P O L I C E
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S T A F F
N E W S L E T T E R
COPPERPLATE www.tayside.police.uk
12
MAR
T A Y S I D E
RETIREMENT OF ACC COLIN MCCASHEY One of Tayside Police’s most experienced officers retired from the police service this month after 30-years service. Assistant Chief Constable Colin McCashey began his policing career on the beat in his hometown of Arbroath, but for the last two years has been carrying out one of the most significant law enforcement roles in the country as the ACPOS (Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland) Coordinator Counter Terrorism. ACC McCashey said, “This has been a tremendously fulfilling role to undertake, both on a personal and professional level and I could not think of a better way to finish my service. “The Scottish Government has recently published the ‘Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill’ I have been in regular contact with the Scottish Government to secure a strong future for counter terrorism (CT) policing in Scotland to protect Scottish communities from the myriad of evolving threats presented by terrorism both internationally and domestically. “It is crucial that national priorities such as counter terrorism are fully integrated into police reform plans in order to maintain coherent links to all levels of policing. We need to ensure that we preserve the golden thread which connects local, national and international policing. “Police reform is a unique opportunity to place Scotland at the forefront of CT policing, not only within the UK, but also internationally. It is my honestly held belief that this is a singular moment to enhance, not only Scottish CT capabilities, but also to promote Scotland as an exemplar within the CT Policing community. “In the interim period, I would like to offer my reassurance to Scottish communities that the police service is committed to keeping Scotland safe. “Whilst acts of terrorism remain a relatively rare occurrence, this is in no small part due to the work and dedication of counter terrorism officers and staff within Scottish Forces and other agencies who work tirelessly to address the threat of terrorism. As I end my police career I would take the opportunity to commend these efforts which often go without public recognition. I would like to extend my best wishes to my successor.” Mr McCashey joined Tayside Police in 1982, after being schooled at Hayshead Primary School and Arbroath Academy and then studying computer programming at Bell Street College in Dundee.
After a spell in uniform Colin quickly joined the ranks of Tayside’s detectives, first as a part of the CID in Angus and then, in 1987, to Headquarters CID in Dundee. He returned briefly to uniform before being promoted to Detective Sergeant. In 1996, he was promoted to the rank of Inspector and posted to London where he worked with the Metropolitan Police and other Government agencies. He returned to Tayside in 1998 and a year later was promoted to the rank of Detective Chief Inspector when he was also appointed to the newly created post of Director of Intelligence. During this time, Colin was instrumental in the introduction of modern intelligence led policing, which represented a sea change in the way police resources both uniform and CID are deployed to best effect. In 2002, Colin “went home” to Eastern Division as Chief Inspector in charge of Operational Policing in Angus. The following year, he was promoted to Detective Superintendent, Deputy Head of CID in Tayside, assuming responsibility for the investigation of serious crime throughout the Force and the management of CID Units such as the Drugs Branch, Special Branch and Force Intelligence Bureau. In 2004, Colin transferred temporarily to Special Events Planning and was the Intelligence Commander for the Policing of the G8 World Leaders’ Summit held at the Gleneagles Hotel in 2005. The experience was one of the highlights of Colin’s career and will live long in his memory. He attained the rank of Detective Chief Superintendent in 2006 and was appointed the Force Crime Coordinator, Head of CID in Tayside. A year later he was appointed as Divisional Commander for Dundee, where he remained for two years before attending the Strategic Command Course at Bramshill, which then led to his appointment as Assistant Chief Constable, Coordinator Counter Terrorism. Colin is married with three children and lives in Arbroath. He said: “I intend to spend more time with my wife Eleanor and our family, without whom a successful career in policing would have been impossible. I have been very fortunate to meet some great people throughout my 30-years and been involved in efforts to make our communities safer and keep them safe. “There are many changes ahead for the police service in Scotland and I will watch with interest as the Police Reform programme is delivered.”
