CELEBRATING THE BEST IN BURY
Thank you for taking the time to read this month’s edition of Bury District Brief which I’d like to start by saying a huge congratulations to all those we celebrated during our ‘Best of Bury’ awards.
It was a fantastic turnout at Bury Football Club and it was great to speak to so many of you and celebrate your achievements. You should all be extremely proud of what you have done over the past year for our communities across Bury. We are also hosting an event on Thursday 5 June for those that couldn’t make the awards so I look forward to seeing you all there and presenting you with your awards. You may have seen several courses which have come up recently together with online training via the NCALT portal – these are mandatory and I would encourage everyone to do these as soon as possible.
I also wanted to let you know of movements within the Senior Leadership Team and welcome those that have joined/ will be joining the district shortly:
• Operational Superintendent Phil Spurgeon taking over from Superintendent Mike Walsh
• Vulnerability DCI Laura Walters taking over from DCI Vicki Kenyon
• Crime DCI Pat Wood taking over from CI Tom Willis
• Operational CI Chris Fowler taking over from Superintendent Sam Jackson.
I’d also like to encourage you all to take part in the staff survey which you can see advertised on the force intranet. This is your opportunity to shape the future of our workplace and influence both local and national decisions.
As always thank you for the support you give the district and please continue to look after each other,
Chief Superintendent Kirsty Oliver
Celebrating Bury’s achievements from across the district
Bury took time out to celebrate the achievements of its officers and staff recently with an award ceremony that took place at Bury Football Club hosted in their Starkies Lounge.
Hosted by Chief Superintendent Kirsty Oliver, there were 13 award categories, all designed to showcase the great work of the team.
Friends and families were also invited to celebrate the achievements of the district and take part in a charity raffle.
The award categories and winners are listed below:
• Volunteer of the Year – Special Constable (SC) Morgan Swaby
• Student Officer of the Year –Police Constable (PC) James Taylor
• Police Staff of the Year - Niamh Greenen
• Problem Solving – PC Kieran Stodart
• Bravery – PC Daniel McEvoy
• Apprentice of the Year - Ryan Horton
• Special Constable of the Year –SC Louisa Hargreaves
• PCSO of the Year - PSCO Sian Mansley
• Innovation – Bury domestic abuse team
Detective Sergeant (DS) Keith Galley, DS Christina Culleton, Police Sergeant Adam Harper, PC Winnet Denhere, PC Matthew Watton, PC Guy Bullough, PC Thomas Kitching, PC Anna McGreal, PC Aqeel Azam and PC Thomas Stansfield
• Criminal Investigation of the Year – Conviction of Christopher Hardman
Detective Constable (DC) Joe Hollis, DC Christopher Davis, DC Jessica Blakesley, DC Aaron Howcroft, DC Morgan SkeelsCaldwell DC Sam Mottershead, DC Tom Berry, DC Sian Critchley, DC Tracy Molloy, DC Mohammed Usman, DC Christopher Kay, DC Mohammed Javed, DS Andrew Kiddie, DS Ellen Nasim, DS Carolyn Morley and PC Lauren Bates
• Operation of the Year – Operation Island
• Team of the Year – D Relief Response
• Police Officer of the Year (dedicated in memory to a special friend and dear colleague Jon Wain) – DS Garry Hayhurst.
Death of Pope Francis
It was with great sadness that on Easter Monday morning news of the death of Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was announced by the Vatican to an unsuspecting world; and memories of our Catholic Police Guild (CPG) visit to Rome in 2014 to celebrate the centenary of the Guild become once more a happy memory to those fortunate enough to have made that pilgrimage and been in the presence of our late Holy Father.
The image shows me and the Guild’s chair at the time, PC Andrew Nattrass, presenting His Holiness with a traditional ‘British bobby’ custodian helmet, an illuminated copy of the prayer of St Michael and a specially commissioned CPG medal.
Although Pope Francis had been unwell for several weeks and his decline in health and frailty was becoming more noticeable, nevertheless his attendance at the Easter Sunday Mass, and appearance on St Peter’s balcony to deliver his Easter Urbi et Orbi to the world and those gathered in St Peter’s Square, only added to the shock of the sad news of his death. For a man who loved being amongst his people, this last official engagement will have been an occasion he would have enjoyed.
