Christmas brief 2013

Christmas Edition

40 years of GMP Christmas Markets return Bringing cheer to the elderly

Cover feature: Christmas Safety Countdown ‐ Kids Style! Page 3

Looking ahead this Christmas THIS is a time of year when people look forward to getting together with their families and friends to celebrate Christmas. It is also one of the busiest times of the year for policing, as officers and staff deal with those who take the Christmas spirit to excess, as well as catching those who exploit the vulnerability of others.

Recent surveys have shown there is still a high level of public confidence in the police. We can never take this for granted however and every incident we deal with gives us the opportunity to strengthen our reputation. The College of Policing recently launched a draft code of ethics and over the coming year we will use this to generate discussion with

staff over some of the difficult decisions they have to make.

The Christmas crime prevention campaign is underway and I would encourage you to have a look at the advent calendar starring children from St Edmunds RC School, in Manchester. It is full of useful but entertaining crime prevention advice that we will be sharing with local people. Visit www.gmp.police.uk to view the calendar.

It is also a time to look forward to 2014 which we know will be another difficult year with operational and financial challenges. On the other hand we will be welcoming many new colleagues from our recent recruiting campaigns and will be

implementing further changes as we cope with the economic situation given to us.

I hope you all get some time to spend with your loved ones over the festive period. I wish you and your families a safe and merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Sir Peter Fahy, Chief Constable

The demands of policing IT’S been a busy and challenging first 12 months as your Police and Crime Commissioner.

Throughout the last year I’ve met many of you, gone out on operations, and joined officers on patrol to see first-hand the challenges of modern day policing, especially in the face of irresponsible budget cuts, not just to policing but across the public sector. The police are more and more the agency of first response and last resort, and I understand the demands this is placing on you all. Building partnership working is something I’ve been driving across Greater Manchester, encouraging

all agencies to work together more effectively to tackle complex issues such as mental health, reoffending and troubled families.

Public confidence in policing has taken a hit nationally in the wake of the Hillsborough, Stephen Lawrence and the Plebgate revelations, and I recognise that this impacts on staff morale. I’m working with the Chief Constable to improve confidence in the police, which includes putting a complaints system in place that is open and transparent. A system that the public can trust – an aspiration I’m sure you all share with me.

But it’s not just about when things go wrong, we should also focus on when things go right and build on that. I’ve heard many stories of when officers and staff go above

and beyond to protect our communities, such as the story of PC David Urie who ran into a burning building to save three people without a thought for his own safety. It’s these stories that drive us all to do the best for local people.

You’ve shown that dedication by working hard to keep crime down and at the public meetings I’ve held and community groups I’ve visited, councillors and residents have passed on their thanks for the work you do each day.

So on behalf of the communities of Greater Manchester, I thank you all for your hard work and commitment to building safer neighbourhoods and wish you a very merry Christmas and happy New Year.

Tony Lloyd, PCC

From the Editor NOW that the Christmas markets have arrived in Manchester it certainly signals the start of all the hustle and bustle of shopping and thinking about what to buy our loved ones for Christmas.

Having recently visited the Christmas markets. I must say the atmosphere is amazing.

Now in its 15th year and spread over nine different spaces in the city, it seems a great excuse to pop into the city centre, soak up the atmosphere and buy a few things for Christmas (or just yourself). Of course there has been a huge amount of work behind the scenes to get the city prepared and ensure the safety of the public when they visit. You can read more about the work of the city centre policing team on page seven.

The Corporate and Media Imaging team have been busy for a couple of months now filming the Christmas Advent calendar, with the help of St Edmunds RC School. What is it they say? Never work with kids and animals! Read all about it on pages four and five.

We hope you enjoy reading this special edition of Brief especially for this time of the year and wishing all our readers a happy Christmas and peaceful New Year.

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News Operation Advent

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Christmas card winner

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Markets return to Manchester

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Hamper drive supports the elderly Features

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Policeman Pete a hit with the kids

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Hopes for the New Year

10 Museum commemorates WWI 100 years on 11 Help us celebrate 40 years of GMP 12 Driving safe for Christmas 13 60 Second Security videos a hit

Pat Jones, Editor

14 Spotlight on Internal Communications Team

Be published in Brief

15 XCalibre Conference

Editorial team: Catherine Barlow, Melissa Mead and Patricia Jones Photographers: Chris Oldham and Bill Morris 0161 856 2777 | Picture Desk: Lisa Marks 0161 856 2279

16 Courageous cop wins national bravery award

Designed and produced by: Corporate Communications, Force Headquarters, Central Park, M40 5BP

17 Drug empires smashed

Contact numbers: 0161 856 856 5939 / 2238 / 5938 Email: Brief@gmp.police.uk Brief online: www.gmp.police.uk/Brief

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

28 February 2014

17 Overwhelming response for Fletch donor drive GMP Community 18 Class of 2013 attestations

News

Keeping safe this Christmas – It’s

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be GM ag an

Co Pe sa gre ab wit ch kee me sim tha stic pe an to so saf

use res frie aw an Ye an en

4 Brief Christmas 2013 Edition

News

s Child’s Play

Festive fingerprints a winner for Alexandra

MP has drafted in some young recruits to help ep people safe during the festive season.