SINGLE NON EMERGENCY NUMBER UNDER CONSIDERATION A single non emergency number which would mirror the 101 system rolled out in England and Wales is being considered for Scotland as part of the Police Reform Programme. Deputy Chief Constable of Tayside Police, Gordon Scobbie, said, ‘‘Police forces in Scotland have continually reviewed and updated their numbering schemes to align them to best meet the needs of their local communities and control room structures. This approach has seen all Scottish forces removing a range of confusing legacy lines and rolling out single access numbers covering each force area. In accordance with this approach the feasibility of introducing the 101 Single Non Emergency Number in Scotland has remained under consideration and indeed the experience of the roll-out so far in England and Wales has been of real value. ‘’The introduction of a single police service in Scotland will create opportunities to increasingly join up our approach to routing calls between our ten contact centres, and for this reason the feasibility of introducing the Single Non Emergency Number for accessing the police service in Scotland is now being very actively considered as part of the Police Reform Programme.’’
IN THIS ISSUE:
TV SPOTLIGHT ON TAYSIDE POLICE • BROOKE’S DREAM • FIRST CONTACT MATTERS • MAKING BEST USE OF PND? • WALKING THE WEST HIGHLAND WAY • TAYSIDE POLICE EQUALITY OUTCOME OBJECTIVES •GOING THE EXTRA MILE - COMMANDO 999 • THE LITTLE THINGS
P02 | COPPERPLATE | MAR:2012
TV SPOTLIGHT ON TAYSIDE POLICE
Tayside Police was thrown into the spotlight as part of a national TV series looking at different aspects of policing in Great Britain. Filmed in Nottingham and Tayside, Coppers revealed what officers are up against every day of their working lives. The Channel 4 series also gave frontline police officers the chance to say what they really think about the job they do. The first episode joined Tayside’s newest recruits as they were paired up with their tutor Constables and took to the streets for the first time. Fresh from training at the Scottish Police College, the film crew followed the new recruits as they arrived for their first day as a police officer; their first arrest, first drugs raid and first experience of a sudden death. Highland Perthshire featured in the final episode of the series with officers based in the Pitlochry area under the spotlight. The programme highlighted that while crime is low, the officers based in the area have to cover a long stretch of the A9 - as well as treacherous rural roads and remote countryside - and major accidents are a regular occurrence. A huge thank-you to all of the officers who featured in this series of Coppers, and to those who assisted behind the scenes with research. Many of you gave up a significant amount of personal time to the project displaying tremendous dedication and commitment. Both Tayside episodes sparked a lot of debate across both traditional and social media channels but is largely positive. Here’s some of the feedback that we received by e-mail; “Congratulations to all officers involved in the programme who put your force into an excellent light. It was so refreshing to see, instead of the usual dour, provocative policing seen with other forces, officers who were genuinely compassionate, humorous, proportionate and still highly effective in their duties. What a pity more forces who are clearly intent on the pursuit of a numbers game cannot follow your force’s lead!’’ – JS, South Ayrshire. “I am retired but have been previously involved in Policing in Cheshire and Merseyside areas for over 40 years. I do not often watch Police programmes on the television I always think it shows the police up in a very bad light and officers tend to over react to the presence of cameras. I was drawn tonight with a programme called coppers which involved officers from your force stationed at Pitlochry. I found it amazing, they have got Policing absolutely 100% correct. They all spoke with honesty and the locals quite rightly adored the officers. They were all very professional. This programme obviously gave a good reflection of Tayside Police and must make you very proud to be the Chief Constable. Very well done and I wish your force the very best for the future with difficult times ahead. Don’t change anything at Pitlochry you have it right there.’’ - PH. “Hello I’m Richard I’m 17 from Devon. This isn’t very important but I’ve just watched coppers and I’d like to commend you on your policing how you like to take time to talk to the local residents and try to help people as much as possible. You take a relaxed approach which is good because you don’t come across as stereotypical scary police and you don’t go in all guns blazing like most police. You are very patient. so this is a quick email just to congratulate you on your amazing work.’’ – RH, Devon.