With hindsight, his last tour in the familiar Popemobile through the crowds gathered on Via Conciliazione, and in St Peter’s Square seem like the last lap made at the end of some great concert or event, and the 12-year papacy of Pope Francis was most certainly a great event not only within the Roman Catholic and Apostolic Church, but for believers and nonbelievers alike, as without fear or favour Pope Francis travelled the globe praying and preaching the Gospel
message of peace and forgiveness.
During these past weeks of frailty leading up to the Easter celebrations, Pope Francis has shown us the power and true meaning of the Easter message: that death is not the end but the beginning of life everlasting. Now, he has returned to the Father’s House, and the Easter promise for him is fulfilled.
Our prayer for our beloved Holy Father Pope Francis is that he now rests in the love and embrace of the Risen Lord.
Requiescat in Pace.
Father Barry Lomax
National Chaplain & Fellow of the Catholic Police Guild of England & Wales, and Force Lead Chaplain to GMP
Craig Higgins Challenge 2025
Members of GMP’s Tactical Aid Unit (TAU) have taken on the UK’s fourth longest walk, travelling the full length of Hadrian’s Wall in four days in memory of a deceased colleague and to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.
In total the team covered more than 95 miles, leaving Bowness-On-Solway in Cumbria on Monday 21 April and finishing in Wallsend in North Tyneside on Thursday 24 April 2025, before returning home the next day.
On average they walked more than 22 miles per day, finishing the route with some variations and deviations – such as walking
to and from campsites – for a grand total of 218,801 steps. They completed the challenge as a memorial for former TAU officer PC Craig Higgins, who died after becoming unwell on duty in March 2022. Craig was a much-respected member of the Tactical Aid Unit (TAU), who joined GMP in 2003 and made the move to TAU in 2008.
The team’s JustGiving page in aid of the British Heart Foundation has reached £6,660: more than six times their initial target of £1,000.
You can still donate at https://www.justgiving.com/page/ craighigginschallenge.
Action Counters Terrorism community engagement
Counter-terrorism security advisors (CTSAs) have been advising businesses across the North West on how to protect their venues and employees, and help their staff prepare should a terrorist threat occur.
Around 230 people attended an engagement event held by the Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) campaign at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall on Wednesday 30 April.
ACT encourages communities to help tackle terrorism by reporting suspicious behaviour and activity that doesn’t feel right. Businesses and members of the public are encouraged to complete the campaign’s award-winning ACT Awareness e-learning course to increase their own security awareness and learn what actions they can take which may help to counter terrorism.
The event was formally opened by Det Supt Alison Whittaker, head of Protect & Prepare at Counter Terrorism Policing North West. Det Supt Whittaker said: “The objective for the day was to provide attendees with an insight into the current threat and how attack methodology has evolved over the years in the UK, looking at what security advice and guidance is available to them, how to access it and who they can reach out to for further support. We need the community’s help to deter, detect and disrupt hostile and terrorist activity.”
“The speakers at the event included head of engagement at the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, Ch Insp Chris Simpson; Arndale Centre director David Allinson; National Counter Terrorism Policing Communication’s campaigns
team and our regional CTSAs.
“They delivered an insightful and impactful agenda which included a pre-recorded message from Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett, who has tirelessly campaigned for Martyn’s Law [the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, which requires venues hosting large groups of people to take additional measures to keep themselves safe from terror attacks]. She encouraged businesses to make use of the free resources available on the ProtectUK website and to share with their staff and neighbouring businesses.”
The session was supported by Janice McMahon from Stereoplast Healthcare, provider of public access trauma (PAcT) first aid kits, and GMP’s Project Servator team.
Project Servator is a policing tactic used by a number of UK police forces. It aims to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public. It is an inclusive, collaborative community strategy aimed at protecting protect local areas and building upon plans already in place to ensure public safety and security.
Management at the Bridgewater Hall said they were ‘proud to have hosted such a high-profile event’, adding: ‘The relationship with and support from the team in CTPNW is invaluable to our business.’
All of ACT’s official protective security advice, guidance and training is free and readily available to access via www. protectuk.police/uk.
Operation Vulcan community event
In April 2025, Operation Vulcan joined the community of Derker for an event at Stoneleigh Park, arranged by Friends of Stoneleigh Park as part of the local council’s holiday activities.
