Brief November 2016

Immigration Officers

Qatari cadets

Athlete’s Parade

How they’re collaborating with custody & neighbourhoods

Helping train officers for the 2022 World Cup

Celebrating our Olympic & Paralympic heroes

Columns

Recognising our Stars IT was great to be able to recognise the STARS among us at the recent awards ceremony.

There is great work taking place every day that often goes unnoticed other than to those people that we are supporting.

The chance to celebrate those people that have gone the extra mile and whose

efforts have been noticed by colleagues is something to shout about.

You can find full details of the STARS awards winners in this edition of Brief.

Highlighting great work isn’t something that only happens once a year. We are doing it all year round publicising those who receive commendations, bring investigations to a positive conclusion and those who help and support communities. These are the headlines that we all want to read in the newspapers or see on television news.

Unfortunately, we know that bad news attracts a lot more attention. When an individual’s standards fall below those expected they let all of us down. We know that the public expect the highest standards from us, and getting things right is important.

Sitting Right With You ACROSS GMP you have been working tirelessly to tackle the issue of domestic abuse. In the last year the service dealt with 17,426 incidents of this type of crime.

Last month’s week of action, Operation Scratch, saw more than 700 people arrested on

2

charges of domestic abuse.

But so many still suffer in silence.

Last week as part of an initiative led by my office, councils, police, charities, health organisations and communities joined forces to encourage local people to get comfortable talking about domestic abuse.

The Sitting Right With You campaign is a different approach to raising awareness of this issue. The bright yellow sofa and approachable messaging is designed to challenge perceptions, remove stigma and get people to think differently about what domestic abuse is and what makes a healthy relationship.

In the coming months you will see more about the standards that are expected and how you need to meet them.

This has already started with the push to raise the bar on data quality.

If we improve the quality of the data we have available then we can ultimately help more victims and ensure more criminals are prosecuted. That has to be something that we all want to see happen.

In the recent ‘Ask the Chief’ session, it was encouraging to see so many of you participating.

While concerns are still there around resourcing and the government cuts, the work we’re doing to become Fit for the Future should see improvements in these areas and across the Force.

Ian Hopkins, Chief Constable, QPM

We want to make people feel comfortable talking about domestic abuse.

It can happen to anyone at any time in their life.

Breaking down the stigma surrounding domestic abuse is vital if more people are to seek help, whether through police, support services, or friends and family.

The yellow sofa is already having an impact and will be travelling around Greater Manchester over the next few weeks. Visit www.sittingrightwithyou.co.uk to find out more.

Tony Lloyd, Police & Crime Commissioner

19 Adverts & Obituaries 20 Caption competition & What’s on

4 Around the World Managing sex offenders

5 News in Brief

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

Supporting families of homicide

21 Letters of Appreciation

6 & 7 Force round up 8 What’s trending?

9 Preventing terrorism

Members of the public thank officers and staff for their work

22 Affected by someone’s drinking?

Raising awareness of hate crime

17 Raising the bar—case study Children’s charity, Embrace—case study

18 Olympic Parade



Barnardo’s, Believe in Children charity



Denise Withey, Immigration Officer



Insp Helen Smith, OLWD



ACC Debbie Ford



Nigel Dunlop, OCB



PC Liz Woodward



Embrace, Child Victim’s of Crime charity



Awards Team

23 Chaplains—here to help Couple say I do to GMP

Be published in Brief

GMP Sport 24 Rugby: Canalisiders take on the Combined Lancs GMP team.

Cycling: Detective rides 1,300 miles over 22 days to raise money for colleague

25 Judo: team bring home the medals.

children at risk of CSE

16 Operational communications Autism awareness

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

Former detective’s TV legacy Page 18 Heroes Parade

Spotlight 10 & 11 STARS Awards 12 Meet the immigration officers 13 Introducing ACC Debbie Ford 14 Qatari officers in training 15 Bardnardo’s—supporting

Contents

GMP Life

News

Page 23 Detective’s cycle ride to raise funds for colleague

Football: GMP thrashes Fire service.

Running: Officer takes on Manchester Half Marathon in latest fundraiser

Editorial team: Alison Etherden, Krystyna Rudzki & Melissa Mead.

Photographers: Chris Oldham and Bill Morris 0161 856 2777 | Picture Desk: Lisa Marks 0161 856 2279 Designed and produced by: Corporate Communications, Force Headquarters, Central Park, M40 5BP Contact numbers: 0161 85 65939 / 2238 / 5938 Email: Brief@gmp.police.uk Brief online: www.gmp.police.uk/Brief

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

Friday 13 January 2017 3

News

Around the world Poland

impact on their growth and development.’

Police did not continue with a criminal investigation. The children were found to be fine.

A SUSPECTED thief was found hiding in a dishwasher by police.

The man was wanted by police over the suspected theft of 15,000 PLN (£3,100) worth of plants.

The police’s knocks on the door went A BUILDER has caused a stir by unanswered. The man had jumped from renovating his home naked. the second floor to a lower floor and was Naturist Rob Jenner, has been found tucked in the dishwasher. arrested twice after his neighbours complained he was causing them distress by doing DIY wearing just a pair of boots.

Rob, a naturist since 1999, said: "Naturism appeals to me due to the sense of freedom and liberation. Also, no one is going to hit someone who is naked."

The DIY project garnered the interest Criminal found hiding in dishwasher of a German film crew who recorded him for the country's version of the One Show.

Rob, who is due to appear in court, A FATHER in Vladivostok, Russia says he might have to knock the has reported his wife for bringing up their naturism on the head. children as vegetarians.

The husband accused his wife of endangering their kids by ‘forcing them’ not to eat meat.

A police spokesperson confirmed the reports ‘the man claimed that his wife, a vegetarian, is forcing their children to give up meat, which is having a negative

England

Eastern Russia

Naturist builder, Rob Jenner

4

Managing sex offenders NEIGHBOURHOOD Beat Officers (NBOs) in Tameside are being trained as offender managers as part of a pilot to manage the growing number of registered sex offenders across the Force.

Force.”

The number of registered sex offenders managed by GMP has grown from around 2700 in 2015 to its current level of around 3200.

For example, SOMU is working more collaboratively with partners such as Survivors Manchester who work with victims to help build a picture of an offender’s behaviour and potential risk.

While the very high and high risk offenders will continue to be monitored by the Sex Offender Management Unit (SOMU) based at Nexus House, the pilot will see Tameside division taking on the medium and low risk sex offenders.

Detective Chief Inspector Deborah Oakes from SOMU said: “Over the last 12-18 months the number of registered sex offenders on our books has grown so we need to find a different way of managing them to ensure we can focus on the most serious offenders.

The pilot is part of a whole raft of work that is taking place to improve the approach to managing sex offenders and to get early interventions to stop reoffending.

The team is also exploring a range of techniques to monitor the Force’s most serious offenders.

These include: 

Digital monitoring - which creates an alert when a known sex offender accesses something on their computer which is contrary to their licence



Tagging of offenders - so if they go into an exclusion zone the authorities can be alerted

 Polygraph - a lie detector - to “While the ultimate goal is for challenge and inform risk divisional offender managers and NBOs assessments of individuals. to manage the medium and low risk cases we have to consider the current Deborah added: “All of this means workload of neighbourhood teams and we can take more of a preventative that’s what this pilot is about. approach to the growing number of sex “It’s about testing out what works offenders that we’re managing so we and what doesn’t work so we can move can protect our communities.” towards a long term solution across the

BURY Division has launched ‘Operation Lifesaver’ in response to an emerging issue of rising suicides in Greater Manchester. The operation aims to increase police referrals to the Bury Samaritans who are a valuable source of help for those who are experiencing a personal crisis or feelings of suicide.

Police officers often come into contact with those who may be experiencing emotional distress during the course of their duties and so the scheme is being promoted amongst officers who can make a referral on behalf of vulnerable individuals. It is one step further than simply verbally signposting them to the service. Detective Inspector Natalie Dalby said: ”This is a really worthwhile project – if officers take the extra step of actively picking up the phone and making that call for someone in need, they may just save their life.” The Samaritans can offer a listening ear; time and space to talk in confidence and they are available 24/7.