BROOKE’S DREAM Tayside Police officer Barrie Taylor is undertaking a fund raising cycle challenge from Lands End to John O’Groats to raise money in aid of the local charity Brooke’s Dream. Constable Taylor and his friend Alan Taylor will set off from Lands End on Monday, April 2, 2012 and cycle over 1000 miles to John O’Groats, aiming to complete the ride unaided, in 10 days. The inspiration for this cycle challenge is seven-yearold Brooke Ramsay, who is the daughter of a colleague of Constable Taylor. Brooke is a twin who was born three months premature, weighing two pounds, four ounces, she had various complications when born and was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The condition effects her balance and co-ordination, causing her to walk on her tip toes with her feet facing inwards. Brooke has the opportunity of surgery called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy which is now being offered at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol. This surgery would change her life forever, allowing her to walk properly, run and ride a bike, just like her twin sister and friends.
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“Just like to say how much I enjoyed watching the Pitlochry officers on telly last night. Policing at its best. The community having respect for the police and the police having respect for their community. Just wish policing was like this everywhere.’’ – KA.
And on Twitter... Corinne Mills - Just watched #coppers - well done & much respect Kirsten Johnson - I think Tayside’s police men and women proved themselves a shining example on #coppers tonight. Iain Davidson - Brilliant #coppers tonight, good 2 see things from the perspective of #taysidepolice rather than the wrong side of the law. #newfoundrespect Paul Reid - Just watched #coppers@TaysidePolice really enjoyed it, They have a tough job with some sections of society these days #greatwatch Rhona - Well done #taysidepolice Good account of yourselves tonight ladies and gents #coppers Ollie - Really enjoyed this weeks Coppers...easily the best one. Balanced and honest opinions Protect Our Police - Just viewed #Coppers Probably the most professional one so far. Well done a credit to your force. Jen - @TaysidePolice sometimes we don’t realise what you have to put up with. the officers were great. laura - Enjoying #Coppers tonight on C4 with @TaysidePolice’s new recruits. Well done guys! Lynne Rankin - Watching Tayside Police newest recruits on #Coppers They have to deal with some colourful characters!!!! Tracey Mcqueenie - Watching tayside police, they have a good sense o humour, they are dealing wi some crackers!! - #Coppers Barry Strachan - Tayside police on #coppers brilliant! Medeia - lovin #coppers tonight. They’re all so geniune. It’s a good perspective. George Allan - #Coppers is quality tonight, actually makes me really want to be a policeman Jane Bradley - “I never want to get to the point in my career where I think I can’t change people.” - brilliant police officer on #coppers Chris Bradshaw - #Coppers Extraordinary! Big respect to them all. AJ Jenkins - Great to see the new @taysidepolice recruits on #Coppers so enthusiastic and keen to make a difference. ACC Garry Shewan - Enjoyed #coppers tonight watching the interviews with probationers coming to terms with the reality of #whatarepoliceforr and with discretion Caroline Flint - Just caught episode of @channel4 Coppers. @ TaysidePolice showed how tough, sad + frustrating it is policing drug offenders.
