examination, we research the examinee to ensure that we are well briefed of their circumstances and establish what questions may assist the offender manager to better manage risk in the community.
A polygraph examination takes around three hours on average and consists of a pre-test interview, the test itself and the post-test interview. Kerry and I generally work together, so while one of us is conducting the polygraph the other is collating intelligence from the test, completing any urgent referrals or submitting crime reports for offences disclosed during the polygraph; along with providing updates to the referring officer. Working together helps with our resilience too, providing support for one another after what may have been a challenging day.
We also provide support to our polygraph colleagues across the UK and promote the benefits of polygraphy with forces considering setting up a polygraph capability. This can involve delivering presentations and a lot of public speaking, which we have definitely become more comfortable with over the years!
Polygraph accuracy, explained
We are asked all the time how reliable polygraphy is or whether it really works, and there are a number of ways we can answer this question.
The American Polygraph Association, by which we are trained, completed a meta-analysis on the validity of polygraph examinations in 2011. Its data showed that techniques
intended for event-specific (single issue) diagnostic testing produced an aggregated decision accuracy of 89% (confidence interval of 83%-95%), with an estimated inconclusive rate of 11%. Polygraph techniques in which multiple issues were encompassed by the relevant questions produced an aggregated decision accuracy of 85% (confidence interval 77%-93%) with an inconclusive rate of 13%. The combination of all validated psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD) techniques, excluding outlier results, produced a decision accuracy of 87% (confidence interval 80%-94%) with an inconclusive rate of 13%.
The value of polygraphy in UK policing was evaluated in a study by Kent University, which was commissioned by GMP in 2018. The results of the study (Wood et al, 2020) were shared as a preprint – a research paper which is published before its findings are assessed by fellow scientists – and concluded:
• Registered sex offenders undergoing polygraph testing (voluntary and mandatory) were nearly six times more likely than the control group to make at least one risk-relevant disclosure.
• Polygraphed suspects who were under investigation for offences of online child sexual abuse were over seven times more likely than the control group to make at least one riskrelevant disclosure.
• In the cohort of registered sex offenders who were applying for review of indefinite sex offenders’ registration requirements, applicants who underwent polygraph testing were 42.5 times more likely to make at least one risk-relevant disclosure than the control group.
• Polygraph testing elicited more in-depth information regarding risk, resulting in more action taken by police to protect the public.
From our own perspective, almost every test we have conducted – regardless of the outcome – results in the disclosure of some risk-relevant information which was previously unknown. Our stats for 2024 show that to date 100% of all examinees tested made risk-relevant disclosures either in the pre-test only (72%), or in the pre- and post-test (28%).
Citation
Wood JL, Alleyne E, Ó Ciardha C, Gannon TA. (2020; preprint). An Evaluation of Polygraph Testing by Police to Manage Individuals Convicted or Suspected of Sexual Offending. University of Kent (KAR id:81207).
Wellbeing at Greater Manchester Police
Wellbeing calendar
In August, the wellbeing team shifts its focus from mental health to sleep. Remember that there is a library of selfhelp worksheets, covering issues and illnesses with tips and techniques for a comprehensive A-Z of topics, which you can access via the ‘self-care’ pages on the wellbeing section of the intranet.
Sleep is one of the main pillars of wellbeing. When we sleep, our bodies are able to conduct essential self-repair and our brains process and store the information of the day; so regular sleep is vital for both our physical and mental health. Yet as we live in an increasingly 24-hour society, we are moving further and further away from our natural circadian rhythm, which is aligned to sunrise and sunset, meaning that regular, sustainable, high quality sleep is becoming harder to achieve.
Oscar Kilo, the National Police Wellbeing Service, has partnered with ‘sleep scientist’ Dr Sophie Bostock to develop a better sleep toolkit, which you can access free of charge at https://www.oscarkilo.org.uk/better-sleep-online-course. The course consists of eight modules which you can complete at your leisure, delivering in-depth, evidence-led advice on improving the quality of your sleep, managing your mood, and how to apply best sleep practice to shift work.
For more information and resources on sleep, you can speak to your wellbeing SPOC or visit the relevant section in the wellbeing calendar section on the intranet (Home > Wellbeing >Wellbeing calendar > Sleep), where you can access a wide range of information including:
• Tips for sleep hygiene
• Tips for shift workers
• Tips for new parents
• Sleep meditation videos
• And many more.
TRiM
Trauma can be unexpected and can affect us in surprising ways. Sometimes it can take weeks following a distressing event for the symptoms of trauma to manifest; or you may deal with a particular issue or situation on numerous occasions without feeling distressed, but then for some reason, one instance may affect you negatively. If you are feeling distressed following a trauma you have experienced at work, you can reach out and ask for a TRiM assessment.
You don’t need to wait to be offered this – you can reach out at any time by emailing trim@gmp.police.uk. A TRiM practitioner will make contact directly to arrange to meet with you and help you to adjust following your trauma.
Police Mutual Q3 prize draw
Police Mutual, the police-centred financial services provider, is running a prize draw offering the chance to win a £2,000 electronic Travel Gift Card. For terms and conditions and to enter the draw, visit https://www.policemutual.co.uk/capture/q3win/.
Growing Bee in the Loop across the force
Bee in the Loop launched in March 2023 and our subscription numbers have grown substantially since then, thanks to the messages that have already been sent out by our workforce.
So far, across Greater Manchester 23,967 members have signed up to receive targeted messaging about the issues that matter the most to them in their communities, which are sent directly to them via email.
Thank you to everyone across the districts who have been actively using Bee in the Loop to send messages to their communities. Special thanks go to our top three districts who have been engaging with their communities and signed-up the highest percentage of subscribers.
Our top three districts for new subscribers this month are:
Salford with 418 new members. Bolton with 216 new members. Tameside with 80 new members.