POLICE in Greater Manchester are appealing for girlfriends, sisters and mothers of those involved in firearms criminality to come forward as part of a new campaign to tackle gun crime. ‘Girls

against guns’ urges those closest to offenders not to become an accessory to crime and tell police about anyone they know who is in possession of a gun or involved in gang-related activity. The campaign is being supported by Pat Erdmann, the mother of Lee Erdmann who was gunned down in the Wellington pub on Regent Road, Ordsall on Saturday September 10, 2011. His killer has not

yet been caught. Gun crime has fallen by a quarter in Greater Manchester during the last year and police attribute this reduction to the work they’ve done with the community and partner organisations as part of Operation Challenger to bring offenders to justice and raise awareness of firearm criminality.

LAST month detectives from across the Force met at Nexus House for a day of learning about how to support families of homicide victims.

The sessions, led by DCI Sarah Jones from the Major Incident Team, saw officers from the Serious Crime Division (SCD), North West Counter Terrorism Unit and each local Borough attend.

The aim of the sessions was to help officers improve their skills at dealing with the loved ones of murder victims.

This was done by not only offering advice on best practise but also providing positive feedback on previous experiences that families had of police interaction.

The decision to hold the training sessions came as a result of some organisational learning following the fatal stabbing of Rhyan Wilson in Urmston in August 2014.

Following Rhyan’s death there were a number of issues which were raised by his grieving family and all those in attendance at Nexus House watched a video of his mother speaking powerfully of her experiences with police in the aftermath of her son’s murder.

In addition to the video, officers also heard anonymous feedback from other

News

Homicide: supporting families families on their experience with police.

This largely positive feedback came from research carried out by SCD alongside Manchester Metropolitan University, who paid visits to a number of families who had agreed to take part.

Police officers face a wide range of challenging situations on a daily basis and many will agree that delivering the news to loved ones that somebody close to them has been killed ranks highly on that list.

There isn’t a standard response one should expect when delivering this news and the sessions gave a useful insight into how it feels to be told such horrific information and how important the initial contact from police is.

Moving forward the sessions will undoubtedly provide a strong foundation to improving the way we support families of victims and ensuring that they receive the best possible service from GMP.

Detectives heard from families of homicide victims at a recent training session

5

Divisional News

Force Roundup Wigan A WOMAN was found deceased in Platt Bridge with multiple injuries that had been inflicted over time. The Major Incident Support Unit worked alongside staff from the Wigan Division to piece together evidence that showed the catalogue of abuse she had suffered at the hands of her partner and her partner’s mother.

They were charged with murder and an assault on her previous partner. Supporting the divisional staff was the MIT, Local Authority partners, voluntary groups, Public Protection Division, Crown Prosecution Service and the community who provided over 90 statements.

The investigation is an excellent example of the collective desire to work together for justice.

Rochdale ROCHDALE police held a Charity Ball in aid of the Key 103 Cash for Kids charity at the Norton Grange Hotel & Spa on Friday 14 October.

Over 120 people attended the event including police officers and staff, and partners from Rochdale Council, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing and Victim

6

Tameside

City of Manchester

A COMMUNITY event in Hyde was organised

by GMP, Tameside Council and Housing providers. As well as a scarecrow competition the day had lots of activities and entertainment.

The integrated neighbourhood services from police, council and housing stood together to show the community they are working in Tameside as one team under the banner ‘we stand together’.

THE Pride of Gorton Awards ceremony was held for the third successive year on Sunday 9 October 2016 at the prestigious Gorton Monastery.

Lord Mayor of Manchester presents at The three nominees the Pride of Gorton Awards for each category were invited with a guest and the nominator to a sit down meal where their fantastic work was recognised.

The awards were presented by Chief Inspector Ruffle, the Lord Mayor of Manchester- Councillor Carl AustinBehan, and former DCI Alan Donohue who currently runs Safe Ambition.

GMP has worked with the local community to significantly disrupt criminal activity in Gorton, resulting in numerous cash seizures under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Some of the money taken from criminals has been used for The Pride of Gorton Awards along with sponsorship from local businesses, so that local residents and community groups can be recognised for the huge difference they make to their local area.

Stockport REPRESENTATIVES from the police, fire and ambulance services held an event in October to raise safety awareness in the local community.

A number of issues were covered, including how to correctly handle fireworks and how to keep safe while attending bonfires. The day also provided an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn more about the individual roles that the emergency services play in keeping our communities safe. In the build up to the day itself, local schools were invited to design a community safety poster aimed at deterring crime and antisocial behaviour in local parks.

Support. Raffle prizes donated by various businesses were raffled on the night with over £2,500 raised.

Police Sergeant Valerie Lamb who helped organise the event said: “Every Christmas Greater Manchester Police donate toys and gifts for the Mission for Christmas appeal and this year Rochdale police wanted to kick start the appeal by holding this event to raise funds. I am overwhelmed with people’s generosity and the evening was a resounding success.”

Officers and staff enjoy the charity ball in aid of Cash for Kids

ON 12 October the Trafford division held a successful traffic operation.

Working together with the Road Policing Unit and Driver Vehicle Standards Agency, the Trafford North Local Neighbourhood Team found vehicles that weren’t road worthy or failed acceptable driving standards.

It was a collective effort that brought together local partner agencies to spot offences being committed on the road.

Overall, 13 Driver Vehicle Standards Agency seizures or prohibitions were issued, there was 12 fixed penalty notices, two section 165 vehicle seizures and one summons.

Bury

Children in Ramsbottom took part in ‘Actions Have Consequences’ workshops

A SERIES of ‘Actions Have Consequences’ workshops have taken place to inform pupils about the impact their actions have.

Salford

Oldham

AS part of GMP’s Hate Crime Awareness Week, officers from Salford gave an interactive talk at St George’s Resource Centre Local people in Salford attended a talk to about recognise Hate Crime recognising and reporting Hate Crime.

The local neighbourhood team returned with a police vehicle to show people attending the talks.

Both events worked really well to raise awareness about Hate Crime .

STAFF at Oldham have recently attended presentations on diabetes awareness, given by Barry Cassidy who has the illness himself and runs a diabetes support group.

The workshops, which ran across Ramsbottom, highlight the negative outcomes of children’s misbehaviour, covering nuisance 999 calls, bullying, antisocial behaviour, stranger danger and internet safety.

PC Adele Schofield, the Bury Police co-ordinator on the workshop programme, said: “I hope pupils went home with a better understanding of the Police and the Prison Service, and that the workshop helps them make the right choices.”

Every pupil was given a booklet, to help teachers engage with students about what they have learnt.

Four children won a £25 toyshop voucher and every school was given the chance to win ‘The Community Team’ plaque, which can be awarded to a student who has engaged positively within their local community.

Divisional News

Trafford

Central Neighbourhood Beat Officer (NBO) sergeant Carl Rimmer was contacted by Barry, who offered to deliver sessions for the team that would raise awareness about diabetes when dealing with the public and also their colleagues.

The sessions informed staff about the symptoms to look out for, as well as explaining how the condition can be misinterpreted as drunk or aggressive behaviour.

Staff have asked Barry to attend local community meetings and share his insight with them.

Keen to raise awareness within GMP, Barry has already delivered this presentation to a number of divisions and custody teams and is looking to do more sessions.

Bolton FOLLOWING the issue of a warrant, a cannabis farm containing 18 plants valued at around £10,000 was recovered.

When they forced a safe open, it contained around 1kg of heroin worth around £100,000 as well as £50,000’s worth of crack cocaine.

A void in the fireplace revealed an Uzi type machine gun, with a loaded magazine and bullets.

7

What’s Trending?

One of GMP’s most successful tweets ever was the teaser for the #GirlsAgainstGuns campaign on October 5. It was retweeted 917 times and liked 1,293 times and sparked a lively debate.