Pupils from St Edmund’s RC Primary School, in les Platting, Manchester have been caught on mera giving seasonal crime prevention advice as rt of the Force’s Operation Advent.

The video messages will be available daily hind the doors of the advent calendar on the MP website www.gmp.police.uk . The children, ed four to 10, star alongside a range of officers d staff.

Chief onstable Sir eter Fahy id: “It was eat to be le to work th the ildren who ep the essages so mple. I hope at the videos ck in ople’s minds d help them remember me of the fety advice.

Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy is pictured with Alexandra and her winning design

“It is a eful source for us all to share with our communities, ends and family so that they can enjoy and take way the advice to protect themselves, their home d their possessions over Christmas and New ear.

TEN-year-old Alexandra Leigh Scott is the winner of this year’s Christmas card competition.

Alexandra, the daughter of Paula Scott, a Custody Detention Officer at Chadderton was the overall winner of the competition with her fantastic fingerprint reindeer design.

The design will be been made into an e-card and sent out as the Force’s official Christmas card.

Winners of the other age categories in the competition were Mia Leach who won the 4-7 category and Emily Ross aged 14 who won the 11-14 category.

Thanks to all those who took part in the competition as always there were some fantastic entries.

Some of our other entries are pictured here…..

“We are really grateful to the head teacher, staff d pupils from St Edmund’s for being so thusiastic and taking the time to work with us.”

The video messages will be circulated through the Force’s social networking sites. So keep checking the GMP website, Twitter and Facebook for updates.

(Above) Lucy Danson aged five. (above left) Eleanor Sweeney aged five, (below left ) Heidi Maunders aged five Brief Christmas 2013 Edition 5

News

Famous markets return to Manchester

THE Christmas markets have returned to Manchester, bigger and better than ever. With hundreds of food, drink and gift stalls attracting up to 1.5 million visitors, the police play a vital role in keeping shoppers safe.

Special Constable Jordan Kean chats to a stall holder at the markets

“Me and my officers take a very dim mosphere it can also bring fresh chalview of anybody who sees this time of lenges to policing the city. year as an opportunity to prey on those “We now have a greater area to who visit our cover and we have adopted smaller areas to “We have received good feed- city, and we are deterOfficers in GMP’s North Division are patrol on foot, this makes back from the markets and mined to carrying out a multi-agency operation in it easier for staff to manbusinesses alike.” ensure that age and take ownership of Manchester city centre this Christmas. those who come here legitimately will a particular area. This provides us with The operation will target criminals hophave an enjoyable experience.” an opportunity to deploy staff evenly ing to take advantage of the influx of across the areas thus increasing our visitors here to enjoy the festive activiThere are nine markets this year opvisibility. We have received good feedties. erating at Albert Square, back The markets, which are fully liBrazennose St, King St, St from the censed, will be open until Sunday 22 Ann’s Square, Exchange December operating generally between markets St, New Cathedral St, Exand busi10am and 9pm. change Square, The Corn nesses Sgt Shaun Fairhurst has been inExchange and Corporavolved in policing the Christmas markets alike.” tion Street.

The for several years, he said: “Manchester There will be increased City Centre is now seen by many as the start of policing in these areas, GMP’s second city in the country. The popular providing high visibility city cenArndale Centre, together with developpolicing by officers in uniing areas such as Spinningfields make it tre form who will be supChrista popular attraction for people from ported by officers in plain other parts of the country. Together with mas opclothes. Police will be tarall the various restaurants, bars and ca- eration geting anyone who is identified or susfes and you can see why the city centre coincided with the beginning of the mar- pected to be involved in criminal activity. can attract over 400,000 people a day.” kets and will run up until New Year’s Whilst the majority of people visiting Eve. “The jewel the markets are there to enjoy the fesNick Adderley, Ch Supt for tive atmosphere and build up to Christin the crown “Whilst the expansion of North Manchester Division, though, at mas it can also attract those who look the markets adds to the said: "This operation is dethis time of overall atmosphere it can signed to further support our for the opportunity to commit crime. Last year is the saw an increase in theft from peralso bring fresh challenges efforts to keep the people of year Christmas son offences in and around Albert to policing the city. “ Manchester safe, whether markets Square. There also is an increase in they are businesses, resiwhich seem antisocial behaviour such as begging. to grow each year. Whilst the expansion dents or visitors. Christmas is a special time of year and should not be blighted of the markets adds to the overall atby incidents of crime or disorder.

6 Brief Christmas 2013 Edition

News

Force brings festive cheer to elderly residents

GMP brings festive cheer to elderly residents

OFFICERS and staff across Greater Manchester will be spreading festive cheer to elderly people who may be spending Christmas alone.

Hundreds of hampers will be delivered across the Force to residents in the run-up to Christmas and on Christmas day, by officers and staff who are either on duty over the festive period, or have volunteered in their own time.

The hampers have been put together thanks to donations of items from GMP staff and local businesses such as ASDA, Heinz, PZ Cussons and many more.