Officers from Op Vulcan, neighbourhood officers and PCSOs were in attendance, giving local children the opportunity to meet GMP officers; take a tour of our vehicles and test out the blue light systems; try on uniforms; and learn about the role of the police in protecting them. The event also included interactive stalls and games, enabling attendees to learn more about our specialist teams, equipping them with life skills and crime prevention advice, and increasing their understanding of policing.
Det Supt Jen Kelly from Operation Vulcan said: “We know the lasting impact contact with the police can have and it’s so important that we get it right. By hosting community events like this, we hope to break down barriers with young people and ensure they can avoid falling victim to crime or exploitation by opportunistic criminal gangs who often seek to recruit young people.
“I’d like to thank all those who came along and spent time speaking to us. This was our first event in Derker since we launched our latest operation which aims to tackle the crime in the area, and it was great to see it so well attended by local children and families.
“These kinds of events can often be the perfect way for us
to engage with the community we serve in a fun and positive way, helping increase trust and confidence in us. We had some really positive and valuable feedback from residents about the work we’re doing to tackle issues locally and this proactivity will continue.”
The work of Op Vulcan in Derker follows the team’s operational successes in Cheetham Hill and Piccadilly Gardens, and will see GMP officers and partners carrying out sustained strategic disruptive activity to directly combat the issues which the community tell us are affecting them the most.
Working with Oldham Council, a variety of partner agencies, and using specialist resources from across the force, we’re determined to tackle anti-social behaviour, drug crime, vehicle crime and anti-social driving, child criminal exploitation, cuckooing, and violent crime.
Councillor Peter Dean, cabinet member for Thriving Communities and Culture, said: “It was great to see the Operation Vulcan team out in action at Stoneleigh Park, as neighbourhood policing is about so much more than tackling crime. This team is building relationships and really getting to know people in the area, building that trust and growing understanding.
“Open communication, particular with young people, about the work they do is vital to help people avoid crime and exploitation; so I’m glad to see the Vulcan team already off to a great start in that regard.”
GMP investigators present case at international
Two GMP team members have attended a prestigious international conference to share details of their work on an investigation which tested the boundaries of UK legislation.
DC Carly Baines of GMP’s Online Child Abuse Investigation Team (OCAIT) and digital investigator Ryan Parkins of the Digital Forensic Investigation Unit (DFIU) had already received a chief superintendent’s branch award for their innovative investigation as part of Operation Garnet, the investigation into Hugh Nelson’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to create indecent images of children. On Monday 19 May 2025, they attended the International Policing and Public Protection Research Institute (IPPPRI) conference (formerly PIER) to deliver a presentation on the case.
Known worldwide as one the most important conferences focusing on online harms, IPPPRI25 brings together leading international and national speakers in the fields of academia and public protection to demonstrate the influence of academic research in informing real world change.
Supt Alex Bacon, GMP force lead for child protection, OCAIT and missing, said: “This is an excellent example of a collaborative and innovative investigation, tackling the latest threats in order to safeguard our communities. Both DC Baines and Parkins delivered a great presentation at this year’s IPPPRI conference, providing opportunities for attending practitioners, policymakers, academia and subject matter experts who attend the event, to look at how multi-agency responses can be improved.
“I am incredibly proud of them both and how well they put our OCAIT and DFIU at the forefront of online CSE investigations, demonstrating how GMP do all we can to protect children around the world.”
Operation Garnet
Hugh Nelson of Bolton pleaded guilty in August to 11 sexual offences relating to children, after pleading guilty to a further five offences in July 2023. In October 2024, he was sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment followed by six years on licence, and
a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Nelson was initially investigated for utilising AI to generate child sexual abuse material of his customers’ victims. This investigation was a UK first, which tested the boundaries of current legislation and resulted in Nelson pleading guilty to 11 offences and receiving a 24-year sentence (18 years’ imprisonment, six years on licence, and a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order).
DC Baines and Parkins collaborated nationally and internationally to tackle this new online offending typology – their investigation has set a precedent for future cases involving emerging technologies, attracting significant attention and requests to share learnings with other law enforcement agencies.
Their meticulous investigating found 1,800 Category A to C images and 2,000 prohibited images across three devices, with Nelson generating around £5,000 from sales. Eight ‘customers’ were also identified through chat logs.