@DJSeancurtisJNR Thanks to @gmpolice @gmpmoston traffic officer who looked after us after our RTA this afternoon

@People4Thought Thank you to @gmpolice for the work you do in Manchester to keep the streets safe #OneForceOneFamily @3rdTraffordBB Thanks @gmpolice @GMPStretford for talking to our boys tonight about keeping safe! @McrBattalionBB #staysafe #boysbrigade

@sharonlouise79 @gmpolice I would like to thank the driver who made my little boy with autism day today when he waved @johnbenner3 As a Yorkshire man I back at him and put his lights on hate to say this but #Manchester @cassandra2020 So impressed with #GBHeroesMCR you did the north @gmpolice response following an proud @BBCNews and @gmpolice intruder attempt at my Dad’s. He’s @goodthatgav Thanks to @gmpolice, much reassured now. Thank you Egertons Recovery and the @TheAA_UK @ChrisGillibran1 Cred to the for getting me out of an awkward spot on @GMPCityCentre and @gmpolice #SO6 the M60 yesterday after breaking down team and PCSOs for their smooth and

The Force took part in Hack Manchester, a 24hour coding competition, in late October, with young and adult participants given data relating to homeless people and asked to see what creative solutions may be developed. Solly Solomou, co-founder and CEO of TheLADbible Group which sponsored the challenge said: “At TheLADbible we’re passionate about supporting our community and have a strong belief that we can solve real issues through technology, innovation and social media. We're really proud to sponsor HackManchester and the GMP challenge.

“It takes one idea to change the world and we can't wait to see the results!"

8

successful detainment of a inebrieated male #thinblueline

GMP Trafford South had one of it’s most successful Facebook posts on October 25 with a story of an act of kindness. An 87-year-old woman witnessed her bike being stolen from outside her home. Her story appeared in the local paper and a member of the community, who wished to remain anonymous, bought the woman a new bike and asked local officers to deliver it to her.

38,923 people reached 489 likes | 5,099 post clicks

POLICE volunteers were brought up to speed with the new threats that the counter terrorism network is currently tackling in a recent session held by the CTU Prevent team.

The Prevent team – whose aim is to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism – relies upon a cadre of police family volunteers to be the eyes and ears in their respective communities.

In September, more than 70 police officers, staff, PCSOs and partner agency volunteers attended the session, which covered a multitude of topics and gave some fascinating insight into the ever-changing threat our communities face.

Attendees were given an overview of the current national threat picture, and what that means for the NWCTU, GMP and the public of Greater Manchester as well as the emerging threat posed by far right groups such as National Action (NA), and the emergence of Polish hooliganism in Britain.

The Prevent SPOCs were then treated to some more practical briefings including an officer’s first-hand experience of an Irish Republican bomb plot and what to look for in a bomb scene after a device has been detonated and a case study of a disrupted Nazi bomb plot, which resulted in a 10-year sentence for a 42year-old man from Liverpool who had planned to blow up Mosques in the Merseyside area.

The day was rounded off when they discussed the complexities of safeguarding someone at risk of radicalisation, vital information for any Prevent volunteer who may come across such vulnerable people in their day-to-day lives.

Police volunteers learned about new threats faced by the counter terrorism network

Drawing a line through hate crime GREATER Manchester Police joined the rest of the country in standing up to hatred and discrimination by joining in with National Hate Crime Awareness Week again this year.

Held every year, the national week sees organisations and police forces across the country letting people know what hate crime is and how they can report it – whether it’s to the police or to an organisation trained to support victims.

GMP works with Manchester City Council to deliver a Greater Manchester Hate Crime Awareness Week every February but from October 10 – 16 the whole country stands up to hatred around the nationally recognised characteristics – race, religion, sexual orientation, transsexuality and disability.

Dozens of groups across Greater Manchester held events throughout the week to help their communities to understand the issue including an

News

Preventing Terrorism

awareness event in Manchester city centre on Sunday 9 October, events in schools around Harpurhey and Moston and a rugby match between GMP’s rugby team and the Canalsiders (see page 24 for more).

Chief Superintendent Wasim Chaudhry headed up the week for GMP saying: “We work hard all year round to raise awareness of hate crime, bring offenders to justice and support victims after these extremely personal attacks happen.

“This awareness week helps us reinforce our commitment to ensuring people can celebrate their differences here in Manchester – we’re proud of our multicultural and diverse communities and we will absolutely not tolerate anyone who threatens this.”

Over the last year, 5000 hate crimes or incidents were reported to GMP, most of which happen as people are going about their daily lives.

9

Spotlight

THE first Chief Constable’s STARS award ceremony took place at the Imperial War Museum on Friday 14 October, to celebrate the outstanding work by officers, staff and volunteers daily across the Force.

Guests were welcomed to the venue by officers and horses from the Mounted Unit who made a special appearance.

The master of ceremonies for the evening, Jennie McAlpine, also known as Fiz from Coronation Street, kept everyone entertained whilst

Carole Clarke

Service by Police Staff Carole Clarke works in the Central Ticket Office and is an expert in her field of fixed penalties. The team recently moved from Piccadilly to Hyde Police Station and Carole worked tirelessly to ensure the move went to plan. Carole said: “ I thoroughly enjoyed the whole evening and having listened to and helped celebrate the amazing work and commitment made by GMP officers and staff that we know goes on every day, I feel honoured and proud to have received the award for Service by Police Staff.”

10

announcing each of the STARS categories and all of the nominees.

The awards were divided up in to five sections; Safety, Teamwork, Action, Respect and Service with numerous categories in each including separate awards for Innovation, First Aid and Bravery amongst others.

During the evening a prize raffle was held to raise money for local charity Moodswings, a charity supported by Jennie that helps people recovering from low moods and severe emotional distress.

Prizes included a match day experience day for two at Hotel Football, Slaters vouchers, a pair of tickets for ‘Breaking Code’ at the Royal Exchange Theatre, a Fragrance basket donated by Boots and a pair of tickets for a Lancashire Cricket Match in 2017.

Thanks to the generosity of the evening’s guests a total of £1571 was raised.

Guests were also treated to music by the GMP band and singers.

Ahmed Farooqi

Karin Mulligan ‘Diversity in Action’ award Karin Mulligan was one of Britain’s most senior black police women who sadly died in 2009. Karin was an exemplary police officer who challenged injustice and discrimination wherever she found it. The award was presented by Karin’s daughter, Claudia Mulligan, to Ahmed Farooqi, who has gone the extra mile to promote community cohesion including establishing a multi-faith council, giving presentations to the Senior Indian Community and encouraging members of the ethnic community to consider careers in the Police.

★

Service by police staff - Carole Clarke from the Central Ticket Office

★

Service by a police officer - Cecelia Oakley from Specialist Operations

★

Service by a GMP volunteer - Gareth Durose, a cadet leader

★

VERA Team (left)

Spotlight

SERVICE ★ Service by a PCSO - John Walker from Tameside Division

Mounted Unit (right)

Special Recognition ‘Above and Beyond’ - Ben Hannan from City of Manchester Division TEAMWORK ★ Teamwork by a neighbourhood team – Prestwich INPT ★

Working as a team— VERA Team from Serious Crime Division ACTION ★ Best practice and innovation - Jay Janga from Serious Crime Division ★

Investigative Excellence -Lee Westhead & Henry Blackshaw from Specialist Operations RESPECT ★ Awareness and support - Joanne Messenger from Trafford Division ★

Karen Mulligan Diversity in Action - Ahmed Farooqi from City of Manchester Division SAFETY ★ First Aid—Chris Tomlinson & Kimberley Lester from City of Manchester Division

Cecelia Oakley (right) Prestwich INPT (left) Joanne Messenger (below)

★

Keeping people safe - Graham Holland & Mark Smith from Counter Terrorism Unit

★

Bravery - Robert Shakespeare from Stockport Division

★

Special Recognition: Mounted Unit

★

Lifetime Achievement: Susan Harrison

Jay Janga (left) GMP Band (above) 11

Spotlight

Meet the immigration experts

warrants, licensing visits and so on. rights and we can issue them notice to They supported the operations to assist sort secure accommodation or leave.” with any potential Last year as part of this immigration issues.