GMP’s cadets have also contributed to the ‘Operation Christmas Hamper Appeal,’ by wrapping boxes.

– some were in tears! It was lovely to be able to give them something to smile about on what would have otherwise been a very lonely day.”

South Manchester Division have also made Christmas a little enjoyable for many of their older residents having run the hamper initiative for several years.

PCSO Tracy King said: “It’s so nice to be able to do something that you know will make the day of some of our residents. When we’re out delivering the hampers it’s quite an emotional experience, they are so grateful, I’m just happy we can make Christmas a little less lonely for them.

“Some of the young people in our community also give up some of their free time to help pack and wrap hampers and they really enjoy it. It gives them a great sense of satisfaction to think they are doing something to help people less fortunate than themselves.”

Hampers will be delivered across the Force in the run up to Christmas. If you would like to help out by donating items or helping to deliver hampers, please contact your local neighbourhood team.

The forcewide initiative follows the success of Christmas hamper appeals on the Salford and South Manchester Divisions in previous years.

PSCO Janet Cassidy who coordinates the appeal for Salford said: “It is heart-breaking to think that many elderly and vulnerable residents living in our neighbourhoods spend Christmas alone.

“For most of us Christmas is about spending precious time with loved ones, opening presents and eating good food but for a large number of our elderly residents they won’t see anyone.

“Residents who received the hampers last year were overwhelmed Supt Sarah Jackson and Karen Lees with some of North Manchester’s hampers Pictured below left: Sgt Deb Rasmussen and PCSO Michael Scullion from the airport accept some donations to the appeal from Bewleys Hotel, pictured below right: Chief Constable Fahy helps some of GMP’s cadets wrap boxes for the appeal

Brief Christmas 2013 Edition 7

Features

Public urged not to misuse 999 this New Year resources away from genuine emergencies, potentially putting those in need of assistance in danger.

OFFICERS in GMP’s Operational Communication Branch will be receiving an influx of 999 calls on the run up to New Year’s Eve, but not all will be genuine.

There is a significant increase in emergency service calls during this time of year, which are either hoax or nonemergency calls.

Last New Year's Eve, GMP took nearly 2.9 million calls— averaging at

around 1,400-1,500 per day.

The amount of 999 calls increases dramatically at around 1am, with more than 300 calls per hour expected during the early hours.

Some of the calls received in past years include reports on television programme story lines, a report of a chicken crossing the road and a report of a dog walking into a house.

These calls take valuable time and

Here is a genuine call received last year about a chicken walking across the road: Operator: Police emergency.

Caller: I’ve just seen a chicken walking down the road Operator: Is it injured or anything like that, does it appear to be?

Caller: Nah, it’s a bit weird that it was walking down the road.

Operator: Right.

Caller: I don’t know if it’s still there, I’m just having a look now. Yeah it’s in front of the mini.

Operator: Right, there’s not really a lot that we can do about this, if you do need to ring us back don’t call 999 for this, ring 101 in the future, 101.

Caller: Nah ok.

In the run-up to Christmas GMP is reminding the public of the correct use of 999, and also issuing advice to contact 101 for all other incidents.

People are also being advised to contact their local council for issues relating to graffiti, abandoned vehicles, dumping, fly tipping or vandalism.

Policeman Pete a hit with kids TOUCHED by the murder of PC Nicola Hughes and PC Fiona Bone, Barbara Hegab from Saddleworth put pen to paper to write a series of children’s books about a community police officer – ‘Policeman Pete.’

and community spirit amongst the villages. The stories that all feature a different animal are drawn from real life events.

the pipeline. A percentage of each book sale will be donated to the Blue Lamp Foundation to help officers who are injured in the line of duty.

Barbara said: “I wanted something to The books are available to buy from join all these lovely little stories together Amazon.

Retired officer Martin Warburton who and everybody knew Martin Warburton. spent more than twenty years keeping “The essence behind all the stories is the streets of Saddleworth safe, was that village camaraderie and we were the inspiration for the books which always brought up to ask a policeman if centre around the characters and we were ever stuck. community of Diggle, where Barbara “In every book Policeman Pete gets lives. asked and he sorts out a problem.”

Barbara, a first time author who also Barbara has written four Policeman paints the pictures in her books, said Author Barbara Hegab with one of her she wanted to capture the camaraderie Pete books so far but there are more in ‘Policeman Pete’ books

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Features

Hopes for the New Year “I’m looking forward to getting out on patrol more often and seeing all our new colleagues who we are recruiting at the moment. I’m really pleased that we will get lots more youth cadets too. Outside of work I’m looking forward to seeing Watford getting promoted to the Premier League. I think our biggest challenge will be maintaining neighbourhood policing and our proactive effort against persistent offenders while making the budget reductions we have been given.”- Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy

“I'm looking forward to developing crime prevention toolkits for NPT's to use and also working with businesses to develop prevention strategies that can reduce crime for them and in turn reduce demand for the Force.”Crime Reduction Specialist Darron Tickle, HQ Crime prevention Team