The key priority for GMP throughout this investigation has been identifying the children portrayed in the images located on Nelson’s devices, or any others who may have been at risk of harm through Nelson’s extensive online networks with like-minded individuals. This complex search has led the investigators to uncover offenders and victims based in other parts of the world such as Italy, France and the USA. The evidence and intelligence they have collected has now been passed over to the relevant law enforcement agencies to enable them to make arrests, safeguard children and conduct investigations.
When Nelson was sentenced, DC Baines commented: “This case is a first in our area, and is a landmark case nationally, as technology continues to develop, grow, and become more frequently used for a variety of reasons. We’ve worked incredibly closely with several teams, including national investigation units and a specialist solicitor and prosecutor from the national Crown Prosecution Service team, to gather the strongest possible evidence to present, and to determine how to proceed.
“This case has been a real test of the legislation, as using computer programmes in this particular way is so new to this type of offending and isn’t specifically mentioned within current UK law. What this case will do is set a precedent for future cases, but hopefully also play a role in influencing what future legislation looks like, to ensure offenders can continue to feel the full force of the law.
“This operation has since gone global, with further arrests and safeguarding referrals made in various cities and countries across the UK and around the world. The investigation represents a continuation of how policing and criminal justice partners are constantly broadening their capabilities to deal with new technologies as they emerge, with an unwavering commitment to protecting children and removing predators from the streets.”
Head of OCAIT DCI Jen Tattersall said: “This case is a real testament to how we and criminal justice partners, such as the
present pioneering international conference
CPS, can evolve and adapt as offenders do, to ensure we are still able to seek justice for victims, despite new trends and ways of offending.
Hugh Nelson is an extremely dangerous man who thought he could get away with what he was doing by using modern technology. He was wrong and has now felt the full force of the law for his actions.
“The internet should be a safe space for all, but sadly there are perverse individuals out there looking to exploit those who are vulnerable or encourage others into criminal behaviour. Protecting children is our biggest priority, and our proactive approach to tackling child protection crime has seen positive outcomes increase and overall crime decrease. We would encourage anyone suffering to come forward to us so we can take robust action.”
Child protection staff engagement project
In 2024, the GMP Staff Engagement team embarked on a dedicated engagement project with colleagues across our child protection teams. This initiative was launched following a request from ACC Sarah Jackson, who was the Child Protection Lead at the time, and has since been continued by ACC Steph Parker.
A subsequent report, which included anonymised input from colleagues, was shared with ACC Parker. This report highlighted key tailored actions at both the district and forcewide levels to make improvements to areas such as environment, processes and recognition.
In September 2024, the Senior Command Team (SCT) initiated a child protection project in response to the recent HMICFRS inspection findings and other challenges faced by the force in this area. Led by the Change branch on behalf of the Public Protection division (PPD), the project also focused on wellbeing. By January 2025, the project presented options to PPD and SCT, including recommendations linked to the engagement report findings, several of which have been implemented.
We are now excited to share some of the positive steps that have been taken since the presentation of this report back in Autumn 2024:
• Interview room improvements: A review of the rooms where children are interviewed was conducted to assess potential improvements. As a result, ACC Parker has commissioned a separate project (VRI) to work on this recommendation.
• Child Protection training: A one-day training course on Child Protection for Response has been developed and will be delivered in 2025.
• Occupational Health: Efforts have been made to enhance the accessibility and responsiveness of Occupational Health services within Child Protection teams. OHWS is now working with PPD to develop solutions.
• Child Protection Policy: As part of the project, the Child Protection Policy was reviewed. Minor amends have been suggested and are being progressed.
These are just a few of the recommendations that have been actioned.
ACC Steph Parker said: “We are committed to continuously improving our child protection services. The feedback from our colleagues has been invaluable in shaping these initiatives. Child protection is not an easy role, but the success of the recent HMICFRS inspection highlighted how incredible our child protection teams are at adapting and excelling in challenging circumstances.
“We appreciate the dedication and hard work of our teams and will continue to listen and act on their insights to ensure the best outcomes for the children we protect.”
Trafford gymnastics coach sentenced to 18 years
A gymnastics coach has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for rape and sexual offences against two young girls he trained during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Michael Haynes of Urmston was found guilty of nine counts of rape and 11 counts of sexual assault against the two girls after a four-week trial at Manchester Crown Court.
The assaults came to light after a woman bravely came forward in September 2020 to tell police of the prolonged abuse she suffered. Then in December 2023, another woman learned that Haynes was to stand trial for sexual offences and also came forward to the police to report what had happened to her.