Immigration operation the team found officers are now a convicted murderer, a Now, Immigration embedded in Officers are based at serious rapist and several neighbourhood foreign nationals who had Central Park, Bolton, teams across the committed various levels Longsight, Rochdale, Force Oldham, the Town Hall, of criminality – if they are Bury, Trafford and recent convictions and it is Stockport. They also have four Officers deemed necessary for public good then based specifically in the Programme they can be deported back to their Challenger team at Nexus House to home countries. assist with any immigration issues when it comes to organised crime, including International intelligence human trafficking, sham marriages and They also have access to vast modern day slavery. amounts of intelligence – for example

IMMIGRATION Officers were first embedded into three custody suites back in Operation Change 2013 for an initial three month trial. Now there are around ten Immigration Officers One of the main operations Denise based within GMP teams across Greater Manchester. Brief speaks to Immigration works on is Operation Change – which Officer Denise Withey (pictured above) who is based in the neighbourhood team focusses on rough sleepers and at Central Park. beggars in the city centre. While IN 2012/13 Immigration Enforcement up at the daily brief. Immigration immigration powers are the last resort, if looked at GMP’s the people who were Enforcement looked into him and rough sleepers and beggars refuse coming into custody. They found 10% of discovered he was Finnish – despite assistance from the council then using people who were going into custody – claiming, and being accepted, as British immigration laws is an option. “There around 7,500 people – were foreign the whole time he was locked up. Our are a lot of eastern Europeans – national offenders, but only 2,000 of powers meant we could then have the particularly Romanians – who are those were referred for immigration man deported back to Finland.” sleeping rough in the city centre,” says checks. It’s this gap that sparked the Immigration powers have grown and Denise, “immigration laws give us the trial that would see Immigration Officers they can be a potential solution when it powers to remove both EU and non-EU embedded within GMP custodies. comes to foreign national offenders who nationals. Part of the EU regulations Denise says: “Up until that point, a are committing crimes, says Denise. means that while there is free person’s nationality was just accepted Following the trial, the role of the movement within the EU, those people as given. We had one case where a Immigration Officers grew and they must be ‘economically active’ whether prolific robber and burglar, who was due started working proactively with that be working or seeking work. If they to be released from prison, was brought neighbourhood teams who were doing are sleeping rough it is an abuse of

12

they can assist with international checks through the Association of Chief Police Criminal Records Office (ACRO). It is an agreement between 29 countries to share PNC information and convictions.

It was set up when police were heavily criticised for not doing background checks after a girl was murdered by a Latvian man who was already wanted by the authorities in his own country.

There is a whole array of different examples where the Immigration Officers have been able to disrupt criminals and safeguard victims but the message is clear: “Use us more”, says Denise. “We’re here to assist you and reduce the harm caused by foreign national offenders.”

For more information, please email manchesterjwt@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

GREATER Manchester Police has Back then, women were issued welcomed a new Assistant Chief with skirts and handbags, not the best Constable. gear for scaling a 5ft fence while chasing a burglar. Needless to say, Debbie Ford was successful after Debbie had a close shave with a train a rigorous selection process and on the East Coast mainline, having started in June this year. got stuck on a fence.

Debbie was born into policing, Her first day on ‘independent following in her Dad’s footsteps patrol’ she came across an armed joining Northumbria Police in 1993. robbery. Thankfully, the robber got As a child, she was inspired by her more of a shock than Debbie, turned Dad’s tales of car chases and armed and ran, unfortunately for him right robbers and more into the path of a than a little annoyed “We have a real at his ‘Life on Mars’ opportunity to continue passing bus. view that policing and develop the excellent He was unharmed, apart from the dent was a job for the work we do around in his ego, and boys. Seeking the vulnerability, to make Debbie had her first thrill of the chase and places safer to live in, the chance to prove and to make people feel arrest. him wrong, Debbie To Debbie, those safer.” joined and started in formative years on Newcastle’s East the beat were the End. most important and memorable; a great team, loads of laughs and Debbie has always loved the learning the job as a PC on response, challenge that policing brings, even in neighbourhood and as a detective for the early days when one of the many nine years before looking at issues was getting to grips with the promotion. uniform.

Spotlight

Introducing ACC Debbie Ford

Debbie Ford took up the role of Assistant Chief Constable in June this year

This year Debbie joined GMP, not because as some suggest the football is better, but because she was drawn to the challenge of working in a big Metropolitan area.

After four months in the role, Debbie says she has the best ACC job in the country.

She says she gets a real buzz from people working in GMP, a real sense of pride and has praised the fantastic staff she now works with.

When asked what the best thing about her job is she says the people, “I get a real buzz from being around people and being able to make a difference to how well they can do their jobs”.

She adds: “In policing today, we have a real opportunity to continue and develop the excellent work we do around vulnerability, to make places safer to live in, and to make people feel safer especially the most vulnerable.

“We need to re-focus on what’s important in policing and re-engage with the public and, for me; this is one of the biggest challenges.

“I want to be part of getting back to the basics of policing; serving the public and doing it the best we can.

“I want the public to have confidence in the police that when they need us most, we turn up and we do everything we can to help.”

13

Spotlight 14

Ready for kick off in 2022 GMP has been working with the cup comes around so we have a real Ministry of Interior for Qatar – who opportunity here to help shape the oversee all security forces in the policing of the future in Qatar and be country – for some time now. For the part of a cultural shift that will inevitably last three years the military police have come with it.” been visiting Sedgley Park for Things are already changing classroom training, but this summer according to Helen. After spending six saw the biggest event yet – the summer weeks learning English at MMU the practical. Eighty cadets aged between students went back to their own college 19 and 21 spent six weeks with GMP wanting to be taught differently, wanting shadowing officers as part of their four- to be taught like they were when they year degree course. were in England.

The first summer of the course was The cultural differences are spent with Manchester Metropolitan significant. As a dry country, Qatar University (MMU) learning English. This doesn’t deal with the same sorts of year, they spent the summer with our crime. “It’s a peaceful place. They don’t own neighbourhood police and beat have antisocial behaviour. Being here officers learning about the British was their first experience of alcoholpolicing model. fuelled night life,” says Helen. And with As part of the six week course they ‘fan zones’ being set up for the World attended at least one football match – to Cup where alcohol will be served it’s see the three something they need phases of the “This isn’t about football. It’s to be prepared for. policing operation The main challenges about values, ethics, and and silver control for GMP were the communication.“ – but Inspector language – while Helen Smith who is leading the they have had English lessons, the programme is quick to correct me: “This ability of the students varied vastly – isn’t about football. It’s about values, and also resourcing. Team leaders ethics, and communication. These across the Force would collect the young student officers are future students from the halls of residences commanders, they are the people who and take them to their designated will be Inspectors by the time the world division where they were buddied up

FIFA World Cup, 2022, Qatar – it feels like a long way off but planning for the international football event has been ongoing for some time, not only building the football stadiums themselves but the whole infrastructure that is required to support the influx of football fans, including the policing operation.

Qatari cadets spent six weeks shadowing officers over the summer

with a mentor. While over 100 mentors were identified prior to the programme starting, there were times when a mentor was not available and so some of the students went along in twos rather than one on one.

Overall it’s been a positive experience – both from GMP’s point of view and from the student officers from Qatar. Helen says: “The students were very enthusiastic to learn about our culture. They went to the Hilton for a typical English cream tea, went out into the countryside, and went along to the Pride parade.”

Several of the officers received

commendations during their time here, assisting with live situations, from administering first aid and supporting investigations by researching social media sites to chasing down a wanted man and assisting with language barriers with the public.

Helen concludes: “I’d like to thank everyone for their support while the cadets were here. It really has been a positive experience and one we hope to continue in the future.”

A debrief of the programme is due to take place before Chief Officers make a decision about running the programme next year.