“Next year some of our long term investigations will be coming to an end and we will be looking at some more unsolved cases. Our biggest challenge will be doing more with less. The public perception of us is higher than ever and the Serious Collision Investigation Unit is constantly in the public eye. On a personal note I’m looking forward to getting married next year, after being engaged for the last five years, and I resolve to spend more time with my daughter, do more exercise and take a holiday.”- Police Sergeant Lee Westhead, Serious Collision Investigation Unit

“With PCSO vacancies rising in our Neighbourhood, the New Year will offer increasing challenges but I’m sure the team will tackle any ‘bumps in the road’ head on. I tend not to make any resolutions but I will keep fundraising for Sevenoaks Small Animal Sanctuary and I wish for my family to be happy and healthy.”- Police Community Support Officer Tracey Anderton from Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team

“I’m looking forward to building on the successes of operations Safe 4 Summer and Treacle, new ASB legislation, reducing alcohol related harm in innovative ways and the rejuvenation of the Special Constabulary after a structural change and new leadership. I think some of our biggest challenges will be restoring public confidence in policing as well as staff morale and pushing back saying 'no' to things we have previously been relied upon for.”Police Sergeant Tariq Butt, Neighbourhoods, Confidence and Equality Team

Forced marriage guidance

for fear of reprisals for leaving the marital arrangements.

Forced Marriage Protection Orders Extra guidance has been released from (FMPOs) are a powerful tool that the Public Protection Division to help potentially can save the lives of some officers with the sensitive issue of of our very vulnerable victims whether forced marriages, for example when they are adults or children. It is vital that victims leave the UK and cannot return officers understand the process of

obtaining these in order to best serve victims trapped in this scenario.

For further guidance on FMPOs please click here. Alternatively for more information on forced marriages, please contact Sgt Nita Jhanji-Garrod in the Public Protection Division on 61709.

Brief Christmas 2013 Edition 9

Features

Remembering WW1 100 years on WW1 Centenary at the museum – ‘From Bobby to Tommy’ exhibition AUGUST 2014 marks 100 years since the start of the First World War. Museums and organisations across the UK will be commemorating the Centenary and the GMP Museum is no exception.

The official announcement that Britain was at war came on the 4 August 1914. Two days later, 72 Manchester City Police Officers who were Reservists were immediately called up.

The Force strength at the time was 1,394 and all leave was cancelled to cover the gaps left by officers who had been called up in the initial days of the war.

By 22 August 1914 the Force was trying to recruit 5,000 Special Constables to fulfil the roles of the regular officers who had gone off to the front.

Just six months into the war, 608 Manchester City police officers had joined up and nine had already been killed.

More officers were to join up over the next four years, and in fact some were still joining up in 1918 when the war was

10 Brief Christmas 2013 Edition

drawing to a close.

Over 100 police officers from the forces that make up what is now GMP made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.

The exhibition ‘From Bobby to Tommy’ will focus on the following themes: •

The role of the Manchester City Police Special Constables in keeping law and order

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The personal stories of individual officers, from the forces that make up what is now GMP, who gave their lives in the service of their country

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The story of day to day policing in Manchester during the war.

The GMP Museum are currently researching and planning the exhibition and events for the museum, which will take place from the official opening in August 2014 through to the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the end of the war on 11 November 2018.

David McNally from NWAS and Sgt Mark Allinson demonstrate one of the new defibrillators

Equipped to save lives Life-saving defibrillators are now fitted in police vehicles in GMP’s North Manchester Division.

Installed 1 October with the support of the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) they allow officers to provide potentially life-saving care in emergencies if they are the first to arrive at the scene.

The Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) were fitted into traffic cars earlier this year and were used within a day of being installed. Two officers used a device on a man who had taken an overdose at his home in Cheadle in April, he later made a full recovery.

Sergeant Mark Allinson of GMP’s North Manchester Division said: “Our primary function is to preserve life and a significant proportion of police officer time is spent out in the community, dealing with members of the public.

“The scheme which is the only one if its kind in the North West covers some of the most demanding areas in GMP including the city centre. We are pleased to be involved in this pilot as we often act as the first responders to victims.”

There are currently 200 officers trained to use the equipment.

Features

Help us celebrate our journey HELP us celebrate 40 years of Greater Manchester Police.

In 1974 Manchester and Salford Police merged with part of Cheshire, Lancashire and West Yorkshire Constabulary, to become one Force – Greater Manchester Police. A significant development for policing, this merge was as a direct result of the Local Government Act 1972 that reformed local government in England and Wales.

William James Richards became the first Chief Constable followed by James Anderton in 1975. Since 1974 there have been many changes, both in terms of significant operational events such as the Manchester bombing in 1996 and the deaths of PCs Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes last year. There have also been some major changes within policing, from the amalgamation of the women’s

division into mainstream policing to the introduction of Police Community Support Officers.

There have been many other events and stories from those who work (or worked) for GMP. They may have not made newspaper headlines but they are certainly significant to those involved and often continue to be remembered or told to family and friends. You may even have photographs from those occasions that will illustrate just how much the Force has changed over the years.

Whatever your story from working with GMP we want to hear from you.

To mark 40 years of GMP we will be producing a special edition of Brief and it would be great to illustrate some of these stories as part of that issue.

What’s your story?