The victims released parts of their impact statements, which were read in court, to show the effects of the abuse they suffered from Haynes.
Victim 1 said: “Michael Haynes violated boundaries I hadn’t yet learned how to name. I didn’t understand what had happened – or how I felt about it. I just knew something had shifted in me. Something had been taken by someone I trusted, and I carried confusion and shame for many years.”
Victim 2 said: “When the abuse started, I felt lost and scared, and I have carried the weight and worry through life ever since.
“I have been comforted and inspired by the stories of other victims and their coping mechanisms. I have identified with their thoughts and struggles whilst learning to process what happened.
This understanding, acceptance and sense of solidarity have eventually allowed me to take this step forward and report the abuse I suffered all those years ago.”
She added: “I would like to thank Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Crown Court, the Witness Care Service, and everyone involved in bringing about this conviction. It has been a lengthy process, but I have felt fully supported and informed the whole way through.”
Det Insp Rick Lees of Trafford CID said: “This was a harrowing investigation, and I would like to thank the survivors for their bravery in coming forward after all these years and reporting what happened to them. I cannot imagine the psychological effect that this abuse had on them over the years, and I hope today’s sentencing brings some form of closure and a sense of justice.”
Operation Hawker forcewide activity day
The first of many days of forcewide days of activity focusing on the work of GMP’s special constabulary took place in March 2025.
The day, organised by Specials Ch Insp Cat Cutler, was the first of many forcewide days of activity known as Op Hawker. It yielded some impressive results, with 43 officers taking part alongside ACC Matt Boyle, Ch Supt Phil Hutchinson and GMP’s new Special Constabulary Chief Officer Adam Kramer.
Activities included officers working alongside the transport unit, conducting a traffic operation and warrants, as well as officers working at the airport and the Trafford Centre.
In addition, the day featured:
• Two prisoner transport vans out throughout the day
• Three officers on Roads Policing Unit attachments (assisted a double cardiac arrest and concern for welfare)
• Two officers on Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit attachments (seized a vehicle under section 59, assisting with the arrest of a wanted male found driving around in a car, and recovering an outstanding vehicle after it crashed)
• One officer on National Police Air Service attachment (experienced eight different jobs over the course of the night)
Results summary
• Community engagement at the Trafford Centre, visiting a careers fair promoting Bee in the Loop
• Safely reuniting a two-year-old child with their parents
• Seven stop and searches
• Over 100 vehicle stops
• Six vehicle seizures
• Four traffic offence reports
• Two drug driving offences
• 10 pieces of intelligence submitted
• Six arrests
Ch Supt Phil Hutchinson, of the People branch’s operational training team, said: “Op Hawker was a remarkable achievement, expertly coordinated by S Ch Insp Cutler. The operation’s success is evident in the results, which speak volumes about the dedication and hard work of the staff who were involved.
“One of the primary goals of Op Hawker is to bolster the force’s neighbourhood initiatives, ensuring the safety and confidence of our communities. Additionally, the operation aims to elevate the profile of the exceptional work carried out by the volunteers within the Special Constabulary. These volunteers play a crucial role in supporting the force, and their contributions are invaluable.
“Expanding and highlighting these efforts will help to build community confidence as they see GMP officers tackling issues blighting our communities. I also hope that by recognising and promoting the work of the Special Constabulary, we can inspire more individuals to volunteer and contribute to the collective goal of a safer Greater Manchester.
“Our next planned day will take place during the weekend of 6 to 8 June, in celebration of the National Volunteers Week and National Specials Weekend.”
Crime recorders release third album
Since 2018, GMP Crime Recording and Resolution Unit (CRRU) members Rob Balfe and Mike Kirk have produced electronic music as The Kindred.
The group has previously been named Tameside Radio’s ‘band of the week’, as well as featuring on the BBC’s ‘Introducing’ platform for new and unsigned music acts. They released their debut album, A Violent Reaction, in 2019. Followup album Fractures, released in 2023, featured a collaboration with British rapper KMRS.
The Kindred’s third album New Door was released on all streaming services on 16 May 2025, further pushing the group’s sound. It is now available on Spotify and Apple Music, as well as all other streaming platforms.
You can listen to Kindred’s output, including new album New Door, on Spotify at http://tiny.cc/GMPKindred.
