Celebrating problem solving across the force

scooped the ‘Special Recognition Award’ for her work in embedding problem solving within GMP. She has been a key leader in the development of a range of problem-solving tools and training, not only within the organisation but with key partners.

The full list of winners is on the ‘POP Awards winners unveiled’ article on the intranet.

Congratulations also go to the teams behind the three problem solving initiatives that have been shortlisted for this year’s Tilley Awards.

These national awards recognise and celebrate the best examples of problem solving in UK policing. Check out the ‘Shortlisted for national recognition’ article on the intranet for the full details.

We recently held our first ever POP Awards to recognise the amazing progression of problem solving at GMP over the past 12 months, and to reward those who have worked to reduce repeat demand across the force.

Entries were invited from all districts and branches to show how they have submitted POP plans to resolve long standing issues relating to victims, locations, offenders and areas of high demand, as well as partner-led POP plans, non-operational POP plans and innovative problem solving.

Held at Hough End, the awards celebrated those who have gone the extra mile in helping to build on our relationships with communities and in working with them to solve what matters most.

Chief Superintendent Emma Taylor said: “I firmly believe that problem solving plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and driving continuous improvement across Greater Manchester.

“The POP Awards serve as a powerful motivator, recognising and celebrating the individuals and teams who go above and beyond to identify and solve complex challenges.

“By honouring this year’s nominees and winners’ achievements, we have not only acknowledged their hard work and dedication but we hope to have also inspired others to think creatively and embrace problem solving.

“Congratulations to everyone who was nominated as well as the winners. You are really making a difference across our local communities.”

The awards handed out ranged from ‘Best Location-based POP Plan’ to ‘Best Victim Centred POP Plan’ and ‘Best District Prevention Hub’.

Inspector Natasha Bryan (pictured receiving her award from Chief Constable Stephen Watson above)

Salford have been crowned the first Chief Constable’s Cup winners in almost a decade following a thrilling final with a controversial climax.

After the action-packed game at the Vestacare Stadium in Oldham had finished 3-3, Sergeant Josh Elford looked to have blown his chance to score the winning penalty for Salford when Bury’s goalkeeper, Police Constable Tom Rain, kept out his shootout spot kick with a fine save.

But the linesman and referee controversially ruled that PC Rain had stepped off his line before the kick was taken, and Sgt Elford made no mistake with his second attempt from 12 yards as Salford became the first district to win the legendary GMP football competition following an almost 10-year hiatus.

It was relaunched last August by Chief Constable Stephen

Watson, and all districts bar Special Ops took part in the competition.

The man of the match in the final was PC Alex Ashby, who scored Salford’s first goal and set up PC Ryan Smith for their second.

Skipper PCSO Dave Johnson and PCs Dan Shaw and Mike Briers netted for Bury before PC Dan Clayton bagged an 80th minute leveller to ensure that the final had to be decided via penalties.

The high standard of the goals and the penalties had to be seen to be believed in what was undoubtedly one of the best games in the competition’s extensive history.

Here are some photographs and reaction to the big game.

Check out the ‘Salford lift Chief Constable’s Cup’ intranet article for a full match report.

Man Of The Match Alex Ashby

“It was an honour to be Man of the Match in such a high-profile game.

“Credit to Bury for hanging in there after we took the lead twice, but we also showed great character to hit back after going 3-2 down late in the second half.

“I think that, after the journey we have been on in this competition, we were worthy winners.

“We played well throughout the competition and in the final itself, we held our nerve in the shootout and we have all become much closer as colleagues as a result of this year’s Chief Constable’s Cup.”

SALFORD’S THREE TEAM LEADERS

“We are extremely proud of all the boys for the way they played in the final, and for the character they showed to come from 3-2 down late on and then go on to score five brilliant penalties in the nerve-wracking shootout.

“Winning the cup is just rewards for the performances we have put in throughout the competition, and for the way we have battled together as a real team every step of the way.

“It is an honour to be the winners of the Chief Constable’s Cup after a near 10-year hiatus, and we’ll try our very best to retain the title next year.”

Bury Captain Dave Johnson

“I thought we played really well and dominated the game.

“We would have been worthy winners and it was a cruel way to lose the game, not only on penalties but with such a controversial winning penalty.

“It was great game to be part of though, and I’m very proud of all the Bury boys, not just for the way we played in the final but for our performances throughout the competition.

“We’ll aim to go one better next year.”

The Route To The Final

Bury defeated City of Manchester South at the quarter-finals stage and Bolton in the semis.

Salford’s opponents in the quarter-final and semi-final stages were Trafford and City of Manchester North respectively.

The three group winners were Tameside, Trafford and CoM South.

Chief Superintendent Chris Hill

“The final was a fitting climax to the first Chief Constable’s Cup competition in almost a decade, and it was a pleasure handing out the trophies and medals at the end of the match.

“It was a highly entertaining game, with both sides playing some great football and scoring some top quality goals.

“As the Chief Super for Bury, I am obviously disappointed with the result, but the game and the competition itself were the real winners.”