The current costs are in the region of £24,000 for the surgery and immediate after care which may have to be privately funded. Brooke would also require specialised equipment and further intensive physiotherapy for possibly a further three years, with this being estimated at a cost £15,000 per year. Constable Taylor said, ‘‘Alan, who I have known since we started secondary school, is a keen cyclist and has already cycled from John O’Groats to Lands End during the summer of 2010 where he took in the sights of what our country has to offer. Alan was keen to cycle this road again, and during a fund raising quiz night in aid of Brooke’s Dream, Alan turned to me and suggested we do a fund raising cycle ride for Brooke. I thought this was a great idea as I too enjoy the odd cycle. I initially suggested we cycle from the west coast of Scotland to the east, however Alan nearly floored me with his next question. ‘’Why don’t we cycle from Lands End to John O’Groats? he says. ‘’After realising he was being serious, and after many days of contemplating the idea, I phoned Alan up and took him up on his offer. So on Monday 2nd April we will set off from Lands End hoping to
complete the journey of about 1000 miles unaided in 10 days. ‘’This is a great cause for a local girl and any donation will be greatly appreciated.’’ Anyone wishing to donate can do so by emailing Constable Taylor at Arbroath Police Station or alternatively completing the sponsor form at their police station. You can also follow Brooke’s progress on Facebook at www.facebook.com/brookesdream
MAR:2012 | COPPERPLATE | P03
FIRST CONTACT MATTERS First contact is the critical initial exchange between members of the public reporting incidents and force personnel. It is a task which, if carried out effectively, allows for the early identification of issues, risks and vulnerabilities and ensures that the police assessment and response is appropriate from the start. Members of the public contact us in a variety of ways to report incidents by attending at stations, speaking to police officers on the beat, via the internet and, most commonly, through telephone contact. In 2010, Tayside Police received 246,703 calls from the public using the non emergency line and 46,007 999 calls. It is clear from the consistently high levels of satisfaction reported from the public, that the vast majority of these contacts are dealt with well. However, there is always room for improvement. A review into the Cumbria shootings by Derek Bird in 2010 identified first contact issues. As a result of weak questioning of an initial caller, it was wrongly believed that an air rifle was involved and unarmed officers were tasked with investigating. In a later call, as a result of the same issue, the wrong description of Bird’s vehicle was circulated. This failure to identify the true level of threat involved in a report from the public or inaccurate information being captured is a frequent occurrence throughout the police service and results from a combination of the sheer volume of contact from the public and an over-reliance on servicing the police processes involved. Over the last six months first contact has been raised with supervisors across the force to increase awareness and work has commenced to develop more effective training and guidance for staff dealing with the challenge of First Contact.
MAKING BEST USE OF PND? Following its long awaited arrival in Scotland, the Police National Database (PND) finally became available for use by the Force in September last year, aiming to deliver benefits to public protection and policing in three key areas; • Protecting children & vulnerable people • Reducing the risk of terrorist activities • Preventing major, serious & organised crime The system gives the Force direct access to information held by English and Welsh police forces, PSNI, BTP and CNC. The system has been designed to deliver the primary recommendations of Lord Bichard’s inquiry into the murders of schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman that occurred in Soham in 2002. What is the PND? For officers and staff who have yet to make use the system or undertake the E-Learning package that can be accessed on the Force Intranet, PND is a national information system that; • Allows police forces direct and immediate access to information held by other forces on their local systems, • Allows users to search on people, objects, locations, events and suggest links and associations between this data. • Removes geographical and jurisdictional boundaries and increases the likelihood of forces detecting cross border crime. PND is one of the most important developments in national policing in recent history. For many years the police service has acknowledged that it needs to share information and intelligence through one system. With PND, this milestone has been reached. How can you find out more about the system and how to access it? A short E-Learning package is available for all staff to access on the Force Intranet. Taking
approximately five minutes to complete, the E Learning package gives a brief overview of PND and outlines how police officers and staff, who do not have direct access to the system, can request a PND search. Due to the system being confidential, PND terminals have had to be restricted to a very limited number of locations within Crime Intelligence Division and the FCC. Where officers and staff believe that information may be held by another force or agency a search can be requested by following the procedure detailed within the E-Learning Package or PND Policy & guidance documents held on the Force Intranet. What Now? If you think that there may be information or intelligence held by another force use PND - it doesn’t cost the force anything. Be specific regarding the type of information you are looking for. This will help the person carrying out the search on your behalf as searches can take a significant time to complete and being specific will cut this down. Only use the FCC for carrying out a check if it is urgent and you are unable to contact FIB. If the search isn’t urgent complete a search request form and submit as per the guidance. Future Plans A second release of PND is planned to be with us prior to the London Olympics. This new release promises increased functionality which will hopefully see processing times reduced when carrying out searches. REMEMBER, if you think that information relevant to your enquiry may be held by another force in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, request a PND search to be carried out on your behalf. It costs nothing and you never know, the search may uncover something crucial to your enquiry that you wouldn’t have known otherwise.
