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December 2014 www.hampshire.police.uk
ISSUE 186
the new dCC introduces himself Tur n
to p a ge 1 2
IN!
A KINDLE E-READER Turn to page 23 for details
Chief’s message This edition’s front cover marks a festive moment – the Band of the Hampshire Constabulary playing its Christmas concert at St Andrew’s Garrison Church, Aldershot. It is a picturesque scene but for me a different moment always tells me that Christmas is just around the corner. It is the look of concern on a hundred or so people’s faces when the chief officers don the serving gloves in the Netley canteen to dish up Christmas dinner. As ever, it was great to experience the overwhelming sense of friendship and family spirit in the air. I wanted to use this column to thank all of you – officers, staff, volunteers, our partners and our communities – for the part you have played in keeping Hampshire and Isle of Wight safe this year. It certainly has not been an easy year for policing but I am very proud of what you have achieved and very thankful for the support that you have given to me and my team. In my recent weekly messages I’ve been highlighting people who don’t always get the limelight they deserve. I’d like to extend that praise to everyone who is working unsociable hours over the Christmas and New Year period to keep the public safe. I am very grateful. Next year is a big one for us, and I’m pleased to be going into it with a great new deputy alongside me. If you haven’t had the chance to meet Graham McNulty yet, turn to pages 12-13 to read about his reasons for wanting to join the force. I’m pleased to say that our constabulary’s reputation was a key part of persuading him to come here from the Met. Before you read that, have a look below at a selection of the best Yuletide snaps from around the force. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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6 5 1 This year’s force Christmas card, showing PC Nathan Tait and former police dog Major at Highclere Castle 2 Staff from the Resolution Centre and Force Enquiry Centre raised more than £100 for Save the Children thanks to this commendable Christmas jumper effort 3 Our colleagues from Portsmouth Central delivering gifts to children at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham 4 & 5 DCC Graham McNulty (second from left) joins in the tradition of chief officers serving Christmas dinner at Netley 6 Presents galore for youngsters at Queen Mary’s Hospital, Newport, courtesy of our island-based officers and staff
do you have a story? Get in touch! To contact us, and for all other editorial enquiries, email the Frontline mailbox or frontline@hampshire.pnn.police.uk Write to us at: Frontline, Corporate Communications, Hampshire Constabulary, Police HQ, Romsey Road, Winchester, Hants, SO22 5DB
Frontline is available online via the Hampshire Constabulary website: www.hampshire.police.uk/frontline Editor Aaron Brown Designer Mark Harrington
Next issue: February 2015 Copy deadline: January 23, 2015 The contents of Frontline do not necessarily represent the views of the chief constable, the editor or Hampshire Constabulary.
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OUR VISION To make Hampshire and the Isle of Wight a place where people will always feel safe to live, work and visit.
CONTENTS support our campaigns Your backing required
KEEP IT SAFE
SOUTHAMPTON
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a domestic abuse survivor’s story
WHITE RIBBON CAMPAIGN
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movember’s finest
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meet your new dcc
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four jailed in match.com scam
getting social
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having our cake... cops on the run
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TOP two FORCE OPERATIONAL PRIORITIES
past times
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win a kindle e-reader!
respect on armistice day
tea break
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hill takes bronze in austria
23 1 Crime data integrity
24 2 Victim
satisfaction
Intranet search Force operational priorities
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The people, stories and events that should be on your radar this month
MORE TASERS FOR HAMPSHIRE
STOP AND SEARCH Scheme underway
BORDERLESS POLICING BEING TESTED
JOU – Firearms command collaboration
An additional 60 frontline Hampshire Constabulary officers are to be trained to use Taser. The decision by the force follows discussions with the Police Federation and Hampshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). More than 300 officers have already been trained to carry Taser in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The cost of the training, approved by the PCC, will be nearly £20,000 and is due to be completed by the end of 2015. Applications will be invited from experienced officers on Targeted Patrol teams and in the Roads Policing Unit. Simon Hayes, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire, said: “Increasing the number of officers trained to carry Tasers will improve frontline policing to deter criminals and keep communities safe, which is a priority in my Police and Crime Plan.”
We are now supporting the Home Office’s Best Use of Stop and Search Scheme. The scheme aims to achieve greater transparency; increase community involvement in the use of stop and search powers; and support a more intelligence-led approach that leads to better outcomes, thereby improving public confidence and trust. In August, Chief Constable Andy Marsh joined all his counterparts from across the country in agreeing Hampshire Constabulary’s participation. Nationally, there are four main features of the scheme – data recording; lay observation policies; stop and search complaints “community trigger”; and reducing section 60 “no-suspicion” stop and searches – and our force has pledged to address these as part of our commitment.
On December 1, the Force Control Room (CWUN) changed our Airwave talkgroups to reflect the new structure of 12 Response and Patrol bases across the force. This was done in anticipation of the move towards the constabulary’s new principle of borderless policing, which will go live on April 1, 2015. Currently demand on the new talkgroup is being assessed, and the current level of crossboundary support will continue. Officers and staff are asked to note the new Airwave talkgroup structure. All staff should use the main talkgroup shown for their district/response base unless otherwise directed by CWUN. The Motorway Desk will remain in place and the PNC desk will be staffed during higher demand periods. If you have any feedback or questions, please email Inspector Scott Johnson.
In January 2015 the existing Hampshire Critical Incident Cadre and Thames Valley Firearms Cadre will combine into a single collaborated unit. The team will comprise of eight dedicated firearms commanders who will have command responsibility for all firearms deployments across the JOU, initial and planned, and will be supported by Tactical Firearms Commanders employed in other roles. Dedicated cover will be provided from 7am through to 2am every day with out of hours availability outside of these times. The role of Control Room Inspectors (FCR and HBI) will not change and they will still provide the initial command role, transferring command to the dedicated cadre in compliance with Authorised Professional Practice.
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The number of views our “domestic abuse survivor” video has received after we uploaded it to the OfficialHantsPolice YouTube channel. The three-minute clip contains footage – some of it caught on body-worn video – of a domestic abuse survivor from the Isle of Wight who spoke out about her experiences on the BBC’s Panorama, which aired on December 8. Turn to page 9 to read more about this story.
QUOTE UNQUOTE Whether we like what they say or not, people are never short of an opinion on policing...
When Santa asked if we could provide transport to help him get back to the North Pole, we were happy to oblige. A South Wales Police spokesman allays any arrest fears after children were reportedly left in tears after St “Nic” left a Christmas parade in the back of a police van
They’re exactly the sort of weapons some criminals would love to get their hands on. But thanks to our recent surrender, more than 100 firearms will be safely destroyed. Some had been lingering in lofts, others needed a licence, but all belonged to members of the public who wanted shot of them. In total, 126 firearms were handed in over 12 days in November. They included a Second World War submachine gun, pistols, rifles and BB guns, a mix of antiques, replicas and the real thing, some in excellent condition, others rusted beyond repair. “I’m surprised we’ve recovered quite so many in such a short period of time,” said Chief Constable Andy Marsh. “They do make a fairly fearsome collection and I’m very pleased that they’re no longer in a position where criminals might be able to access them.” The surrendered haul was reported on widely by the media. Talking to ITV Meridian, Sergeant Richard Stapleton
said the sub-machine gun had been “deactivated so it can’t fire anymore, but all the pieces are there”. Commenting on an antique pistol, he added: “I’m reliably informed this could well have been used to let the troops know they’d be going over the top.” All the firearms will be destroyed bar one unique rifle that will be used to train authorised firearms officers on responding to incidents using similar weapons. The news sparked a debate on our Facebook page, with some followers concerned we would be destroying antique weapons. But we’re resolute in saying they could still be a lethal weapon so we want them destroyed to keep them out of the hands of criminals permanently.