Child sexual exploitation: Supporting vulnerable young people

step of the way through police investigations if they have fallen victim to CSE, attending interviews and being there to support them before, during CSE project worker Claire Kenny from Barnardo’s and after the court process, putting additional support measures in place during particularly stressful times.

Education around CSE is a key tool in the fight to tackle this issue and whilst much has been done and awareness has increased significantly in the past few years, often young people may still not realise what is happening to them is exploitation. Claire and her colleagues are also seeing cases become rapidly more complex as significantly more referrals are made as children are increasingly being targeted via the internet and social media.

The work of the Protect team continues to evolve to deal with these and other emerging issues, ensuring that the most vulnerable young people in Manchester can continue to be supported in steering their lives away from troubled paths and those seeking to exploit them, and have their voices heard loud and clear by others.

Spotlight

going on in their life, building positive relationships that aid the development of selfesteem and a sense of selfworth, helping them deal As awareness surrounding child sexual exploitation (CSE) continues to increase over time with the impact of and referrals for children at risk continue to soar, Brief talks to children’s charity trauma and CSE. “We help Barnardo’s to find out how they support these vulnerable young people. young people identify issues – CLAIRE Kenny is a CSE project Claire explains: “We work from the we look at what’s going on at home, worker with children’s charity starting point that most of the young help them get back into school if they’ve Barnardo’s and for the past three years, people have experienced trauma as a not been attending, speak after they’ve has been based within one of the UK’s result of childhood experiences or the been missing or argued with their parent longest established CSE teams – impact of CSE. This trauma can have a or carer, attend meetings with them and Protect - at Greenheys police station huge bearing on a young person’s involve other services where relevant to alongside workers from GMP, assessment of risk and consequently simply help make life better. One of my Children’s Services and Health. increase their vulnerability to CSE. most important roles is meeting with other agencies to advocate on behalf of Claire’s role is to provide intensive “The impact the work of the Protect support to young people assessed as Team can have on these young people that young person, sharing their views and ensuring their voice is heard.” being at high risk of CSE, working with can be, without exaggeration, life a protected case load of up to 10 young changing,” she says. “It’s critical for us Therapeutic work is provided for people at a time, from as young as 11 that no time limit is imposed on how children that have experienced trauma up to 18. long the young person can access our of any kind and significant work services for – it undertaken to help young people often takes time to understand why they feel how they feel, build up a recognising certain behaviours and relationship before supporting them to work through issues. the individual feels “More often than not, young people they can trust us want to lift these barriers that exist in and tell us anything their lives, they just don’t know how to meaningful – and or have anyone to believe in them, then we provide which is where we come in,” Claire long lasting support adds. for as long as they Claire helps to build trusting need us.” relationships not only with Barnardo’s, Claire works but with other agencies too. intensely with each Encouraging these bonds also helps to strengthen a core function of Claire’s Barnardo’s works with vulnerable young people to support and provide child to help stabilise things work – supporting young people every a voice for them

15

Spotlight

The face behind the voice A MEMBER of the public dials 999 and gets through to a friendly voice at the other end of the line. They inform them of a crime and a police officer is on their way. This is the public perception on how it’s done, however there is a lot more to it than that...

FOR many of us, the voice on the end of the phone when we call 101 or 999 is what leaves us with a lasting impression of GMP. THE Operational Communication Room (OCR) at Trafford is filled with specially trained staff members ready to deal with emergency and nonemergency calls.

All 101 calls firstly go through to the Switchboard to establish the root of the problem, these include all non-urgent enquiries such as calls about damage, anti-social behaviour and theft. The Switchboard receives around 3500 calls daily, many of which are dealt with at source.

All 999 calls however go directly through to a call handler. The OCB receives and deals with approximately 3,600 calls each day. 37% of the calls come direct via the 999 line and the remainder come via the switchboard following triage.

It is important to note that not all of the 37% that come direct via 999 are emergencies. An emergency is qualified as a grade 1 and is an immediate threat to life or property. They receive a variety

16

of calls and it is the call handler’s job to take all of the details, transfer onto the system and assess whether an officer needs to attend.

Nigel Dunlop, Call Handling Manager at Trafford OCB comments: “It’s all about asking the right questions and extracting the relevant information. Most of the people we speak to are distressed or in a panic and it’s important to provide reassurance whilst still getting to the root of the problem.

“However it is also vital that you take every piece of information seriously – offenders often call in to admit to a crime they have just committed whilst remaining very cheerful. You just don’t know what you are going to get when you pick up the phone.”

As well as the OCB there are also a number of Local Resolution Officers (LROs). These specially trained staff deal with Grade 4 crimes that don’t need the assistance of an officer. They are dealt with solely over the phone, however part of their role is to investigate past the initial details and decide whether or not the crime needs escalating.

Neurodiversity Representative for GMP. Being diagnosed with a neuro diverse condition herself she is passionate about ending the stigma associated with the conditions. She said: “Many officers have a limited knowledge of neuro diversity and often members of our communities are unable to, or THE National are worried about disclosing Police Autism Association (NPAA) their condition. was launched by PC John Nelson in “If an individual on the spectrum is August 2015 after noticing a gap in in need of help or fall subject to support for officers, who are investigation it is important that themselves or who have family attending officers have some members on the autistic spectrum. awareness. Within the workplace I try The NPAA support UK police to encourage valuing people for their officers and staff who are affected by strengths and support creating a autism spectrum condition (ASC), culture in which everyone can fulfil Asperger syndrome, and other ‘hidden their potential regardless of any conditions’ such as dyspraxia, diagnosed condition.” dyslexia, ADHD and depression either The NPAA also works alongside personally or as carers. the National Disabled Police There are around 700,000 people Association (DPA). Liz Woodward is in the UK living with autism, that’s the chair of GMP’s internal Disability more than 1 in 100 which is why it is Network and share’s the DPA’s goal vital to raise awareness of what of ending all forms of discrimination support is available. towards people with disabilities. She Officers can use the online forums is committed to raising awareness and to discuss a range of topics and many promoting best practices for police officers working with members of the are even using it as a focal point for sharing best practice. Over 25 forces public affected by ASC. now have a NPAA forum For more information visit the representative.

NPAA website National Police Autism Association (NPAA).

PC Liz Woodward is the NPAA

Are you autism aware?

Restoring a family’s trust 11

Change the record: How we nearly lost a repeat offender A MAN who had committed multiple domestic abuse offences was lost between divisions.

When officers attended the scene of a domestic, the male offender was arrested and later NFA’d for this assault.

The police were then called to another assault at this address.

However, the man and woman in question moved house, leaving this division and setting up home in another.

Later down the line, officers were called to a domestic incident between the same couple and did a search on the pair.

Unfortunately, because this man had not been linked to the woman, a new record was created for the man with a separate SRN number that was not associated with his previous domestic offence record.

As a result of this failure to link his domestic offences to the woman he lives with, officers did not know he was wanted.

Similarly, they did not realise that what they had recorded as a low level risk of domestic abuse was actually leaving the woman at high risk because they weren't aware of his previous assault offences.

These records were eventually merged, with all the correct intelligence added from his previous address to make the police aware if any further domestic incidents arise.

We need to make sure in any case, but especially in domestic abuse incidents, that the correct information is attached to both the victim and the offender to spot any patterns and identify those that are most at risk.

This example is one of many where the way we’ve processed a crime hasn’t been up to standard.

Highlighting these is part of the wider campaign ongoing to raise the bar in everything we do across the Force.

Even if you’re confident you’re recording crime correctly, refresh yourself here.

EMBRACE helps families who have suffered from a crime to mend their hearts, minds and home. Here a mother tells her story.

WHEN my daughter was the victim of sexual abuse, it had a devastating impact on our whole family and changed our lives forever.

My little girl went from a carefree three-year-old to being frightened by everything, struggling with countless nightmares and unable to leave my side.

While my sons became withdrawn and distrustful, my husband struggled to come to terms with what had happened and threw himself into work.

After watching the defendant be sentenced for eight years imprisonment, I thought life would become easier.