Do you have a story to share?

To help us celebrate 40 years of policing we would love to hear from any of our readers about some of their most memorable moments during their career with GMP. Your story and/or picture do not have to be a significant milestone in GMP's history. It may only be significant to you, your colleagues or division.

Even if you have retired from the police force we would still love to hear your story.

Please get in touch with Catherine, Melissa or Pat from the Internal Communications team - contact details can be found on page three.

Brief Christmas 2013 Edition 11

Features

Driving safe for Christmas

People at Risk Unit introduced THE People at Risk unit has been introduced to the Force as a result of the current Protected Persons Service becoming a regionalised service, and it is the Force's response in assisting those individuals who may be at risk and may require some support or protection.

Not all witnesses for any number of reasons fulfil the criteria required by the North West Regional Protected Persons Service but still require assistance from the police and partner agencies to allow them to support a prosecution without fear of repercussions. It will be the function of the People at Risk Unit to support those individuals.

The new Unit are based at Nexus House and are available for advice weekdays between 0700 – 1800 hours on 0161 856 0314 or via senior Detective on call for SCD. For further information please e-mail: Peopleatrisk.unit@gmp.police.uk

WHILE the British summer remains unpredictable as ever, one thing we can be sure of here in Manchester is a proper winter. Whether it is ice, sleet, fog or snow, driving in winter requires additional care and attention.

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•

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Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith from the Serious Collision Unit explains: “The British winter brings with it an abundance of risks and hazards making it the most dangerous time of year to drive. It is important that officers and staff take additional care on the roads and complete thorough weekly checks to avoid putting themselves or their colleagues in danger.”

Driving in ice and snow •

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Below are some sure fire tips to help you stay safe this winter.

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Before you set off •

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Make sure you can see by clearing all snow and ice from windows Make sure the mirrors are clear and the windows are demisted thoroughly

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Ensure vehicle and emergency lights are clean and the number plate are visible Remove any snow off the car that may fall into the path of other road users Ensure tyres are correctly inflated to avoid breakdown and give you greater control of the road

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Set off in second gear and ease your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel-spin Stopping distances can be 10 times longer so leave a good gap between you and the car in front When driving uphill avoid having to stop part way up, keep a constant speed and choose the most suitable gear When driving downhill, reduce your speed before the hill, use a low gear and avoid using the brakes if you can If you have to brake, do so gently and release and do-clutch if the car skids

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Drive in as high gear as possible

Driving in fog •

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Use headlights and fog lights if visibility is poor but be careful not to dazzle other drivers Beware of speeding up if visibility improves slightly. In patchy fog you could find yourself 'driving blind' again only moments later If parking in fog, choose a safe spot to stop where you can be seen by other drivers

Leaving the vehicle Ensure all electrical equipment is switched off (including radios, lights etc.) when leaving the vehicle. Even if only leaving the vehicle for a short period, as in the current cold conditions the vehicle batteries drain very quickly.

Watch out for those weather warnings on the Force Intranet site throughout the winter period.

Features

Home security in 60 seconds

PC Chris Hayden has a starring role in the videos

A SERIES of 60-second security videos have been produced by

Tameside officers to highlight home security.

The short films show the benefits of all the key home security methods such as fitting a window shock alarm, marking your valuables with a property marking pen and setting a light timer.

The videos were put together following requests from the Tameside Homewatch Scheme who were unsure as to how certain security devices worked or would benefit them.

PC Chris Hayden said: “Feedback from our Homewatch co-ordinators and others gave us the idea of putting together a series of short films around home safety which could be

used on social networking sites as well as at Homewatch and residents’ meetings.

“We came up with some ideas then approached the Corporate Media Imaging Team to help us film and edit.

“We’re really happy with the end result and have had some great feedback from the public.”

The films were designed to be used Forcewide and are being communicated across GMP by other neighbourhood teams.

The 60-second security videos can be found on the GMP You Tube Channel: www.youtube.com/ gmpolice

Coo you looking at?

AN ABANDONED hamster, pigeon paranoia and tracking down wanted people is all in a day’s work on GMP’s social media feeds. The Force now has more than 500,000 followers on its accounts who are all signed up to get the latest information and connect with officers.

The main GMP Twitter feed has now reached more than 140,000 followers and the YouTube account has more than three million views with photo sharing site Flickr topping six million hits.

And in the latest developments the Force has been trialling the use of webcasting to allow the public to be able to ask questions directly to the Chief Constable, Police and Crime Commissioner and Deputy Chief

Constable in two recent webchats.

On 1 November the second global law enforcement Twitter day took place and as part of the day GMP provided details of the locations for all the mobile speed enforcement cameras. The decision sparked debate both for and against the activity and this will be reviewed before considering whether to do it on a regular basis.

The most popular tweet globally during the day using the hashtag #poltwt was from @gmpolice about a 999 call that had been received from a member of the public claiming a pigeon had been looking at him in a funny way.

Deputy Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, national lead for digital engagement, said: “Some of the items

we talk about may seem to be humorous but they can get across important messages about misuse of the emergency system, crime prevention and how to make the area safer.