The Kindred is a collaborative project, and Mike and Rob are always on the lookout for other musicians and new talent to work with. Please contact them at kindredbanduk@gmail.com if you are interested in getting involved or working together in the future.
19 May – 9 June HAVE YOUR SAY
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GMP judo goes international
Manchester Fighting Spirit Judo Club and GMP judo squad head coach Mark Montrose was involved in international action, representing Great Britain, Fighting Spirit and GMP at the first British Veteran Open International at Sports Dock, University of East London on Saturday 29 March 2025.
The event attracted entries from over 25 countries, including the United States. The standard of judo on the day was very high, with most of the entrants having been involved in high level international competition in the past.
Mark, a former representative of the Police Sport UK British police national team, was entered in the -100 kg M5 category, where he would meet judoka from Portugal, Croatia, Belgium and Ireland.
An intense first match between Mark and the Croatian competitor would end in a contentious score going to the Croatian, with Mark running out of time to even the score. Mark’s second match, against a Belgian opponent, would end swiftly, with Mark foot sweeping then strangling his opponent into submission.
The third contest, against the eventual gold medallist from Portugal, would see Mark coming out on the attack, before being countered with a beautiful hand throw by his opponent. Mark’s final match, against Northern Ireland, would end with Mark executing a dropping shoulder throw for ippon (the highest possible score in judo), taking third place and the bronze medal.
Reflecting on the competition, Mark said: “What a fantastic event. It’s so good to be back in an international competition again. The atmosphere is electric. I’m disappointed not to have made the gold medal match, but the standard was really high.
“I am proud to represent Great Britain and get on the podium. Receiving a medal from two-time Olympic champion Shohei Ono was a definite highlight in my judo career. I’ll be back next year to hopefully improve my result.”
Manchester Fighting Spirit Judo Club, incorporating the GMP judo squad, is quickly making its name known at both the national and international competitions circuit, because the team are taking medals at every event they enter.
Mark would like to thank Essimo UK for the judogi (judo kit) and GMP for supporting with the funding towards this event.
Judo is an Olympic sport, which involves throwing, holding
and submitting your opponent.
Mark Montrose has been providing judo free to all members of GMP Sports and Social for 20 years. He would encourage all frontline staff to take up judo to complement their PPST; it is an excellent skill to help keep yourself safe while policing. To find out more about learning or competing in judo, contact Mark at mark.montrose@gmp.police.uk – all are welcome, beginner or expert.
To get involved in any of the many police sporting sections you will need to be a member of the Sports and Social, which is £7 per month. The membership also provides discounts for shopping, days out, entertainment, restaurants, gyms around the force and other great benefits. Join today by completing and sending in the membership application form, which you can find at https://www.gmpsportsclub.com/Membership-Forms.aspx.
‘Ask the Boss’ Q&As -
Thank you to everyone who submitted questions and appreciate you have all been sent answers to these.
The below is a snapshot of the questions recieved and answers in case you may not have seen these:
Q: Why does neighbourhood always get declined a van when they lock up? Still ongoing issues.
A: Ma’am Oliver reiterated that this needs to be raised to Silver. SLT advised to email any van issues to the SLT Silver and it will get picked up.
Q: Why do A relief north PCSOs not walk and take three cars each shift, can they not alternate who has a car, drop off the others who patrol on foot as hi-viz foot patrol is one of the core roles of PCSO.
A: This issue should be addressed at the inspector level.
Q: The new neighbourhood threeweek pattern is worse than the fourweek with minimal improvements. Furthermore, it is not popular with current staff and is not attracting new staff to replace staff who are
leaving. Will SLT review a proposed Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) shift pattern, and if in agreement, will they raise it at force level?
A: Has been raised at force level –some districts haven’t been doing this pattern and all districts need to try the pattern concurrently, as we cannot know for certain if it is failing until every district has tried it. If all districts say it doesn’t work then it will be looked at. Any issues with shift pattern please feed these to Jade Carter and Ma’am Oliver will look to raise at force level again but it won’t be for six months, until the other districts have tried the pattern.