Unfortunately, my eldest son’s behaviour spiraled as he struggled to concentrate at school and lost interest in things he’d always enjoyed.

Our 10-year-old became angry at the world, while I withdrew into the comfort of home as depression took hold.

One call changed everything. Lisa Bailey who had dealt with our case told me our family was going to Disneyland.

It was incredible, my children had

their mum back and my husband had his wife again. My boys were free and by the end of the trip, my anxious little girl had found her voice and her trust.

Watching her feel safe and happy making friends was an achievement that gave us the push we needed to enjoy life again. The activities restored my boys’ confidence because they had to put their trust in other people for it to work.

Now we’re back, it’s not the rides that my children remember, but the fact it gave us back our family.

Life has settled down and our little girl amazes us every day. At school they’re learning how one good deed deserves another, so she’s giving her pocket money to Embrace for other children to be happy and smile once more.

Spotlight

DY U T S C ASE

17

Spotlight 18

It was a time for heroes: Manchester welcomes Olympic legends MANCHESTER hosted the Olympic from Counter Terrorism, and Paralympic Athlete’s Heroes intelligence, the military, parade on Monday, October 17. and specialist teams Despite the inclement weather, more such as protest liaison, than 100,000 people came into the city search teams, public centre to enjoy the festivities, making it order to ensure the day was remembered as a celebration. one of the largest crowds that Manchester has drawn in some years.

Martin continues: “All through the With just a matter of weeks to plan, planning stage and the event itself you the policing operation ran smoothly. But are constantly running through different scenarios in your head that could it was not without its challenges says Superintendent Martin Greenhalgh, the happen, and how would we deal with it especially while the eyes of the world Silver commander for the operation. are upon us.

“We had to plan the policing “What if there is a terrorist attack or operation to make it a fun and a protest? What if a drain or sink hole enjoyable event for everyone coming appears on the parade route or into the city to view it but yet all our something spooks the planning had to be set “Despite one of the crowd causing people against the backdrop of floats running out of to run or push onto the the current national diesel moments before route? What if one of threat from terrorism, setting off, the event the floats breaks down? large crowded spaces largely passed without What would mass as well as the protected a hitch” evacuation look like? people who were These ‘what ifs’ are never far from your present,” he said. thoughts until the operation comes to a In addition to the work with wider close.” partners such as the Local Authority, The operation begins days before Transport for Greater Manchester the parade itself with specialist search (TfGM), British Olympic Association teams checking key sites for anything (BOA) and British Paralympic suspicious while intelligence officers Association (BPA), the Force Events Team worked tirelessly with colleagues analyse information they have picked up that may or may not be related.

By midday on the day of the parade, the operation is fully up and running.

Officers are being briefed and dispatched into the city centre and the final touches of the parade route are being put together by the city council.

The multi-agency relationship is something that is tested with events such as this.

“We didn’t have a lot of time to plan but the principles are the same as other events we’ve run such as for the party conferences, Manchester United’s homecoming parade and the Battle of the Somme commemorations,” Martin says. “But what is tested is our relationship with the various agencies involved – including the Home Office, Manchester City Council and TfGM to name a few, who all have their own priorities. I’m pleased to say that we worked well together and the success on the day is testament to this.”

There was no crime or disorder related to the parade and despite one of the lorries running out of diesel just moments before setting off, the event largely passed without a hitch.

Martin, who is due to retire later this year, adds: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the team for their efforts and personal support throughout the planning and delivery of this national event and also pass on my thanks to all the officers and staff who were involved in policing the event for a great job well done.”

£10k, 7% assured return in build, then guaranteed ongoing minimum 5% net rental yield. . Can buy with colleagues. For further info, please call Matthew Hatch (retired officer) on 07749 107 141 and mention Brief when calling.

Advertisements

Cape Verde

George H Carnall Leisure Centre Urmston. All welcome from 6 years. Visit www.manchesteraces.com or contact Jonathan Anderston on 62562/077710 172 777.

Cupcakes

Holidays—Abroad All terms and conditions in relation to Adverts are also listed there.

How to Advertise in Brief: Please fill in the Electronic version of the Advertisement Coupon here: www.gmp.police.uk/briefads |

Dog Grooming

GRAN CANARIA, Puerto Rico. Newly refurbished apt. Sleeps 4, sea views, south facing, large sun terrace. Great location. Ideal for couples, families, small groups. No price increase in school holidays. Call or text 07946 415 721 for info.

LUXURY FLORIDA VILLA. 10 mins to Disney, 5 beds, 3 baths, games room, south facing pool and hot tub. Special GMP rate, exclusive location. Visit www.greenviewsvilla.com or call 0161 973 1822.

GREECE. Beautiful exclusive self-catering boutique apartments with superb beachfront location close to the village of Vagia on wonderful Aegian island Greece. Visit www.thebeachhousegreece.com or email info@thebeachhousegreece.com. Mention Brief for discounted rates. For further information, please contact Andy Connell PIN 66598. Tel : 07867 468 499

Waggy Tails—home from home dog sitting service. Doggy Day Care, overnight stays, weekend sleepovers and lengthy holiday stays.

No cages (unless your dog is used to one). Call Gina 0161 476 4968 or mobile 07960 665 600.

Police Promotions Police Promotion Success Masterclass.

Specifically designed for police officers preparing for promotion at all ranks, including NPPF Stage 3 candidates. Know what to expect, how to prepare and how to deliver with a bselected Masterclass designed and delivered by a team of assessment & selection, HR and police experts.

Masterclasses delivered nationwide, including GMP Sedgley Park. Focusing on the promotion assessment framework and leadership expectations, the Masterclass equips you with the skills, technique and confidence required to focus your preparation, resulting in highly effective delivery when it counts. Visit www.bselectedpolice.com Contact Neil James 0161 327 2126 (office).

Sport CAPE VERDE. Luxury, award-winning 5* beachfront resorts. Direct flights from Manchester, only 5.5 hours flying time. Sunny all year round. Up to 5 weeks personal usage per year. Range of properties available. From

Manchester Aces Taekwondo is one of the most successful clubs in the UK and is home to Olympic Champion Jade Jones and national coach Paul Green. The family club train at

Feather cupcakes make cupcakes for all occasions. With beautiful Cupcake Bouquets available in 3 sizes, gluten free and egg free cupcakes are also available. With a variety of flavours and designs, they ar perfect for birthdays, children’s parties, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentines Christmas or just because. Offers are available. Please call Sandra Young on 60757 or take a look at www.feathercupcakes.co.uk or search Facebook for “Feather Cupcakes” for further details.

Obituaries

Kitchens Looking for a new kitchen? The Kitchen Forte is the place to be. Your imagination is our limitation. Our showroom at 123 Cross St, Sale, Cheshire M33 7JN. Kitchen Forte offer a perfect combination of high quality cabinetry alongside an excellent fitting service that is second to none, we offer a one-stop shot and all at very affordable prices at the cutting edge of our industry. Visit www.kitchenforte.co.uk

PC Gerald Cameron, died 02/09/2016, aged 68 PC William Edward, died 15/09/2016, aged 85

Supt George Vye Parminter, died 05/08/2016, aged 79

DC Alexander McLean Duncan, died 15/09/2016, aged 84

PC David Walker, died 06/08/2016, aged 81

PC Simon Perry, died 16/09/2016, aged 52

Mrs Elsie Shipp (Widow), died 09/08/2016, aged 99

Supt Derek Lancaster, died 17/09/2016, aged 84

PC John Stewart Potter, died 15/08/2016, aged 68

ACC William Ireland Donnan, died 20/09/2016, aged 84

PC Thomas Walton, died 17/08/2016, aged 85

Phil Buckley, died 26/10/2016, aged 69

PC Eric Townson, died 21/08/2016, aged 95 PC Roy Higginbotham, died 27/08/2016, aged 60 Supt Thomas Walsh, died 31/08/2016, aged 81

Please note, the information is provided

by HR which can sometimes mean the list is not completely up-to-date.