“We have built up a following on the networks and it is important that we continue to develop conversations that can really improve people’s understanding of policing and how they can work with us.

“In the coming year we are going to continue to look at ways to expand our use of social media so we can improve the service we provide.”

And for anyone interested it was @gmpchorlton who found the hamster dumped in an alleyway and then made sure he found a new home.

Day to combat domestic abuse

Over 100 people attended a Domestic Abuse Awareness Day held at Sedgley Park on 28 November 2013.

The audience was made up of both frontline officers and a range of agencies who proactively deal with domestic violence.

Opened by Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jim Battle and closed by the Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd, the event formed part of GMP's campaign to tackle domestic violence as we enter the festive period.

Detective Superintendant Jill Clarke said: “This multiagency event was an opportunity to explore the different areas of expertise in dealing with domestic abuse in Greater Manchester.

“Each speaker provided an overview of their agency and how they protect victims of Domestic Abuse working together with partners.

“The event was highly informative and thought provoking, From left to right: Sue Mallinson from Greater Manchester Fire and reminding us all how we can make a difference.

Rescue, CI Patrick Mckelvey, PCC Tony Lloyd, Jayne Worthington from The feedback from front line police officers, partner agenVictim Support, Saj Ghafoor from IDVA, Shipla Chauhan from CPS and cies and staff from across Greater Manchester was exDC Ian Phillips tremely positive.”

Brief Christmas 2013 Edition 13

Features

Spreading the word ‘what it says on the tin’ – we manage Internal Communications Headline any communications that are sent out Officer Melissa Mead is leading the way to find police officers and internally to the Force’s 11,000+ police staff to join the GMP Communicator Network. She explains more about the Internal Communications team and what it means to be part of this network.

surveys that measure the effectiveness of the communication channels we use.

How do you join the GMP Communicator Network?

We are always looking for enthusiastic people to get involved with the network as it is such an important element of internal communications! Just give us a call or send an email (contact details are below) and we can give you some more information on what the post entails. If you are Meet the team ‐ from left to right Catherine Barlow, Pat Jones and Melissa Mead interested please get in touch by January 6 2014.

Who is in the team?

The Internal Communications team is made up of myself, Internal Communications Officer Catherine Barlow and Senior Internal Communications Officer Pat Jones. The team is also supported by the GMP Communicator Network – a wider group of contacts across the Force who help with local level communications and supply ideas for Brief stories.

What do you do?

Our team sits within the Corporate Communications Branch. Really we do

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employees.

That means we advise and assist all of the different divisions and branches with a variety of projects that span all manner of topics. This can range from sending out an urgent Forcewide email, to organising events such as the Chief’s roadshow, to sharing the results of a particular Operation. We are also in charge of editing Brief and conducting

Contact the team If you are looking for advice on any communication you wish to send internally, the Internal Communications team are happy to help. Please call the team on 65938/65939/62238 or email internal.comms@gmp.police.uk

Features

X-cellent response to Xcalibre conference OFFICERS from across the country have praised the Force’s dramatic reduction in gang and youth violence.

A recent conference highlighting the work of the Xcalibre team was staged after a number of forces and partner agencies asked to visit GMP. Today, tackling gun crime in Greater Manchester is less about enforcement and more about engaging with those who might be tempted to join gangs.

An Integrated Gang Management Unit has now been established which brings together expertise from the probation, children’s and youth offending services. It safeguards young people, families and communities affected by gangs. The unit also has an officer dedicated to helping young people move away from the gang lifestyle and find a career.

Overall shootings in Greater Manchester have dropped from 131 in 2003-2004 to 30 in 2012-2013. This multi-agency approach has helped to achieve the dramatic decline in firearms discharges, because every response to gang and youth violence is now highly coordinated.

Det Ch Supt Darren Shenton said: "GMP has led the way nationally in reducing and sustaining the reduction of firearms discharges over several years, and this gives communities confidence that we will respond positively to their information and concerns about this most serious of crimes.

On the case THE Cold Case Unit has once again been heralded a national leader in using cutting-edge investigative techniques after a rapist was brought to justice.

Barry Howell, 56, was finally exposed by investigators 24 years after he raped his victim, thanks to advances in forensic science, familial DNA searching techniques and the officers' persistence and commitment.

Last month, Howell was convicted and sentenced to nine years in prison.

The victim, who was 25-years-old at the time, was raped at knifepoint on waste ground in Collyhurst. An immediate investigation was launched and forensic samples taken, but no arrests were made at the time.

Det Ch Supt Darren Shenton is pictured (left) with Roz Hamilton, Ch Exec of Probation Trust, DCC Dave Thompson, West Midlands Police and Deborah Brownlee from Trafford Council

"We are justifiably proud of all our hard work, but this success is not solely a GMP achievement – it has been down to everyone working together. We always said that policing by itself was not the solution, as we can only enforce the law, and that tackling this type of crime needs long-term strategies to address social issues around education, housing and opportunities.

"Success has not made us complacent, as the Xcalibre Task Force still works in areas where gangs are

operating, and we will continue to target criminals who use, house and supply firearms. We will also continue to work with our partners to identify those who are likely to pursue a gang lifestyle, so we can divert them from that path."