£54,050 The total value of property recovered by the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) team in November.
We do not need the boundaries that currently mark out the territory of chief constables or police and crime commissioners. Met Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe believes the number of forces should be reduced from 43 to nine if policing is to be sustainable in the face of further budget cuts
Suspending the strike action provides a window of opportunity for positive talks between UNISON and the employers. UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis welcomes the news that a pre-Christmas strike by police staff in England and Wales has been suspended four days before the planned walkout
2,653
The number of officers and staff who have signed up to Yammer, the internal-based social media tool for the workplace. Have you signed up yet?
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A campaign is nothing without people behind it. In each edition of Frontline we give you the lowdown on some of the force’s current key activities. Your role? To help promote them to achieve change for the better.
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keep it safe 2 you are southampton not alone
advent calendar
is it worth the risk?
Scheme launched to reduce sexual violence in Southampton
Encouraging children and young people to report sexual exploitation
Opening doors to a sackful of crime prevention tips and advice this Christmas
Schools’ poster competition to hammer home drink-drive message
What’s the issue?
What’s the issue?
What’s the issue?
What’s the issue?
In Southampton there have been 119 offences of sexual assault and rape this year – that’s a 38 per cent increase compared to last year.
Children are experiencing sexual abuse across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight but some aren’t talking to us so the abuse continues.
At this time of year we see an increase in reports of acquisitive crime, alcoholrelated offences, domestic abuse and sexual offences.
What are we doing?
What are we doing?
What are we doing?
Drink-driving is just one of the offences that spikes during the Christmas period, creating extra demand for the force and, more importantly, putting more road users at risk.
Working with our partners, we have set up a dedicated Keep It Safe Southampton (KISS) Facebook page and Twitter accounts to provide news and details of events taking place in the city as well as advice and tips on how to stay safe when enjoying a night out. We’re using a Digi-Van (digital advertising van) to broadcast safety advice to revellers on nights out during Christmas and New Year, and extra officers will be on patrol in the city over the festive period.
Part of our strategy was to create a You Are Not Alone webpage at www.bit.do/youare-not-alone. Check out Adam, Amy, Grace and Mark’s stories. Although they’re fictional accounts, they’re based on real-life experiences. The page was promoted earlier this year on our social media sites and by sending out posters and postcards to partner agencies working with young people.
On December 1 we launched an online crime prevention advent calendar offering tips, advice and further sources of information about the crime types that typically peak during the Christmas season. The calendar includes links to organisations such as the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, Drink Aware and Immobilise, and features advice on how to get home safely after a night out, how to improve the security of your online shopping and where to call for help if you’re suffering domestic abuse.
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What are we hoping to achieve? To support the operational work taking place to reduce the number of sexual assaults and incidents of alcoholrelated violence in the city centre and the wider district and to provide an online platform for engagement with young people in Southampton.
What are we hoping to achieve? We want to help children identify abuse in their relationships. You Are Not Alone complements our Are You OK? campaign because if we’re a friendly face for young people they’re more likely to talk to us about abuse they’re experiencing.
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What are we doing? Waterlooville NPT officer Matt James and his colleagues teamed up with First Bus to run a competition inviting school children to design a drink-drive poster. Hundreds of children took part and the Mayor of Havant judged the contest and picked out three winning designs. As well as generating media coverage in the run-up to Christmas, the winning designs were displayed on First Bus vehicles throughout Hampshire to reinforce the message.
What are we hoping to achieve?
What are we hoping to achieve?
To provide a fun, simple, onestop-shop for crime prevention advice and further information. By linking to other crime prevention agencies we hope we will encourage people to be more proactive in seeking information to help keep themselves safe.
As well as engaging with youngsters and their families and making them think about drink-driving, it’s hoped the winning designs demonstrate that if a child can see the dangers of drink-driving then adults have no excuse not to commit this type of offence. 07
Have your say on next year’s policing precept in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight A public consultation on the 2015/16 policing precept – the policing part of council tax – has been launched by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire, Simon Hayes.
Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes
With the Home Office announcing another cut to the national police budget, Mr Hayes is proposing an increase of 1.99 per cent in local funding. For an average Band D household, this equates to a rise of just £3.07 per annum (or 26p per month, or 6p per week) from £154.26
to £157.33. This increase would generate an additional £2m for 2015/16, which is the cost of employing 43 police officers. The increase proposed is within the 2 per cent cap that has been placed on precept rises by central government. To exceed this cap would require a referendum, the cost of which would divert funding from frontline policing. However, the Mr Hayes is also interested to hear from the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as to whether, in principle, they would support an increase which was greater than the 2 per cent cap, in the event that it were to be possible to invest all of this in frontline policing. Mr Hayes said: “With Hampshire Constabulary currently making significant changes to the way it operates, to enable it to make £80m in savings, due to government-imposed cuts that have already been made, it has never been
more important to consult with the public over the policing element of the council tax precept. “I question whether the constabulary can withstand any further cuts without it impacting on the level of neighbourhood policing people expect. If we are to continue delivering the highest possible levels of service we must have the funding in place to do so. “I am inviting the residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to play their part in this decision-making process by sharing your views with me. I am encouraging everyone to register their opinion by January 20, 2015.” Details of how to have your say are available via the PCC website: www. hampshire-pcc.gov.uk. The results of the consultation will be presented to the Police and Crime Panel when they meet to review the proposed precept at their meeting on Friday, January 23.
hmic awards constabulary a “good” rating Hampshire Constabulary and Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes have welcomed Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary’s annual assessment of the force as providing a good service to the people of Hampshire and Isle of Wight. The report provides an independent view that the force is delivering a good service for less than the average national cost to the taxpayer. The constabulary has done this while protecting neighbourhood policing, having a strong victim focus and protecting frontline policing. This has been made possible by reducing back office functions, innovative approaches to partnership work with local authorities and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, and plans to cut demand through a new Resolution Centre. Commenting on the report, Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “There is good news for people in this independent report. It shows that our communities are getting a good service, and they are getting it for less money than elsewhere in the country. It has been possible to do these two things together because we have been ahead of the game in making tough decisions to reform our back office functions and policing model. 08
“Only by making cuts this way have we been able to keep investing in neighbourhood policing. As the report states, this is in contrast to national concerns about gradually eroding this key area of policing.” “The report does, however, underline a clear note of concern: we are already extremely efficient. We have already done the innovative things that other forces are now looking to do. If budgets are cut further beyond 2016 we will be hit disproportionately hard and we will have no other option but to further reduce our frontline services. This can only impact our ability to serve the victims of crime.” PCC Simon Hayes commented: “It is reassuring the HMIC Crime Inspection Report highlights areas where Hampshire Constabulary is performing well. In particular, it is interesting that the report warns about the gradual erosion of neighbourhood policing. Through my Police and Crime Plan and Estates
Strategy, I challenged the constabulary to ensure that policing is placed squarely at the heart of neighbourhoods, which has been met through its Operational Change Programme. It is also reassuring that the report acknowledges a continued focus by Hampshire Constabulary in putting victims at the centre of policing, which is also a priority within my Police and Crime Plan. “This report does highlight the detrimental impact that further government cuts to policing will have on the constabulary’s ability to maintain and improve its performance in the future. The loss of around £80m in government funding has already taken a significant toll on what is already a lean and efficient lowcost force. Government and HMIC must realise that we have reached a point where we can no longer do more with less.” A new website, launched by HMIC, enables the public to find out more about how police forces are performing: www. justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmic/
Domestic abuse survivor speaks out to help other victims
Hampshire Constabulary has praised the courage of a domestic abuse survivor in speaking out to help give strength to others facing similar experiences.