19

What’s On?

Frontline policing: A rare insight JANUARY 2017 will welcome five workshop events based around the key principles of the Target Operating Model.

Each event will be held in different locations and consist of a ‘TED style’ talk featuring emotive and passionate officers delivering real life stories from the frontline.

The aim is to demonstrate how the stories underpin the TOM principles and how GMP is working towards being Fit For the Future.

The events will be a chance for officers to share their own candid

experiences and to provide honest feedback on how we move forward as a force.

The five speakers and their stories will be promoted each week on the intranet starting Friday 4 November.

If you have a story to be heard and are interested in attending one of the events email: internal.comms@gmp.police.uk

What’s On? November 4 Manchester Christmas lights switch on, Albert Square November 10-11 Billy Connolly Manchester Arena

November 15-19 George’s Marvellous Medicine Manchester Opera

November 5 WWE Live

House

Manchester Arena

November 3

Caption Competition

Manchester United vs. CSKA Moscow, Champions League

Car Sharing Policy rolled out too far?

November 10

Manchester Christmas markets open, city centre

November 21 Manchester City v Liverpool Send your caption suggestions to Brief@gmp.police.uk

November 29-January 28 Billy Elliot Palace Theatre

Premier League November 19 Manchester United v Arsenal

Last edition’s winner was Anthony Cryer

20

Premier League

PCSO 69735 Cheryl Taylor WHEN I collapsed during the Bolton Half Marathon, Cheryl was excellent making sure I was ok and getting the help I needed from the paramedics.

I would like to thank Cheryl for not only being a great officer, but for being a lovely and caring woman.

She is a tribute to the job she serves and is a great example of how people should be in life.

the heroes the best welcome home.

With over 100,000 people lining the streets, the Cadets executed their role perfectly and were a credit to themselves.

Inspector 1612 Paul Rowe PC 4916 Michael Goddard

ON behalf of Brake, I’d like to express our gratitude for the help and support given by GMP and PC Ian Barlow 13639 these officers on our Roads to PC Daniel Moorhouse 1270, Justice launch.

PC James Taylor 18729 From start to finish they were PC David Neil 15181 unbelievably helpful and supportive PC Chris Constantine 9852 to both the Brake team and all five OCB Philip Crewdson 68890 of the bereaved families who joined us on the day.

PC Shane Wilson 11441 DC 3342 Brad Howarth From waking up at the crack of ON 20 September I received a dawn to comforting a grieving dad I’M writing to let you know how call from a colleague who told me when things became too much, impressed I have been with the his Range Rover Evoque had been nothing was too much trouble and overall professionalism, hard work stolen. I logged this on the Land they went so far above and beyond and considerable effort that your Rover phone app and then quoting that we couldn’t have done it without team in GMP has shown. My the registration number, together we them. sincere thanks goes to Brad Howard were able to triangulate the who communicated with me about vehicle’s location.

PC Carl Fairbrother 12702 the progression of the case and A dog handler arrived and helped me through being a witness, located the discarded vehicle keys PCSO Emma Goddard 65500 which was extremely daunting.

PCSO Michelle Summers and by the time I arrived they were already recovering the vehicle for 65600 forensics.

GMP MANY thanks for your help when The officer from Rochdale had I became the victim of doorstep THANK you for your involvement arrived and arrested the offender in fraud. You investigated the matter in the 2016 Heroes Parade. Your 30 minutes from start to finish. so quickly, thank you for being so contribution was vital to the smooth I just wanted to say what a friendly and helpful. running of the event, and your hard wonderful bunch of people you are work ensured that the event and thanks for such showcased Manchester and gave professionalism.

Letters

Letters of Appreciation

PC Lee Watkinson 11012, PC Mark Rose 2305, PC Dominic Marks 14600, PC Martin Fletcher 11908, PC Ben Hague 1129, PC Paul Lunt 13034 & Sgt Mitchell

I AM writing to express my gratitude for the actions and support given to me and my family when we were involved in a road traffic accident.

Our car was struck at high speed by a man who was recently convicted of careless driving. As a result, my wife received whiplash as did my ten year old son who suffered similar injuries as well as having to see me unconscious.

Fortunately, the accident was witnessed by two officers who acted immediately. They took control of the situation and reassured my wife and son, making sure they were safe.

Further officers rendered first aid and assisted the paramedics.

Officers later attended the hospital and made sure we knew what had happened to our car.

The accident and subsequent investigation were dealt with in a professional manner and their actions did much to reassure my family .

The actions of these officers were exceptional, they did everything I expected and more. I would be grateful if you could pass on our heartfelt appreciation.

21

GMP Life 22

Former detective leaves TV legacy DIANE Taylor, a former Detective Whilst working within the force she Inspector who was the creator and cowould frequently get annoyed at naïve writer of the national award winning TV police dramas that displayed unrealistic series Scott and Bailey has sadly passed situations. It was this frustration that led to away. her biggest success - co-writing script Diane, whose career spanned over murder cases for mancunian drama Scott 30 years, started off in Oldham in 1980 at and Bailey. just 18. She was quickly promoted to CID The show was an accurate working as a sergeant depiction of police life from before being a female perspective. All seconded to the the characters, including National Crime and the strong female leads Operations Faculty in played by Suranne Jones Bramshill. Finally she and Lesley Sharp, were returned to GMP as DI inspired by Diane and cofor the Major Incident writer Sally Wainwright.

Team.

Diane was even the Former inspiration for the series’ Detective Chief most notorious character Superintendent Jane DCI Gill Murray- a down to Antrobus, a close earth, say it like it is type of friend and colleague of boss.

Diane’s, commented: When speaking Diane Taylor was co-writer for popular “Diane was an about the character Diane TV series Scott and Bailey inspiration to others mentioned: “I wanted who followed in her someone raw and honest, that’s what footsteps and her contribution to the world really irritated me in other dramas – of major crime investigation lives on”. detectives crying over dead bodies and Throughout her demanding career getting drunk senseless. You’d last about Diane always turned to writing to release two weeks”. her stress. After retiring from GMP she Diane leaves behind her mother, took up writing full time, being published Clare, and brothers, Billy and Gary. They under Clare McNulty, her mother’s find comfort in knowing her legacy lives maiden name. on.

By Clare AS a seven year old I can vividly remember pouring my Dad a large tumbler of whiskey each evening, assuming that was what all grownups drank. When Dad was forced to retire early due to ill health and was affected by a number of personal tragedies his drinking escalated. I don’t need to go into how difficult this time was for me and my brother but it’s not overstated to say it was horrific. Dad’s drinking steadily got worse and my life was dominated by where he was, what he was drinking and how I could stop him from getting access to alcohol. My young children and husband were neglected as my obsession grew.

Luckily I discovered Al-Anon which provides support to friends and family of alcoholics. In my first meeting I was told that I didn’t cause my Dad’s drinking, I couldn’t cure it and I couldn’t control it. It became clear that my Dad might never get sober but that I could still lead a full and happy life. I trusted the people in the room whose experiences

sounded so similar to my own.

We were such a diverse group of people but were brought together by the one unifying factor, a problem drinker in our lives. I can’t put into words the relief I felt at being amongst people who understood what I was going through.

Sadly my Dad passed away as a result of his drinking three years ago. Thanks to Al-Anon, my relationship with him was strong when he died and I was able to understand the horrendous disease of alcoholism.

In just a few words, it’s impossible for me to share how much Al-Anon has improved my life, but I would encourage anyone affected by someone else’s drinking either now or in the past to give it a try. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. If you would like to find out more about Al-Anon please take a look at their website to find a group near you. www.al-anonuk.org.uk

The Chaplains: here when you need us MANY officers and staff will have come across one of the Force Chaplains, who are each assigned to their own divisions and branches. But few understand the history behind chaplaincy and the police, and the service that they are here to provide.

Traditionally, Chaplains are spiritual representatives attached to a secular organisation or faith. A team of Chaplains was introduced to Greater Manchester in the 1950s to offer police

Wear It Pink ON Friday 21 October Force HQ played host to a fundraising day for the Breast Cancer Now charity.