As well as these tactics, the Xcalibre team works with regional, national and government agencies to stem the supply of firearms and ammunition, and is committed to working with all agencies and communities over the long term.

The inquiry was never closed and officers continued to pursue numerous forensic leads to establish the identity of the woman's attacker. In 2004, the Cold Case Unit reviewed the case as part of Operation Advance, a nationwide review of unsolved rape cases using the latest DNA profiling techniques. As a result, officers obtained a full DNA profile of the offender from the original forensic samples taken. There were however, no matches on the National DNA database and Howell remained at large.

Undeterred, officers continued their search to expose this man and last year they made a vital breakthrough. DNA lists of convicted offenders were examined and a familial link with Howell’s son was established with full DNA profile.

This led officers to Howell Snr, who proved to be a direct match.

Martin Bottomley, who heads GMP’s Cold Case Unit, said: “I have always said that GMP does not put a time limit on justice. It is a fantastic result to have convicted this dangerous man nearly a quarter of a century after he subjected this woman to a vile and brutal rape.”

Detective Constable Michaela Clinch, who led the investigation, said: “It can be very difficult to approach people who have been sexually assaulted or raped after so many years.

Quite often, people have moved on with their lives and it can be a painful reminder to make them relive their ordeal and go through that emotional turmoil again. Sometimes you do question whether you’re doing the right thing.

“But I’m delighted we got the right result and I know the victim was really pleased that justice has finally been done.”

Brief Christmas 2013 Edition 15

Features

Courageous constable cops national nomination

Recognised for outstanding bravery: From left to right, PCC. Tony Lloyd, PC David Urie and Deputy PCC Jim Battle

HEROIC GMP officer was nominated for a national bravery award after running into a burning building to save three people.

PC David Urie, was one of 64 offices from across the country nominated at the 18th Annual Police Bravery Awards. David risked his life to

Dog rescuers THE Bury Division Tasking Team have helped rescue more than 100 dogs from a farm.

The rescue was filmed for a Channel 5 programme aired in October.

PC Lanie Smith, the officer in charge said: “We became aware of a Facebook page about this particular farm in Bury as people were angry about the conditions that the animals were being kept in. We set up an operation, including the RSPCA, trading standards and environmental health to sort it out.

“The operation was a success and we were able to rescue 136 dogs.

There were so many it took 16 hours to get them all out safely.

“Both farmers received 10 year bans, along with a 12-month suspended sentence for six months and 20 hours community service.”

16 Brief Christmas 2013 Edition

rescue the residents of a property on Bury Old Road, Prestwich in the early hours of 29 October 2010.

PC Urie was on patrol when a motorist alerted him to the fire at the Best Saver convenience store. When he arrived he found the ground-floor shop of the three-storey building was

ablaze. Instead of waiting for the fire service to arrive, PC Urie twice ran into the burning building and rescued three people, including a man who was heavily sleeping.

This week he met with Tony Lloyd and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jim Battle, who praised him for his selfless and heroic actions.

Although David missed out on one of the top prizes Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd was full of praise for his actions after meeting with him prior to the awards ceremony: “It was truly inspiring to meet PC Urie and hear his courageous story.

It was clear speaking to him that he is a very modest and humble man and believes he was just doing his job – in fact he only told his wife what had happened many weeks later. But how many of us would run into a burning building, without hesitation, with no thought for our own safety? PC Urie is a credit to the police and the people of Greater Manchester and I know his family, friends and colleagues are extremely proud.”

Airport Watch

provide extra eyes and ears and helps the police to protect the Airport from the threat of terrorism and domestic extremism.

MEMBERS of a new Airport Watch scheme at Manchester Airport have been Applicants are subject to security presented with special security passes. screening and if successful receive a The event held in the Concorde Suite bespoke membership pass to be worn whilst attending Manchester Airport. This at Manchester Airport back in October also makes them easily identifiable as an means that members are more easily identified by police officers working at the accredited enthusiast and should greatly assist any initial threat assessment if Airport.

The scheme is a way for the Force to encountered by Airport authorities. collaborate with aviation enthusiasts to

SOMEWHERE UNDER THE RAINBOW: Thanks to PC Lee Owen who sent this stunning snap of Force Headquarters.

Features

GMP strikes back at empires A team of detectives have been instrumental in smashing three drug empires who were jailed for more than 75 years.

with a street value of £415,710 was seized from this gang. One of the other criminal networks was involved in shipping drugs to the UK stashed in children's jackets and bars of soap.

Following more than a year's work by officers, three separate organised crime networks, all with a similar modus operDetective Inspector Chris Mossop, andi to flood the streets of Manchester from GMP's Organised Crime Cowith drugs, have been unmasked and ordination Unit, said: “These convictions convicted. marked the culmination of more than a year's work to bring some extremely The conspiracy was masterminded by determined and well-connected drug an offender called Mohammed Imran dealers to justice and I am delighted so Khan who had the contacts in Pakistan many of these criminals are now starting to arrange the importation of heroin to lengthy jail sentences. the UK, and other gang members who had the connections to arrange the dis“It’s also really pleasing to see the tribution of the drugs within the North officers who worked such long hours to West. crack this case commended by the Judge. We do this job to put criminals More than two kilogrammes of heroin

behind bars and that in itself is its own reward, but it’s always nice to have the Judge recognise the hard work all the officers put in to dismantle these criminal networks who cause so much hardship.