Dawn’s horrific injuries were captured on body-worn video
Gale Marmoy, who is known as Dawn, is rebuilding her life after years of abuse from her husband. He is now serving a 10-year prison sentence. Michael John Gregory, 77, was convicted in May 2014 after pleading guilty to assaulting Dawn at their home on the Isle of Wight in October 2013. Dawn Marmoy’s substantial injuries and Michael Gregory’s behaviour at home shortly after the assault were recorded on body-worn video (BWV) cameras by two PCs who responded to a 999 call from Dawn. She spoke about her experiences in interviews recorded for Hampshire
Constabulary and broadcast for a BBC Panorama programme. Dawn urged other domestic abuse victims to speak out about the actions of offenders: “You’ve got a life, and you deserve that life. These people make you feel worthless, completely useless; that’s not true. They deserve the punishment, you don’t, but until you tell someone, or say it’s ‘got to stop’, it will carry on. Do what you’ve got to do, but do it sooner than I did it. The last time he was punching me, I thought ‘this is it’, you’re going to die tonight. If they [the police] had left that
Michael Gregory
night and that camera wasn’t on, and it had been a little bit later, they wouldn’t have found me as they did, they would have found a body.” Hampshire Constabulary’s lead on tackling domestic abuse, Detective Chief Superintendent Ben Snuggs said: “This case provides a graphic insight into the power of body-worn video as an independent witness that captures crucial early evidence in an investigation.” More than a quarter of a million people have so far watched Dawn’s story on the Hampshire Constabulary YouTube channel.
56 years for brothers who murdered Eastleigh father Two brothers must spend a minimum of 28 years in prison each after being found guilty of murdering a well-known and much loved businessman.
Choudhry Zishan
Samuel and Jonathan McKinley kicked, stamped and punched Choudhry Zishan to death earlier this year. Mr Zishan was a respected family man and father. His wife was expecting their second child when the 35-year-old was murdered not far from their Eastleigh home on the morning of March 30. Choudhry was walking to work at one of the newsagents he ran when he was
attacked by Samuel, 25, and Jonathan, 23. Detective Superintendent Paul Barton said: “The brothers tried to rob him, but things escalated quickly to the point where they threatened him and began beating him. “It was a senseless, brutal and sustained assault that Mr Zishan did not survive.” Paying tribute, Choudhry’s younger brother Ali described him as “hardworking and always thinking of the future”. His older sister Tayyaba said: “He was my best friend… he never thought of himself. He thinks of others.” The police investigation traced the movements of the McKinley brothers throughout the evening and found they’d been drinking heavily. Det Supt Barton continued: “When they realised what they’d done, the McKinleys tried to dispose of the evidence by washing their clothes. Thanks to local people who came forward with information, we were able to
Samuel and Jonathan McKinley
quickly piece together what happened, arrest the suspects later that morning and build the case against them.” During the trial, questions were raised about contact between police and the McKinley brothers prior to the assault where our officers spoke to them about their drunken behaviour. Defending the force’s actions, Det Supt Barton said: “Policing is very complex and officers have to make decisions on a daily basis. I am satisfied that the officers who attended the earlier incident applied common sense and sound judgement under the circumstances.”
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Every day our officers and staff engage with thousands of members of the public. But once a concern has been addressed or a case resolved, how can the people we serve show their appreciation?
AVO ing a Community BR The answer is by send … ite nstabulary webs via the Hampshire Co
PC Chis Dawes, Park Gate I would like to thank PC Chris Dawes for the great work he has been doing for Hampshire Constabulary. On Tuesday evening I was cycling into Fareham when my bag, containing a bank card, £30 cash, some important documents and an expensive light, fell off the back of my bike. PC Dawes found it and handed it in to Fareham police station, where I recovered it. I really appreciate your honesty and the great job you are doing in Hampshire. Special thanks to you and your team. Keep up the good work.
Group BRAVO Thanks and appreciation for the way in which you responded to an unusual situation at our boat yard, where someone had entered a vessel and was living on board for a limited time without permission. The professional, intelligent and courteous assistance was deeply appreciated and reassuring to both owners and us.
Hythe Neighbourhood Policing Team Thanks for the professionalism and work ethic shown by members of Hythe NPT, namely PC Alison Cross and PCSO Natalie Crane, who dealt with issues around criminal damage to my property. I want them to know how positive they made me feel.
Sergeant Glen Barham, Redbridge Well done to Sergeant Glen Barham in doing the new PLOD Facebook page. He has done such a wonderful job and I know so many deaf people will use this.
Group BRAVO In October I was confronted with a burglar entering my home through a window. Although I shouted out and frightened him off, I was left terrified and hysterical. I called 999 immediately. The controller who
took my call was fantastic. He assured me that officers had been dispatched and stayed on the line, talking to me and offering reassurance until the officers were at my door with me. It took only five minutes for PCSO Katie Barnes and PCSO Rebecca Williams to arrive! The sergeant also came to see me and offer reassurance. Two more officers then came to take my statement. One was PC Luke Peters. A dog handler also attended, as well as a forensics officer. The treatment I received by all was fantastic! As you will understand, I am now very nervous. I feel afraid in my own home. But this afternoon I was again visited by PCSO Barnes and PCSO Williams. They brought me window alarms, a personal alarm and a timer for a lamp. These will all help me feel more secure. Please pass on my massive thanks to all of your team for the comfort and care they have given me.
Domestic abuse is everyone’s business Thanks to everyone who wore a white ribbon on November 25 in a show of support to all victims of domestic abuse. White Ribbon Day is an international event and part of a campaign calling for an end to violence against women. We supported the campaign to demonstrate our commitment to protecting all victims of domestic abuse, both men and women. “The simple message is that domestic abuse is everyone’s business,” said Detective
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Superintendent Ben Snuggs. As the constabulary’s lead on the issue, he was one of the first to wear a ribbon. “It doesn’t matter what your rank or role is, we all have a responsibility for identifying and protecting victims no matter whether you’re at the top of the organisation or in a more junior role, whether you’re a police officer or police staff or a
Ribbons on display, the Fleet neighbourhoods team lines up!
volunteer. That’s why I’ve been really pleased with the level of support and enthusiasm. Thanks to everyone who wore a ribbon. To see so many across the force was fantastic. “We’ve had some excellent feedback from the public and partner agencies, too, which is great because it means our message is getting out there. “Ultimately we want people
to know that they can report domestic abuse to us and be confident that we will take it seriously, no matter who they speak to.” If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, help is available. Please take a look at the domestic abuse portal on the intranet or visit www.hampshire.police. uk/domestic-abuse
¾¾ On average, around 65 incidents of domestic violence are reported to Hampshire Constabulary every day. ¾¾ Around 80 per cent of victims in domestic violence cases reported to us are women. ¾¾ The number of male victims identified increased from 1,459 in 2011 to 1,514 in 2013.