“Wear It Pink” is the flagship fundraising event for the charity where businesses are encouraged to partake in pink fun-filled activities and GMP certainly did not disappoint.

Staff from FHQ dressed up in pink, ate pink food from the canteen and hosted a pink bake sale in the atrium.

Wayne Miller, Chief of staff commented: “It’s great that GMP can get involved with such a great charity.

Engagement not only raises awareness for the charity but also raises staff morale.”

The event was a great success raising £200 for Breast Cancer Now.

designated Chaplain you can either ring or email them. Their details can be found on the intranet under the Community tab.

GMP Life

matters – that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“The chaplain’s role is to be a officers emotional and spiritual support, friendly, listening ear should you have recognising the pressures that working anything you wish to talk about, not to in policing can bring. preach a particular belief system.

The Chaplains have now grown to “In my career I can honestly say the represent multiple faiths and vast majority of conversations I have communities and they now provide an with staff are about life and work impartial listening service. stresses rather than spiritual matters.”

Revd Charles Nevin explains , There are around 20 Chaplains “Many people see the dog collar and currently around the Force. They immediately think that we are just here represent a range of faiths including to help people of the associated Christianity, Judaism and Islam. religious belief, or to talk about spiritual Should you wish to talk to your

One of the Force chaplains, Revd Charles Nevin

Long charm of the law TWO senior officers have received long service awards and have the Force to thank for bringing them together.

Chief Inspector James Troisi and wife Detective Sergeant Alison Troisi joined GMP in 1996 and it was love at first sight. They met during uniform fitting and were engaged just six months later. They were both presented with their long service awards by the Deputy Chief Constable (DCC) on Wednesday 28 September 2016.

The pair have both shown dedication and commitment to GMP over the years. James received particular recognition for his work as duty officer during the explosion in Shaw and Alison for her outstanding leadership. Her long service award will stand alongside her Chief Constable’s

Excellence Award for Partnership and hard work. I hope we have the working. pleasure of benefitting for more years of James said: “When I first met Alison police work from Alison and I wish it was love at first sight, but I assumed James all the best with the next stage she was out of my league. I wasn’t very of his career at West Yorkshire Police”. domesticated so when she offered to help me with my washing I took that as she fancied me!

Alison said: “To be awarded together is very special. Starting a career in the police was very daunting but having my best friend with me throughout has made it easy.”

DCC Ian Pilling said: “This is a lovely story, without being part of GMP, they may never have even met. I would like to thank The couple receiving their long service awards them both for their commitment

23

Sport

One try at a time ON Thursday 13 October the Manchester Canalsiders took on the Combined Lancs Police rugby team at Broughton Park Rugby Club as part of the National Hate Crime Awareness week (HCA).

The Canalsiders are the first UK rugby team made up of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans (LGBT) players and the Combined Lancs Police are a combination of GMP and Lancashire Constabulary players.

Both teams played their hearts out but it was the Combined Lancs team who took the victory of 52-28.

Inspector Charlotte Cadden who organised the event met the Canalsiders at Bolton Pride in 2015.

Pedal power

Chris Bibby (left) with Paul Rees

She is passionate about raising awareness about the LGBT community and the importance of reporting hate crimes.

“There is real stigma involved with LGBT sports players ‘coming out’.

They are not able to be open about their sexuality because of the amount of homophobic abuse they receive, whether that is from spectators or from team mates. We want to ensure that people know what support is out there for victims and the importance of reporting these crimes. Work is being done and it’s important to continue this.”

Over the past 12 months recorded LGB hate crimes rose by 8.6%.

However in relation to crimes against the Trans community there have been

GMP officer Detective Sergeant Paul Rees has cycled 1,300 miles over 22 days to raise money for his colleague who was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Paul has worked with Chris Bibby in the Serious Crime Co-ordination Unit for almost two years and after seeing Chris slip into depression when he was diagnosed with rapidly evolving multiple sclerosis, functional neurological disorder and a non-epileptic attack disorder, decided to support him in any we he could.

Chris’ diagnosis means he has to be in a wheelchair, making moving around

his house difficult. To help Chris make necessary changes, Paul decided to pedal 60 miles every day for 22 days to raise funds for a garage conversion and window alterations.

He cycled from Northwich to Nexus House every day, a 60 mile round trip that adds up to the equivalent of pedalling from Cheshire to Rome. He’s already raised almost £5,000, money which will go towards creating an accessible bedroom and wet room for Chris.

Chris Bibby said: “After my diagnosis I slipped into a state of depression. I know I’ll never be cured, but talking to

GMP mascot Pippa the Panda with some of the players from the Canalsiders and Combined Lancs Police rugby teams

just 40 reports in the past year which is a decrease of 9.1%. other sufferers is therapeutic.

“My colleagues were so supportive, I even had a visit from the Chief Constable which raised my spirits and gave me the drive to get back to work.”

On his fundraising challenge, Paul Rees said: “Riding four hours every day on top of my working day shows how committed I am to helping Chris.

“Even when it was pouring down and Manchester flooded I didn’t stop, because helping Chris means so much.

He is a true inspiration, the least I can do is a bit of pedalling to help him.”

To donate, visit http:// www.itsonly2letters.com

24

DS Mark Montrose won the U100kgs at the Judo PSUK National Champion 2016

FIVE GMP Judo competitors have won medals in the Police Sport UK National Judo Championships, which were hosted by Dyfed Powys Constabulary in the Brecon Beacons.

Coached by DS Mark Montrose (pictured left); DC Steve Lowe, DC Drew McArdle, PC Simon Butler and SC Kier Hodgson brought their agame to the event in September.

Anyone looking to get fit or take up Judo should email Detective Sergeant Mark Montrose. You could be participating in next year’s championships at Derbyshire Police.

GMP takes on the Fire Service

Sport

Five medals for Judo

Barrowthon Man

PC Pickles and his wheelbarrow

The GMP team won 3-1 against GMFRS at Mossley AFC’s ground PC Damieon Hartley-Pickles like every other police officer is dedicated IN the first event of its kind, Greater charity cup game 3-1 to take the trophy, to serving and protecting his Manchester Police and Greater putting them in the lead ahead of the next community.

Manchester Fire and Rescue Service match.

However his job doesn’t stop (GMFRS) took each other on in a football More than £150 was raised for the there. Even when he’s not in uniform match at Mossley football club on 16 Firefighters Charity and Retrak, thanks to he is determined to make a difference October 2016. all who played and contributed. and spends his spare time raising GMP won this inaugural inter-services money for various charities.

Last month he ran the Aldi to Dr Kershaws visit Damieon’s My encourage people to donate.

Manchester Half Marathon in aid of Dr Donate page.

The ex-professional rugby league Kershaws - an Oldham based hospice Throughout his fundraising career he player doesn’t plan on stopping anytime caring for those with life limiting has run over five marathons, 30 half soon and even living with a illnesses. marathons and even climbed Everest – degenerative hip condition he plans to He completed the run in 2 hours 24 climb Kilimanjaro in 2018. minutes and even had time to stop and raising £15,000 whilst suffering from pneumonia.

As if running 26 miles To follow Damieon’s future ventures help a fellow runner whose calves had wasn’t hard enough he often runs his follow his Twitter- “Barrowthon Man” cramped up. here.

If you would like to make a donation marathons with a wheelbarrow to

25

GMP recently welcomed 100 new police officers to the ranks.

They are now undertaking their basic training. In this session volunteers and drama students were helping by playing the roles of victims and offender during a day long session of scenarios.

On what lies ahead for the new officers, Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “Policing is now more challenging and complex than ever before, with significantly more scrutiny now being placed on officers, which is rightly to be expected.

“Due to the rigorous selection process and training involved, plus the emphasis we place on supporting each other at GMP, I have no doubts that these officers will meet any challenges that lie ahead.

“I am sure at the end of their careers they can proudly say that they left the Force and the communities of Greater Manchester in a better place than when they started.”