WALKING THE WEST HIGHLAND WAY
A Tayside Police officer will walk 96 miles along the West Highland Way in a bid to raise funds for the Dystonia Society. Constable Paul Phillips, who is based at Downfield Police Station, was diagnosed with cervical dystonia in 2007. On 26 April he will set off with four friends on a six day adventure that will see them test their endurance skills whilst at the same time taking in some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery. Dystonias are a group of neurological movement disorders, causing involuntary muscle contractions. Cervical dystonia is a focal dystonia which affects the nerves supplying the neck and shoulder muscles. Paul said, ‘‘I was diagnosed in 2007 and to be fair it’s the pits!! It’s life changing in many ways. However, with the help of the Dystonia Society, I found comfort and reassurance, through volunteers for the charity that helped me come to terms with the disorder and help me realise my life still had meaning, and that I could win this battle. “Those of you who know me will be aware that it’s taken a long time for me to find my feet but I got there eventually, through the love and support of family, friends, work colleagues and the medical staff at Ninewells Hospital. ‘‘I would love to help those who are affected by this scary, challenging and life changing condition so decided to do a sponsored walk. It’s a great cause and I’m hoping my friends and colleagues will help by sponsoring me. ‘‘I’m hoping to raise £1000 so if you can help please do and sponsor me whatever you’re able to give.’’ To sponsor Paul please visit his Just Giving Charity page here; http://www.justgiving.com/Paul-Phillips6
www.tayside.police.uk
P04 | COPPERPLATE | MAR:2012
TAYSIDE POLICE EQUALITY OUTCOME OBJECTIVES
GOING THE EXTRA MILE COMMANDO 999
BY NASREEN MOHAMMED
A Grampian Police Constable will undertake a mammoth motorbike ride to raise funds for the Royal Marine Charitable Trust. Commando 999 through the RMA is proud to raise funds for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund that looks after the morale of the Corps Family from cradle to grave. The fund is now reduced to £500,000 due to the much higher than average spending in support of all Royal Marines (and their families) whatever the need. The RM Charitable Trust Fund provides and maintains the efficiency and esprit de corps of the Royal Marines. The Fund provides morale boosting activities in order to increase the likelihood of survival in theatre for the Royal Marines and to sustain a quality family life. Inevitably much is used in support of the many bereaved families and over 150 physically wounded Royal Marines. Constable Mark Robinson will set off from Grampian Police Headquarters in Aberdeen on 17 April and will undertake to visit the Headquarters of every police force in the United Kingdom in a solo 10 day challenge – a distance of some 3300 miles. The ride will end at Scotland Yard in London, home of the Metropolitan Police, where he will be met by Lorraine Kelly, ambassador to the charity, and representatives from Commando 999. Kawasaki have kindly donated a police marked motorcycle for the event. Further information about the challenge is available on the Commando 999 Facebook page. To make a donation for this extremely worthwhile case please visit bmycharity.com/ GOINGTHEEXTRAMILE2012.
Force leadership commitment to equality and human rights: The Equality and Diversity portfolio for external service delivery sits with the Deputy Chief Constable; for internal employment/staff issues it sits with the Director of Corporate Services; clear evidence of the Force Executive’s commitment to advancing equality and human rights for service users and staff. However, responsibility for achieving the equality outcomes set out in this action plan lies with everyone, from the highest ranks to front line staff, working in partnership with communities, where possible, to advance equality and human rights for all. Public sector equality duty: Three main aims; the Force must in delivering its functions have due regard to the need to: • Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation • Advance equality of opportunity • Foster good relations between different groups Protected characteristics: age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership (employment only); pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; and sexual orientation. Discrimination - The main forms of prohibited conduct under the Equality Act 2010 include: • Direct discrimination: Treating a person worse than someone else because of a protected characteristic. Although in the case of pregnancy and maternity direct discrimination, this can occur if they have protected characteristic without needing to compare treatment to someone else. • Indirect discrimination: Putting in place a rule or way of doing things that has a worse impact on someone with a protected characteristic than someone without one, when this cannot be objectively justified. • Discrimination arising from disability: Treating a disabled person unfavourably because of something connected with their disability when this cannot be justified. • Failing to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. Harassment • Unwanted conduct which has the purpose or effect or violating someone’s dignity or which is hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive to someone with a protected characteristic or in a way that is sexual in nature. Victimisation • Treating someone unfavourably because they have taken (or might be taking) action under the Equality Act or supporting somebody who is doing so. Having due regard for advancing equality involves: • Removing or minimising disadvantages suffered by people due to their protected characteristics; • Taking steps to meet people’s different needs; and