The month of Movember is over. This year we again saw officers and staff from across the force support the event by growing a moustache throughout the month of November to raise funds for good causes and help change the face of men’s health. Ben Snuggs co-ordinated efforts across the constabulary this year, working with a committed bunch of guys to raise over £300. Ben said: “Testicular and prostate cancers and mental ill health remain difficult to talk about and, as a result, many of us are not seeking the help we need to stay well. It’s partly through initiatives like Movember that we can begin to change the face of men’s health together. On behalf of the whole team, I want to thank those of you who generously gave money. It is genuinely appreciated.” Here, we present a month of moustache mayhem in our Movember gallery.
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1 MoBros from the Summary Justice Unit, Kings Worthy 2 PC Matt James, PC Jeff Hurst, Sergeant Julian Ainsworthy, PC Brent Vine, PC Chris Young, Waterlooville NPT 3 PC Paul Whitehouse, Aldershot 4 PC Ron Richards, Waterlooville TPT 5 Detective Constable David Pain, Newport CID 6 Professional Standards Investigator Nick Harris 7 Detention Officer Lee Blundell, Detention Officer Joseph Garrard, Sergeant Rob Attwood, Southampton Central 8 Ben Snuggs, Chief Constable Andy Marsh, Sergeant Jon Hutchinson, PCSO Andrew Leeks 9 PC Paul James, PC Martin Parker, PC Chris Wimshurst
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I’m a people person and I find people interesting.
MEET YOUR NEW DCC Nearly two months into his new job with the constabulary, Deputy Chief Constable Graham McNulty is already making his mark. Previously a one-force officer – the former Metropolitan Police commander spent 22 years working in London – Mr McNulty, 44, is making a concerted effort to meet people across the force. Approachable and engaging, the Guildford-born man believes in the importance of discussing and understanding the issues affecting those officers and staff at the coalface. Here, he talks to Frontline’s Aaron Brown about his life in policing.
The chief constable is the face of the force, and that’s the right way for it to be, but for me to do my job properly I’ve got to understand the issues that everyone faces in the organisation. You can only do that by talking to them.
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Why did you want to join the police? I had done a degree in economics and thought I was set for a life in the City. But I wasn’t sure I wanted to sit behind a computer screen in the capital all day. Instead I thought about what my father had done – he was a police officer with Surrey Police for 33 years – and that looked more exciting, more challenging. I thought “I want to do that”, much to my mother’s concern! What was it like being a rookie when you joined the Met in 1992? I started out in policing thinking I’d be in Westminster, Brixton, Tower Hamlets, Hackney, and I ended up right on the outskirts of London. Two years later I left to join the Territorial Support Group [providing strategic reserve for public disorder and critical incident response]. That was a big change, a really different environment. The TSG took you all over London and I got to experience policing some of the more challenging areas. I’m very proud of that time and the camaraderie we shared in that group. Do you miss that? I do. Working in a team like that, where you shared every shift together, you were close. As a chief officer you’re part of a team but you’re not working day to day with the same group of people. You’ve been responsible for a number of high-profile inquiries. Tell us more. Operation Ribble was the “cash for honours” case in which we investigated the connection between political donations and the award of life peerages. It changed my career because I was about to go and work on a surveillance command when I got a call from the assistant commissioner saying, “Graham, you’re going to be investigating cash for honours.” There followed a really intense three years, culminating in me interviewing the then prime minister Tony Blair on a number of occasions. I remember sitting inside 10 Downing Street thinking, “When I joined the police I didn’t think I’d ever end up here!”. You also led the Met’s response to Operation Yewtree. What’s your reaction been to that case? I think Yewtree is a moment in time. If we look at the reporting of sexual offences and sexual offences against children, we know they are under reported. We know that for the victims it’s really difficult to come forward. I think there’s a lasting legacy around Yewtree because since
the investigation started reports have gone up; people are telling us more about sexual offences. Whether it is Child Sexual Exploitation, rape or any other crime, people need to know that we’ll treat them seriously – 20 years on the police will still be there for them. Why Hampshire Constabulary? Why now? Not everyone working here will realise this but Hampshire Constabulary has a really good reputation among other forces. When I went on a senior command course I was given a project looking at Hampshire, which entailed me coming into the force and talking to people. What stuck with me was how helpful people were, really friendly. I returned from holiday earlier in the year, saw the vacancy for the DCC role and the rest is history. How does it feel working here compared with the Met? It’s different because there are around 50,000 people in the Met. The size of that organisation means it’s really difficult to get around and know people. What’s really good about coming to Hampshire is how open people have been, which has made it much easier to get to know teams and individuals and their issues. What have been your first impressions of the constabulary? Professional, friendly and with people who have wanted to help and support me. The only negative is the police jargon we use – I didn’t realise it varied so much from force to force! To the public the policing language is pretty impenetrable, so this is something we need to work at. What’s impressed you about the force? Lots, but one that is fresh in my mind is the Resolution Centre. I spent time there seeing the way we’re managing demand for the front line – not deploying a police officer unless there is a genuine need to do so. When Tom Winsor published his recent report he talked about how a lot of forces don’t have a plan to manage demand. Hampshire is probably ahead of the curve.
I’ve had a positive conversation with every one of them about what they’re doing to help keep people living and working in the force area safe. The chief constable is the face of the force, and that’s the right way for it to be, but for me to do my job properly I’ve got to understand the issues that everyone faces in the organisation. You can only do that by talking to them. You’ve joined the force at a time of significant changes to policing. Are we on the right path? Yes. I’m not the architect of the plan, I didn’t design it, but I think it’s a good plan. We’re not looking to withdraw from any area of policing and I think that’s a real positive. There’s so much change, it’s happened so quickly and the timescales are so tight that there is little room for error. If you’re on the front line you must be thinking “When’s it going to end?” But there is a detailed plan, which we’ll follow through. For it to be successful – and this is a key risk that we must counter – people must operate as one organisation. If we operate in silos the plan won’t work. What don’t you like to see in policing? Assaults on police – of any kind. It is not acceptable to be rude or shout and swear at an officer. I’m very proud that we police by consent and don’t routinely carry firearms, so it’s an abuse of that trust when our officers are assaulted. I went to the Police Federation open evening and I’m conscious of the views on this subject. As a PC I’ve been assaulted, it’s not nice and our colleagues don’t deserve that. Highlights of your career so far? I led the investigation for Operation Ainstable, which involved gangsters in Liverpool. I was proud the whole team received a judge’s commendation. Also the year [2012] I spent as Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe’s staff officer was an amazing experience. It was Olympics year, the Queen’s jubilee, the year PCCs were introduced in London. Contrast that with the previous year when the riots in England took place, where we saw communities literally burnt to the ground.
What’s the best aspect of your job?
What are your interests outside of work?
Meeting people. I’m a people person and I find people interesting. Since starting I’ve visited the public order team, firearms, Resolution Centre, control room, I travelled to the Isle of Wight for the first time, Portsmouth, Winchester and Southampton. It’s just a great opportunity to sit down and chat with people, even if they’re thinking “Crikey! It’s the new DCC.”
I like football, cooking and eating. I used to play football, but a slipped disc put paid to that. Don’t tell the chief, but I’ve been going to watch Chelsea since I was 11. I always cook the Sunday roast; I find it a good way of switching off with a large glass of Rioja. Family time [with wife Claire and sons Daniel and Callum] is very important to me.
13
Youngsters take over at police station A group of young people had the chance to take over at Hampshire Constabulary for the day as part of an event designed to give them a greater insight into the work carried out by our officers and staff.
