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