“What was so rare about this case was that we brought successful prosecutions against every level of an organised crime network. You often find that the masterminds of these OCGs keep their distance from handling the drugs themselves and let the acolytes who deal on their behalf take the fall. But in this instance we have utterly dismantled this network root and branch which is a massive achievement.“

Supporting victims CHIEF Superintendent Paul Rumney and Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Ian Rushton sign off new Service Level Agreements to ensure that victims of hate crimes are fully supported during the investigative and court process.

The collaborative approach will also enable offenders to be brought to justice, helping to increase confidence across our communities. The agreements are for the handling of disability, racial and religious and sexual orientation and transgender hate crime cases.

Overwhelming response for Fletch MORE than 250 officers and staff signed up to the stem-cell donor registry following an event at Force HQ. The event was organised in partnership with ‘Delete Blood Cancer UK’ following a Force appeal to help Sgt Paul Fletcher.

Paul from Stockport Division was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – a cancer of the lymphatic system in September 2012. A Force appeal for staff to sign up to the stem-cell register to try to help Paul and others in need of a transplant, was so well received a donor drive was organised to take place at Force HQ.

someone with a blood disorder. If you Paul said: “There has been such a brilliant response to the appeal from col- would like to sign up to the register you can send for a home swab kit by visiting leagues across the Force, I’d like to thank everyone who has signed up to www.deletebloodcancer.org the donor register.

“Even though I have had a stem cell transplant of my own cells, I will remain on the register as needing a donor.

If my disease returns, then my own stem cells won't recognise diseased cells as being cancerous and will not kill them off, whereas donor cells would.”

Staff who signed up will be added to the register and could potenCaroline Portlock (right) from Delete Blood Cancer UK pictured tially save the life of with CSI Kirsty Lavin

Brief Christmas 2013 Edition 17

GMP Community

Class of 2013

THE first regular Police Constables to join GMP in over two years were attested at the end of October in a ceremony at Sedgley Park.

Phillips presided over the formal magistrate duties, and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Jim Battle was also in attendance.

Deputy Chief Constable Ian Hopkins and Justice of the Peace, Mr Michael

The officers who have been recruited internally were either special

19 De

s GMP event

December

GMP

constables or members of police staff are now on active duty across the division.

A further 50 officers will be recruited this year so if you are interested further details will be posted nearer

January 2014

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18 Brief Christmas 2013 Edition

GMP Community

Special recognition

SPECIAL Constables and volunteers from across Greater Manchester have been recognised for their hard work and dedication at an Awards Ceremony.

During the ceremony, held at Lancashire Cricket Club on Sunday 1 December, seven awards were handed out in total.

Rochdale Division stole the show receiving the award for ‘Outstanding Team Performance’ and the coveted ‘Special Constable of the Year Award’.

Tuseef Ahmed, the winner of the Special Constable of the Year Award and part of the team to receive the Team Performance Award said: “I am surprised and delighted to have been chosen. It makes up for the mornings when I have finished a shift at 7.00am having missed a night-out with friends.”

In a surprise twist the ‘Student Officer of the Year’ was jointly won by Peter Francis and Gareth Roberts.

The judging panel said that the standard of nominations in all categories had been particularly high this year.

51 years of service rewarded ROGER Coles has been awarded a certificate for long service upon his retirement from GMP after 51 years.

He joined Lancashire Constabulary

Roger Coles accepts his certificate

in 1962 as a cadet, moving across to GMP when it was formed in 1974.

Throughout his career he has worked in the Traffic Unit and at time of his retirement he was Information Compliance & Records Management Assistant.

Throughout his career Roger saw a great many highlights. One of his greatest achievements was influencing the design and increased safety of children’s car seats. This was after a car accident where a twoyear-old managed to unclip themselves from their seat. The mother swerved as she attended to the child (both child and mother survived).

When asked what he will miss most about GMP, he said: "Without a doubt the people I have worked with. I have made some wonderful friends throughout my career who I will keep in touch with now that I have retired."

Roger will be joining the National Highways Agency on a consultancy basis as a Customer Relations Manager.

Making Irlam safer CHRISTMAS crime prevention day at Tesco in Irlam. A great day for community engagement as local Home Watch members/residents and Junior PCSOs gave up their free time to help hand out crime prevention leaflets.

PCSO Mark Fitzgerald said: “It was a really good day and helps get the police out and about to help prevent crime in the area this Christmas.”

Passing the baton

Mike Walmsley (left) pictured with his predecessor Paul Whittam.

THIS month Specials Chief Officer Paul Whittam hands over to Mike Walmsley.

Mike said: “I am looking forward to the challenges ahead and embedding the Special Constabulary further into Neighbourhood Policing. I will also be building on the excellent work already undertaken by previous chief officers, Paul Whittam and Bart Ganley.”

Brief Christmas 2013 Edition 19