Pupils Hannah Hookings, Mollie Baker, Esme Briggs, Rebecca Adams and Adam Bowen with PC Maria Carrick
The activities were organised as part of Children’s Commissioner’s Takeover Day 2014, a national event led by the Children’s Commissioner for England, which gives young people the chance to shadow jobs, get involved in decision-making and offer their opinions on key issues. Ten pupils from Hounsdown Secondary School took over the jobs of senior officers and crime prevention staff, contributing to decisions about current youth issues and priorities. The event, jointly organised by PC Maria Carrick and members of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, linked in with the PCC’s Be part of the Solution campaign. Updates were provided on Twitter throughout the day, and a video was uploaded to Facebook showing the performance of a crime prevention Christmas carol written by the pupils in just a matter of hours.
Advances in scientific service standards for policing Their innovation and ingenuity is integral to solving the most complex and challenging crimes across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Now the force’s Scientific Services Department (SSD) is leading the way in encouraging and embedding consistent levels of excellence in its expertise. Hampshire Constabulary is now among the top police forces nationally with a high number of accredited forensic services. All 43 of the force’s crime scene investigators (CSIs) are now trained in a recently introduced Quality Management system to help ensure they deliver a service to a recognised national standard, known as ISO 17025 by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). 14
These procedures outline all the processes involved from an initial request through to the return to the investigator. The introduction of ISO 17025 provided the opportunity for a review of practices, identifying more effective ways of working. Resources now include the force’s purpose-built DNA laboratories at Cosham and Southampton Central police stations. As a result, Scientific Services is now able
to offer an in-house screening service for blood, which can be crucial evidence. The DNA labs routinely examine exhibits for simple and complex crime types. It also provides a facility for intelligence-led examinations for major crime operations where DNA may be a later requirement. Intranet search
Scientific Services
Oko
Ugwa
Emu
Nusi
Four jailed for Match.com dating scam Four men from Hampshire and Berkshire have been jailed for conning 14 women out of nearly £250,000 as part of an “elaborate” dating website scam. Following a three-week trial at Winchester Crown Court, Monty Emu, 28, of Southsea, and Adewunmi Nusi, 37, from Berkshire, were convicted of money laundering. On the first day of the trial, Emmanuel Oko, 29, of Southsea, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud and money laundering, while Chukwuka Ugwu, 28, of Southsea, admitted a charge of money laundering. The men were sentenced by Judge Susan Evans QC as follows: ¾¾ Oko – Eight years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to defraud and four years’ imprisonment for money laundering - to run concurrently ¾¾ Ugwu – Forty-six weeks’ imprisonment for money laundering
¾¾ Emu – Three-and-a-half years’ imprisonment for money laundering ¾¾ Nusi – Eighteen months’ imprisonment for money laundering Detective Sergeant Lee Macarthur explained: “This case centres around a web of lies constructed by these devious people who had the sole intention of exploiting emotionally vulnerable women for financial gain. “They all played their part in this deception, which left 14 women feeling used and embarrassed and has seen them lose significant amounts of money. “The women were duped into thinking that they were talking to a man who was genuinely looking for love on the dating website match.com. Unfortunately for them, they were part of an elaborate scam.
“The sentences imposed by the judge should send out a clear message to people who think they can hide behind fake profiles and carry out these scams again and again, that they will be caught and dealt with by the courts. “I would like to thank the women involved in this case for their courage in coming forward to report this and also going through the distressing experience of giving evidence about a very personal subject.” Brooke Boston, aged 29, of Chelsea Road, Southsea, was cleared of charges of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering. Eberechi Ekpo, 26, of Adair Road, Southsea, was cleared of money laundering and fraud by false representation part way through the trial.
UK festival task force receives international recognition Intelligence manager Rebecca Colvin was among a UK contingent invited to The Hague to give a presentation about a project to reduce crime and disorder at UK festivals and events by improving information and intelligence sharing. The event, at Europol’s headquarters in the Netherlands, was attended by 92 delegates from 16 member states. Rebecca has been working on the project with Sergeant Jill McCracken (College of Policing) and Detective Constable Kevin Walker (Leicestershire Police). Taking to the stage, Rebecca presented a project overview, with a focus on current crime trends and intelligence gaps around national and international Mobile Organised Crime Groups (MOCGs)
Detective Constable Kevin Walker, Rebecca Colvin and Sergeant Jill McCracken
that target festivals and other large-scale events. Owing to the continuing work of the project and national network of intelligence leads and event planners, this year has seen a significant decrease in crime at festivals and events. Rebecca said: “Speaking at the event was a proud moment in my career. It was interesting to meet with other European police officers who also have major music festivals and share our experiences. The
MOCG issue affects all of these nations – we are now working together to develop intelligence in order to combat this type of criminality.” This month the UK Festival and Events Task Force launched the project to all UK forces. It aims to provide intelligence products that will assist the police and event organisers with their decision making around threat and risk, national consistency around effective resourcing, and improved partnership working. 15
THE best of hampshire CONSTABULARY ON SOCIAL MEDIA We’ve taken a look at the world of social media to bring you up to speed with the news and views from those connected to Hampshire Constabulary. Here’s a selection of our favourite recent posts and interactions.
Hampshire Co nstabulary We are overw helmed by the response to the Echo we poste story from the d a link to this Daily morning. A huge thank you to Mike Lyo ns who has tod Playstation an ay donated a d games to the new hospital. There Christmas co mmunity spirit really is some true in the air! 23 December Stephanie Blo
w, Mel Martin
250 shares
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and 2,545 oth
ers like this.
Before
After
Hampshire Alert scheme brings police closer to communities
Who’s wearing Mel’s hair this Christmas? While the boys grew their moustaches for Movember, Mel Williams had her locks shorn for an equally worthy cause. In what she described as an “extreme cut”, the Performance and Consultation manager had 32cm (12.5ins) of hair chopped off to donate to the Little Princess Trust. “I’m hoping that a little girl or boy will be wearing my hair by Christmas,” she told Frontline, “and that it’ll be making them feel better during a really difficult time.” Mel hadn’t had a short cut since she went for a bob back in the 90s. So after going for the “big cut” in early November, she then spent the following week not recognising herself in the mirror. “I’ve been really anxious about people’s reactions. When I told him what I was planning, my eldest son summed up how I felt by
saying: ‘But Mummy, you won’t look like my Mummy anymore!’ “On the whole, I’ve had really positive comments, especially when people hear what I’ve done and why.” The Little Princess Trust provides real-hair wigs to boys and girls across the UK who’ve lost their own hair through cancer treatment. Mel never intended to raise money but her dramatic decision prompted friends and colleagues to donate more than £250. She added: “If you’re planning a haircut, please consider donating the hair. The Little Princess Trust needs a minimum of 17cm (7ins), which isn’t much really. Please visit www. littleprincesses.org.uk for more details.”
Having our cake…
...and eating it!