To the side of this article, you will see the latest district stats for Bee in the Loop.
Keep up the great work and we look forward to seeing further members and interactions with the communities in the coming months.
If you have any questions regarding access to Bee in the Loop, please get in touch with Rash Siddiquee rashed. siddiquee@gmp.police.uk. For support with content or requests
for posters for communities, please get in touch with Jess Allen-Millbank jessica.allen-millbank@gmp.police.uk and Holly Pritchard holly.pritchard@ gmp.police.uk.
Introducing the GMP Museum and archives
Did you know that we have a museum dedicated to all things GMP based in the heart of Manchester City Centre?
Located in the Northern Quarter of Manchester, it is housed in what was once a bustling police station, built in 1879. The museum offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the history of policing in Greater Manchester.
Discover the history of the museum which retains many original features, including the charge office and cells. Visitors can experience what life was like for both police officers and inmates over 130 years ago. The exhibits show how policing has changed and evolved through the years from uniforms to medals as well as showcasing the key events that have shaped Greater Manchester. The museum also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, especially during school holidays.
The GMP Museum & Archives is free to enter and welcomes everyone
-serving officers, staff, students, and members of the public. Educational tours and private group visits can also be arranged as well as access to the magistrate’s courtroom and AV gallery which are available for hire for training sessions and filming.
Helen Mallinson is the museums dedicated education and engagement officer who facilitates educational programs and group visits, ensuring that schools and the public receive positive experiences that enrich their understanding of policing history.
The museum also has volunteers who play a vital role in supporting the museum, the team consists of retired staff/officers from local police forces as well as university students and recent graduates who are or have studied related subjects such as criminology, museum studies, and history. Together, they bring a wealth of experience, skill, and expertise.
Location:
GMP museum & archives, 57a Newton Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester M1 1ET
Opening Times:
• Tuesday: 10:30am – 4.00pm (last admission at 3:00pm)
• Thursdays: Open most Thursdays during Manchester Council school holidays.
• Private tours: available on Thursdays and Fridays (morning or afternoon) for groups of up to 30 people. Email the team on the below email address to book your visit!
Donations:
The museum team welcome donations of objects to the museum collection. If you have something that may be of interest, please contact us first to discuss the donation process.
For enquiries or to arrange group visits, please email the museum at police.museum@gmp.police.uk
Recognising problem-solving initiatives
The Greater Manchester Police POP awards recently recognised the amazing progression of problem solving in GMP over the last 12 months, rewarding those who have worked to reduce repeat demand across the force.
During the event, districts and branches had an opportunity to recognise the good work that is being done by their colleagues and celebrate those going the extra mile.
One of the nominees for the Best Problem solver under the PCSO category is David Stirrup from the City of Manchester district.
He launched a successful problemsolving initiative around ASB at Piccadilly gardens last summer as a response to several large scales, high profile ASB and disorder incidents which involved young people. PCSO Stirrup not only identified the perpetrators, but he linked with partners to solve the issue with the purpose of not criminalising or prosecuting any offenders.
PCSO Stirrup started by gathering all evidence he could find to start his investigation. He collected CCTVS, body worn camera videos from officers attending the scene. He then went through hours and hours of evidence and research, which enabled him to identify the 12 main perpetrators at the scene
and the schools they attended to.
This case shows exemplary partnership work as David worked closely with the Youth Offending Team, School Engagement Officers, Council and schools.
We had the chance to discuss with PCSO Stirrup about his nomination and exemplary work during this case. What challenges did you encounter?
The main challenge was the scale of evidence collected from the incidents. I had to plough through the hours and hours of evidence and be able to identify the main offenders.
Any changes you have noticed in the area as a result of your intervention?
No more offences have been committed during school holidays linked to the previous incidents. Youth ASB in the McDonald’s area is currently very low scale and kick offs do not happen that much.
In addition, we work very closely with the council and schools of the area to prepare for the school holidays and prevent as much ASB as we can. The council sends newsletters on our behalf to the schools and educate both staff and students on the dangers of committing ASB.
How did you feel when you found out about the nomination?
I was unaware that I had been
nominated until very recently. I was both very surprised, and grateful of being considered for such award.
Anything else you wish to add?
I started two years ago on this post, and it has been very rewarding having the chance to make a difference to the lives of members of the community. I would also like to praise my supervisors, who support me on my work and initiatives.
The 2024 Awards ceremony was hosted on Monday 18 March at the LifeCentre in Sale. Although PCSO Stirrup was not awarded for his excellent initiative, City of Manchester was called to the stage to collect a total of two awards Best POP Plan for Repeat Caller and Best Problem Solver in the Officer Sergeant category.
Longsight custody given green light
In May 2023, GMP’s Plan on a Page Board approved a significant investment to upgrade the Longsight Custody Suite to bring it back into use as a fit-for-purpose, flagship custody facility for GMP. Since approval, work has been underway to bring in the best architects, designers and engineering consultants to deliver GMPs vision for the site, and in June this year GMP appointed a contractor to complete and finalise the design and work towards construction.
Starting in September, the renovation of the custody suite will begin, with an estimated completion date of summer 2025. The transformation of the suite will incorporate improvements
to all sections, including the booking-in areas, cells, common passageways and staff zones. These improvements will work to increase the amount of natural light and reduce noise levels within the building, creating an environment where our staff and partners can carry out their duties with confidence and peace of mind.
Once it is open, the new and modernised flagship suite will boast a capacity of 44 cells, enhancing our operational capabilities and providing the force with its largest custody site situated close to Greater Manchester’s busiest courts.
Thank you for your patience and support as this exciting new development is set to get
underway. We aim to keep you updated on the progress of the Longsight Custody Suite throughout the renovation.