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• Encouraging people from protected groups to participate in public life or in other activities where their participation is disproportionately low. Meeting different needs involves taking steps to take account of people’s disabilities, language, communication and cultural/ religious needs etc. Fostering good relations means tackling prejudice and promoting understanding between people from different groups - it may involve treating some people more favourably than others - any actions need to be proportionate to the relevance of the activity/ decision to our Public Sector Duty. Equality outcome objectives: The Equality Outcome Objectives set out in our Equality Action Plan are designed to help Tayside Police meet the three main aims of the Public Sector Equality Duty and to embed a proactive approach that strives to preserve, protect, and, more importantly, promote Human Rights. They recognise that Equality and Human Rights are equally important and inseparable components that are required for fair and equal treatment of individuals in all contexts. The Objectives are based on evidence of need and agreed through involvement of and consultation with members of staff and communities most likely to be affected by the proposed actions. Equality Outcome 1: Equal Access to Tayside Police information, services and public buildings. Relevant Functions / Areas: Corporate Communications – Internal & External; Force. Communication Centre (FCC) and Divisional/Departmental Service Delivery; Buildings - Public Areas and Meeting/ Conference Rooms. Equality Outcome 2: Meaningful Community Engagement. Relevant Functions / Areas: Strategic and Divisional Community Participation and Engagement. Equality Outcome 3: Public Treated with Respect & Dignity. Relevant Function / Area: Professional Standards – Complaints About the Police. Equality Outcome 4: Public Protected from Harm & Served Appropriately. Relevant Functions / Areas: Public Protection - Community Safety and Crime Reduction; Hate Crime; Victim & Witness Support; Gender Based Violence & Elder Abuse; Custody Care. Equality Outcome 5: Equality & Human Rights Mainstreamed into Core Business Areas. Relevant Function / Area: Training related to Equality Duties and various areas of work. Equality Outcome 6: Equality in Employment and Development. Relevant Functions / Areas: Human Resource Services and Staff Development Unit. The detailed Equality Action Plan is available externally on our Website www. tayside.police.uk under About Us/Equality & Diversity, and internally on our Intranet for staff.
THE LITTLE THINGS ‘The Little Things’, the one-woman drama produced and performed by professional actress Naomi Breeze is now touring venues across Dundee. The play has been commissioned by the Protecting People grouping of Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements, Violence Against Women Partnership, Adult Support and Protection and Child Care and Protection. It explores the harm issues that everyone needs to be aware of and starts looking at what people can do when they have concerns. ‘Mary’ is just an ordinary woman getting on with her life. She speaks to an audience and takes them through a journey thinking about some of the issues she’s encountered and what she’s become aware of – that sometimes it’s the little things that really matter. Performances still to take place in the present run are; 15 March 2012, 2pm, Douglas Community Centre, Balmoral Avenue 15 March 2012, 7pm, The Little Theatre, Victoria Road 16 March 2012, 2pm, Lochee Parish Church, High Street, Lochee 16 March 2012, 7pm, Whitfield Community Centre, Whitfield Drive 30 March 2012, 1pm, Ardler Complex, Turnberry Avenue This is a brilliant professional and personal development opportunity for all Tayside Police officers and staff. Admission is free and it is a case of turn up on the day.
f aff ns ers of police staff, your opinio h mb me or cer offi ice pol wit you m fro r hea like to count. That is why we would s that you would like to tion ges sug or , ws vie s, new any see published in Copperplate. get in touch with Sarah If you have a story idea please mmunications Co d an Craig, Digital Media e-mail at; sarah.craig@ Manager on Ext: 6730 or tayside.pnn.police.uk of the Force news on; Remember you can follow all Police Facebook.com/Tayside lice Twitter @TaysidePo police youtube.com/tayside DESIGNED & PRODUCED BY:
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