Would you like to be able to message your community specifically based on where they live, their demographic profile or even down to what their hobbies and interests are? Being able to update local communities with information that is timely and relevant sounds simple, but we’ve not always had the technology or methods to do this in a simple way. In response to particular concerns raised by rural communities about being more informed about what’s going on, the force has invested in a new community messaging system that allows us to send real time targeted crime alerts, witness appeals and information about positive police action in the community tailored specifically to the recipient. Hampshire Alert is a free web-based system which the public can sign up to and allows them to choose what information they want to receive and what format they want to receive it in – email, text or phone
message – so the “alert” is personal to them. People can sign up via the website, via their neighbourhood teams or via a portable kiosk that can be taken to community events. Hampshire Alert is also linked to the Neighbourhood Watch network so anyone in a scheme can also access information about their specific watch. We’ve already developed www.hampshirealert. co.uk and www. hampshirecountrywatch. co.uk and are in the process of rolling these out across the policing districts over the next few months. Next to come online will be www.iowalert.co.uk, specifically designed for communities on the island. To sign up, visit www. hampshirealert.co.uk and click on “register”.
Here at Frontline Towers we’re not averse to biscuits, cookies, shortbread, pastries, doughnuts, patisseries or even the odd slice of cake. So imagine our delight when one of our own, Corporate Communications officer Cindy Wishart, brought in this beauty to say thanks to our graphic designers and internal comms team for a big piece of work they’d carried out for her. Intriguingly, the incredibly decorated chocolate and raspberry affair – complete with bloody crime scene including a chalk outline and evidence markers – wasn’t created by Cindy but by “a friend”, whose identity she omitted to reveal, leaving us pondering a real-life whodunnit. We’ve enjoyed some fine sweet fare over the years, but this contribution was, ahem, perfectly executed. 17
THE EXTENDED POLICE FAMILY understand the impact of their actions by meeting or hearing from the victim. Earlier this year Eloise attended the National Personal Safety Awards at British Medical House in London where she was chosen as runner-up. Eloise has shown commitment to The Under 17 Car Club, the Youth Commission and now volunteering as a Community Court member.
Meg’s memory honoured at awards To mark the end of this year’s Volunteers’ Week, I’m proud to say that a number of volunteers received a Fareham Volunteering Award from the Mayor of Fareham, Cllr David Norris, writes Maria Joliffe. The entire SpeedWatch group for Fareham borough were recognised for their dedication to the partnership scheme. Richard Astbury, Michele Corrigan and Chris Walker attended the ceremony to receive the award on behalf of everyone involved. A posthumous award was also given to Meg Newman, who was the property volunteer at Fareham for nearly three years before sadly losing her battle with cancer in February this year. Meg arrived at the station every week to give us her time even when she faced her illness; she was a very determined lady who is really missed by the people she worked with. Meg’s proud husband, Richard, is pictured here receiving her award from the mayor in recognition of 100 hours volunteered with the constabulary.
Community Court reward for Eloise Eloise Peabody-Ralph (pictured) is one of our young volunteers participating in the Hampshire Community Court. The scheme uses restorative justice to give young offenders the opportunity to make good what they have done wrong and to 18
Specials independence workshop is a big success In November, the Extended Police Family ran another successful independence workshop for the Special Constabulary. These workshops have been designed to assist Special constables in achieving independent patrol status. A group of Specials were nearing completion of their Police Action Checklist were invited to Netley’s Southern Support and Training HQ for a discussion with one of the force’s police development and recruiting officers. A total of 15 Specials attended the event and all of them achieved independent patrol status, a great success for all involved.
Volunteer Police Cadets open new units Since the launch of the Volunteer Police Cadets scheme in April 2014 we have seen the numbers grow and are now proud to announce that we have nine units across Hampshire and the Isle of
Wight, with more than 230 cadets and 60 volunteer leaders. Over the past six months our cadets have been actively engaged with thousands of people across the two counties assisting with crime prevention initiatives, community engagement, leaflet drops, police officer and PCSO training, NATO deployments, formal legal services and fundraising. Our current cohort of new recruits will be attested on January 28, 2015, and will then be at the force’s disposal for use in crime prevention and community engagement. We are now in a position where we want to hear from officers or teams who have an event that they would like to use the cadets for. For more information, or to find out how you can get involved, please contact the central VPC team by emailing volunteer.police.cadets@hampshire.pnn. police.uk
Community SpeedWatch growing apace In support of Brake Road Safety Week, which ran from November 17-23, Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes visited volunteers from the recently formed Overton and Whitchurch Community SpeedWatch scheme (pictured). Mr Hayes was there to observe the scheme in operation and to present members with a cheque for £1,000. This funding forms part of his commitment to help keep the counties’ roads safer by developing Community SpeedWatch across Hampshire and Isle of Wight. Mr Hayes said: “I am delighted to hear that we now have 768 volunteers actively managing 61 schemes across Hampshire and Isle of Wight. Many of these schemes have been supporting Road Safety Week, and I was delighted to observe first-hand the Overton and Whitchurch scheme and to present them with their funding cheque. I would encourage others to follow their lead.”
Cops on the run raise more than £3,000 for Children in Need A team of Hampshire Constabulary officers has raised more than £3,000 for Children in Need following a gruelling cross-Channel challenge. The team battled through knee injuries, blisters, nausea and exhaustion to make the 123-mile journey, which saw them cycling and running from Alençon police station, in northern France, to Basingstoke police station in Hampshire. The challenge began on Thursday, November 13, when the team of six officers and support staff from Basingstoke, Winchester and Alton police stations travelled to Alençon, one of Basingstoke’s twinned towns. From there they cycled 75 miles through picturesque countryside to the port of Caen, guided by colleagues from the Alençon police team. They then boarded a ferry to Portsmouth where the fundraising
continued with fellow passengers donating their spare change when they heard what the team was doing. On the Friday – Children in Need day – the group ran 48 miles through torrential ran in Portsmouth, blazing sunshine in Winchester and then on to Basingstoke police station via the A33. The event was featured on the force’s social media accounts – @HantsPolice and the official Hampshire Police Facebook page – which showed photos, videos and some live commentary on this force-wide challenge. Officers from across the force supported the team throughout the challenge, providing cycle escorts and motorcycle officer PC Andy Hammans.
Chief Constable Andy Marsh and Superintendent Dave Powell also took part in a leg of the journey, between Winchester and Kings Worthy, to show their support for the team. Detective Constable Andy Panter said: “We’d like to thank Brittany Ferries, Alençon Police and our colleagues across Hampshire for their support over the twoday challenge. Their generosity has been overwhelming and we couldn’t have done it without them! We’d also like to thank each and every person who has donated, it’s really appreciated.” The current total is £3,120, but you can still sponsor the team by visiting www. justgiving.com/basingstokecops
Safe4me supporting schools to deliver Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes hosted the official launch of the Safe4me Education Programme to schools from across Hampshire at an event at the constabulary’s Southern Support and Training HQ last month. The programme has been created by the force in response to the PCC’s challenge to develop a youth strategy at a time when the police have to change the way they work in schools. Safe4me is an electronically accessible education resource programme which has been designed by teachers to ensure it is both fit for purpose and aligns with the national curriculum in a format that enables teachers to use it in the classroom. In
addition to Safe4me, the force’s PCSOs will continue to build relationships with schools and pupils as an important part of their neighbourhood policing responsibilities. The Safe4me concept arose from evidence gathered from an extensive review of the way in which officers were engaging with schools and delivering safety prevention education in the classroom. The seven-month review involved consultation with education
experts, police officers and PCSOs from local Neighbourhood Policing Teams, and took guidance from the Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education Association. Through Safe4me, the constabulary can now provide schools with credible, timely and relevant information relating to prevention and safety to assist teachers in their delivery of Personal Development and Citizenship education, specific to law, prevention and safety. 19
Prize crossword
Print the crossword by visiting www.hampshire.police.uk/frontline
WIN!
A £40 M&S gift card
With no shareholders, Police Mutual is run for the benefit of its members and the police service, which means it can focus on delivering the things that are most important to you. Whether you’re looking for a savings or investment product with a built-in guarantee, value for money insurance, tailored healthcare or advice on finding a mortgage, Police Mutual is here to help. Find out more at www.policemutual.co.uk. Thanks to Police Mutual, Frontline is offering the sender of the first all-correct crossword entry to be drawn from the hat a £40 Marks & Spencer gift card. We did not receive any all-correct entries for puzzle no. 185, so puzzle 186 is a rollover. No. 186 1
2
3
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6 7
8
9
10
11 12
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15 16
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20 21
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ACROSS
DOWN
1. Wrestling hold in which an opponent’s arm istwisted upwards behind their back (10) 7. Brightest star in the constellation Orion (5) 8. Religion founded by Guru Nanak (7) 10. Marguerite Duras memoir filmed in 1992 (3,5) 11, and 4 Down, 20 Down. State capital of Utah (4,4,4) 13. ‘The --- Game’, musical filmed in 1957 with Doris Day (6) 15. ‘--- Dies’, 1956 novel by Samuel Beckett (6) 17. Isao, 1978 world matchplay golf champion (4) 18. First steamship to cross the Atlantic (8) 21. Simone, Sienese painter who died in 1344 (7) 22. Word used in signalling to indicate that a message has been received and understood (5) 23. Best Actor Oscar-winner for High Noon (4,6)
1. Seat of government of the Netherlands (5) 2. American singer-songwriter who wrote The Christmas Song (3,5) 3. Hanns, German composer who died in 1962 (6) 4. See 11 Across. 5. US port in Illinois (7) 6. The contents of a living cell (10) 9. Mountains in the Pennine Alps between Switzerland and Italy (10) 12. Mrs. ---, character in Sheridan’s play The Rivals (8) 14. Capital of Indonesia (7) 16. White or unbleached cotton fabric with no printed design (6) 19. Landlocked republic in West Africa whose capital is Niamey (5) 20. See 11 Across.
SOLUTIONS TO 185 Across: 6 Galahad; 7 Sheik; 9 Lek; 10 Excalibur; 12 Pink Panther; 15 Guadalcanal; 17 Notorious; 19 Ray; 21 Riley; 22 Cariboo. Down: 1 Babel; 2 Man; 3 Marx; 4 Christian; 5 Bitumen; 8 Sahara; 11 Eindhoven; 13 Kelvin; 14 Bubonic; 16 Bator; 18 Ulan; 20 Kim.
Send entries to: Tea Break, Frontline, Corporate Communications, Hampshire Constabulary Police HQ, Romsey Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO22 5DB. Closing date December 5, 2014. Prize crossword draws are open to all serving and former Hampshire Constabulary employees. Entrants may only enter the draws in their own name.
from
Celebrity lookalike THE JOKE’S ON YOU! Sent in by Station Enquiry Officer Nancy Tavares-Butler, Alton
I said to my gym instructor: “Can you teach me to do the splits?”
©Hughes Entertainment
Everybody loves a lookalike. Are you the spitting image of Holly Willoughby? Do your colleagues say you’re a real dead ringer for, er, Meat Loaf? If so, don’t be shy – email a head-and-shoulders shot to the Frontline mailbox.
He said: “How flexible are you?”
SERGEANT CARL HOLMES
Sl e
ut
h
Basingstoke NPT
20
MACAULAY CULKIN Actor
©livestrong.com
I said: “I can’t make Tuesdays.”
Share your favourite joke with us. Email your most revered rib-tickler and a head-and-shoulders shot to the Frontline mailbox.
Add the same two letters to each of the following:
ABBU
INST
ACDN
AGN
ESV
GHIS
Each group can then be rearranged to give a word with a festive theme. What are the six words? Answers on page 24.
by Clifford Williams
Many happy returns to us…
This month marks 175 years since Hampshire Constabulary was formed. At the end of December 1839, the first person appointed to the force was the chief constable, Captain George Robbins. The constabulary was established following a meeting of the County Magistrates. It was agreed initially to appoint 106 police officers. By April 13, 1840, Captain Robbins reported that
nine superintendents and 80 constables had been appointed. Southampton and Portsmouth had already set up their own police forces before Hampshire, as had some towns, including Basingstoke and Andover. However, Hampshire was one of the earliest county forces in the country.
Crime prevention officers, circa 1990 We thank Trevor Emans for sending in this photo of former officers/CPOs. Pictured back row from L-R: Western CPO/ Sergeant Emans; retired sergeant/CPO for Southampton West, Jack Turner; Sergeant Dave Spokes; retired sergeant Roy Harvey. Front row: retired sergeant/CPO for Southampton East, Jack Gledhill; retired sergeant/CPO for the New Forest, Norman Kilham.
Petersfield, circa 1945 This photo shows wartime officers including, Women’s Auxiliary Police Corps, at Petersfield police station. Detective Stan Bowles is shown front row second from left. Stan was born in Whitchurch in 1915, joined the force in April 1935 and served until 1968, retiring as head of Traffic. His older brother, Reg, served in the constabulary from 1935-1966. PC Collins is back row third from right. We do not know the names of the others – can anyone help name them? Please get in touch using the details shown on page 2.
From General Orders… The Chief Constable congratulates the Totton section on the success of their dance, as a result of which the sum of £67 19s was distributed to charities. (Dec 7, 1954) The Chief Constable regrets to announce that PC 601 NH Northfield, Traffic Dept., was injured on duty on the night of Wed 8th December as a result of which he received a fractured femur. He is now in Ward 21, Boscombe Hospital, Bournemouth, and is likely to be detained there sometime. [Norman Northfield served 19501979] On 14th December, 1954, Hampshire Constabulary football team defeated the ‘A’ division of the Metropolitan Police 8-3 in the 2nd rd of the Southern Counties Police Cup played at Imber Court, East Molesey. The Hampshire team was made up of DC Riley, PCs Hall, Gorman, Benson, Egleton, Morey, Burnhams, Loman, Hookey, Brown and DS Burns. Insp Hallett was team linesman and Sgt Ventham the trainer. On Christmas Day pensioner, retired PC, FWP Cass died.
100 years of women police officers In 2015, the constabulary is set to mark 100 years since the first woman was appointed as a police officer in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We are looking to collate old photographs of women police in the two counties for a commemorative book to mark the occasion. If you have any photos of women police taken prior to and including the 1970s that you would like to share, please get in touch.
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respect on ARMISTICE DAY A series of remembrance services took place across the force on November 11 to remember the millions of British servicemen who have died in conflict since the start of the First World War 100 years ago. At Netley, owing to pouring rain and howling gales, the service was brought inside instead of being held before the flagpole as is tradition. Around 100 officers and staff congregated in the canteen to pay their respects as Deputy Chief Constable Graham McNulty led the service. At Police Headquarters, Winchester, around 200 officers and staff braved the weather to observe two minutes’ silence after Chief Constable Andy Marsh had read out a poem – In Flanders Fields by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae – in what was a poignant recital.
A festive-themed cartoon from issue 14 of Frontline. The bemused officer’s loss was as a consequence of Hampshire Constabulary’s gain, following Home Secretary Michael Howard’s announcement that the force would receive £168.17million for the year beginning in April – an increase of £12.5m on 1994/95.
Chief Inspector Adi Kingswell holding a wreath at Netley before the remembrance service
Honouring the fallen at Victoria House
Some of the attendees at the reunion, including most of the cadets from 1964 to 1967, as well as Gerry Hopkins, a cadet clerk from 1945
Southampton Police Cadets Reunion In October, 40 eager state pensioners met up at Romsey Golf Club for a Southampton Police Cadets reunion, writes former cadet and detective constable Richard Duffin.
we regret to announce the death of the following retired police officer Police Constable Philip Mason died on October 12, 2014. He served with Hampshire Constabulary for over 30 years before retiring on July 31, 2008. He served at Winchester, Eastleigh and Totton. 22
We were fortunate to have the pleasure of the company of Norman Brown, one of the original intake of messengers from 1941, and Gerry Hopkins, one of the original cadet clerks from 1945. We were joined by two guests, namely former ACC Brian Davies OBE and former PC and cadet PTI Keith Leigh. Mr Davies proposed a toast to the police cadets after adding some interesting anecdotes arising from policing Southampton in the 1950s. This was the only
time there was quiet in the room. For the remainder of the reunion there was a constant buzz of conversation and activity, with colleagues catching up after some not having seen each other for 50 years. Virtually a whole wall was turned into a photo gallery with numerous pictures recalling the cadets over the 26 years of their existence. A truly wonderful meal was enjoyed by all. Within hours I was receiving messages requesting if another event can be held next year!
Ladies encouraged to get back on course The Hampshire Police Golf Section is urging more women golfers to pick up their clubs in 2015. Participants will have the opportunity to play in county, regional and national police competitions, with the golf section often able to contribute to competition fees, green fees, accommodation and travel expenses for Police Sport UK events. Mel Adcock, who has been playing golf for eight years, is keen to encourage more participants to join her out on the course by representing Hampshire Constabulary. She said: “Currently, female officers and staff are grossly under-represented in the sport and there must be more lady golfers who would like to play golf. Ability is not an issue!” Last year, Mel took part in the Hampshire Police Golf Section Spring meeting, which was a qualifier for
the Police Sport UK Ladies National Championships. Having qualified, she went on to play in the event at Berkshire’s Wokefield Park before representing the force in a number of other events throughout the year. She added: “I will be hoping to go to Trevose next year for the PSUK Ladies National Championships in May. However, to qualify for this event you will need to play the Hampshire Golf Section Spring Meeting, which will take place in April.” To find out more about the Hampshire Police Golf Section, see the golf page on the HPLS website or contact Richard Rowledge or Paul Fairley.
Become a smash hit in the force badminton tournament The annual force badminton tournament will begin on Tuesday, January 7. Play will begin at 5pm and players of all abilities are welcome. For more information, email Derek Choi or visit the HPLS website for further updates.
Win!
a Kindle e-reader
HPLS moves forward in 2015 Hampshire Police Leisure and Sport (HPLS) will mark a milestone in March 2015, celebrating five years since the club took the important decision to start making changes to the way it operated. The club, your club, has been going from strength to strength ever since. We have almost doubled our membership to an all time high of nearly 4,000 members, a figure made up of serving police officers and police staff, joint working and H3, Specials, volunteer workers and former officers and staff. As well as supporting various sports sections to compete at various levels, HPLS now provides a huge range of benefits to our members – a list of offers that just keeps on growing. This includes arranging leisure trips across the UK and internationally. This year we took members to the Belgium Grand Prix, New York and Disneyland Paris. In 2015 we are going to Iceland and Paris, and a trip to Krakow is currently being planned. Closer to home we have arranged day trips to London, Bath, Brighton and Wimbledon. We have helped
hundreds of our members enjoy cheaper days out at a huge choice of venues across Hampshire and further afield. We have also provided discounted tickets to lots of different shows, including the best of Mayflower Theatre’s productions plus some great comedy at various other venues. Our network of discounts and staff benefits has also been expanding and we have been working hard to provide some genuine deals which are generally not available elsewhere. We are continually in discussion with companies nationwide to develop new deals that offer our members a real saving. Last year we launched our new website – www. hpls.org – which features a secure offers area where members now have their own log in. Every fortnight we draw the force lottery, with winners collecting £6,000 each month, plus there’s a free draw where we give away some lovely prizes. HPLS is based at Netley, where our staff – Helen, Nicky and Dave – are happy to assist you.
Thanks to our friends at Hampshire Police Leisure and Sport, Frontline is giving away a fantastic Amazon Kindle e-reader to one lucky reader. Weeks of battery life on one charge. Read it in full sunlight. Perfect for holidays! To be in with a chance of winning this great little gadget, visit the HPLS website – www.hpls.org – and click on Frontline Competition. 23
Still catching her breath, a delighted Sarah Hill is flanked by Katherine Willoughby and Mike Bowron, chair of PSUK Athletics
Hampshire’s Hill takes bronze in Austria A marathon effort was rewarded with a medal as Hampshire Constabulary’s Sarah Hill claimed bronze in the European Police Marathon Championships. Held once every four years, the event was hosted by Austria and incorporated into the Graz international marathon with a field of 12,000 competitors. On a relatively flat city-based course, temperatures reached a high of 26 degrees, which produced gruelling conditions for the runners. Guest athlete Lemawork Ketema from Ethiopia took the men’s race in 2:22:10, with Germany’s Marcel Brautigam the first police runner to cross the line in 2:25:54. In an unpredictable ladies’ race, a strong German team took first and second through Rike Westerman (2:56:18) and Sabine
Schmitt (2:56:26), closely followed by GB and Hampshire athlete Hill in 2:56:42. GB’s Lyndsey Eastman came fourth in (2:58:03) with Hampshire’s Kate Towerton coming home as the third GB runner in 3:11:22, helping to pick up the silver team medal. Hampshire’s Katherine Willoughby, the GB team manager, said: “I am extremely proud of all the athletes as the conditions were tough and not conducive to good marathon times. We are delighted with the results and to win so many medals – the best medal haul in Police Sport UK history for this event!”
Hill in action
How the Southampton Police Club Trust Fund can benefit YOU The Southampton Police Club Trust Fund (SPTCF) was set up 14 years ago to financially back any social events or activities that support the interests of its beneficiaries. The SPTCF’s beneficiaries are defined as all serving, retired or resigned members of the Hampshire Constabulary family, including police staff, traffic wardens and Special constables approved by the committee, along with their spouse, partner or children. The trust was set up following the sale of the former Southampton Police Club, located at Hulse Road. The monies raised from the sale were invested into a trust fund, which is managed by a group of trustees who are all police officers and police staff, serving and retired. 24 Sleuth answer: Bauble, tinsel, candle, angel, elves and sleigh.
The current chair of the trust is Detective Superintendent Paul Barton. He explained: “We have been operating now for over 14 years and have made considerable improvements to our original investment. This has allowed us to financially support a number of force functions and teams including Families Day, Christmas celebrations and the Hampshire Constabulary choir to name but a few. You do not need to have worked in Southampton in order to apply to the fund. “We genuinely want to support as many beneficiaries as possible.
However, as part of our constitution, we cannot directly support charities.” The trust has more than 400 pledged members. If you are interested in becoming a member or wish to know more about the trust, details can be found on our website, http://spctf. co.uk/, or via the force intranet. Existing members are encouraged to update their contact details, ideally with an email address, in order to improve communications and receive the latest news. Send new contact details to SPCTF@hampshire.pnn.police.uk