Q: Can we reduce crimes on NPT so community engagement/partnership can take place, instead of being sat in station 24/7 doing paperwork (NB: this was written prior to finding out NBO’s are now a secondary DIT)
A: Ma’am acknowledged it is taking away time from neighbourhood officers to do neighbourhood work but this is due to low staffing on the DIT. The DIT should have 2 and 12 on every team, and today
it is 2 and 6 and with annual leave it can be as low as 1 and 3 and 1 and 4. If it was a full team we wouldn’t have the issue we have now with NPT picking up crimes. On the 9 May SLT had a meeting to discuss DIT and the DIT crimes on NPT. The way it is working now won’t be forever but just whilst we fix other areas. share of workload as there is extra work capacity on response due to less crimes. SLT will sit down and look at cultural issues between neighbourhood and response.
Q: Why have neighbourhood officers had rest days been cancelled for Parklife when overtime has been offered to do the same job for Parklife?
A: Michael Barton advised that SOCU told him to cancel RD with 90 days’ notice for neighbourhood officers. Ma’am Oliver she will speak to SOCU lead and speak to them about why it was neighbourhood team that had to attended this and it should be fair across different teams.
Supporting communities across Bury
Building relationships with our communities helps to forge strong connections between officers and residents, which in turn, can lead to intelligence being submitted and further information when criminals do strike.
Officers are also working tirelessly to support our communities to ensure they are safe where they live, where their children go to school and where they like to enjoy their weekends.
Below is just a snapshot of some of the activity that has been happening within communities across Bury: Community support
Whilst visiting local establishments
within Whitefield, our Whitefield neighbourhood team heard that the local food bank was nearly depleted. Officers got in touch with local businesses who provided a whole range of products ranging from food to hygiene products. These were then passed on for the community of Whitefield who need it the most.
The Whitefield neighbourhood team attended the Prestwich Clough Day at St Mary’s Flower Park. Officers noted it was great to see the community come together and show why Bury is a brilliant place to live and work.
Strengthening connections
Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Barton and Inspector Hussain delivered a hate crime presentation at PA Cricket Indoor Centre on Cobden Street Bury raising awareness on hate crime. PA Cricket is now a registered hate crime reporting centre which means that it will enable victims to report hate crimes and incidents to specialist agencies who can deal with the report (in confidence if required) whilst providing support and assistance.
Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Michael Barton visited Shrubberies Synagogue Prestwich on Thursday 15 May with Rabbi Eisdenberg to continue to strengthen partnerships between our communities.
Chief Inspector Michael Barton and Inspector Abed Hussain visited Hatzola Manchester as part of the important ongoing engagement with partners involved in keeping our communities safe. The response offer from Hatzola provides immediate trauma support across Whitefield, Prestwich and Salford.
Thanks and praise
Often, we forget about the good work that has happened across the district because we are constantly moving on to the next thing.
We wanted to use District Brief to ensure this good work is captured and we highlight those that have gone above and beyond not only for our communities but also to help other areas of the force – whether that is patrolling local footpaths to deter antisocial behaviour or supporting other teams in the district.
Below is just a snapshot of the good work that happens every single day across Bury:
“Their prompt attendance was much appreciated”
Neighbourhood Sergeant Matthew Doyle and Bury officers were thanked for their assistance in dealing with some ongoing problems at a local stable.
The person said: “Thanks to Bury and Sgt Doyle for their diligence in handling our current incidents. Their prompt attendance was much appreciated.”
Officer ‘is a credit to the Bury district’ Neighbourhood Police Officer Hannah Brobbey recently attended the house of a Greater Manchester resident to take a statement on an ongoing case.
The resident said: “Throughout the whole interaction, she was very professional, understanding and empathetic to my situation. Despite the topic of the case that we had to speak about, I felt completely at ease opening up about the situation, as she was very attentive in listening to what I had to say and gave me time to process everything when I needed a minute. She took extra care in ensuring that I was comfortable.
“She is a lovely person and a credit professionally to GMP and the Bury district.”
Bury officers – ‘your presence is much appreciated’
A Bury resident wrote in to thank local officers for their work patrolling the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal tow path.
They said: “I saw a pair of police officers on bikes patrolling the area, your presence is much appreciated.
“This footpath is used by a lot of families, elderly people and runners,
and sadly has been left to the mercy of vandals riding e-bikes and consuming illicit substances. I’m sure police presence will return peace and safety to it. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!”
Neighbourhood Beat Office (NBO)
From Detective Inspector Andy Wright: “I’ve been really impressed with NBO assistance and I just wanted to say thanks for the support during two jobs. I have already thanked the people involved however wanted to make sure the wider team were aware.
“The first job was a section 18 assault where a PCSO tasked with the job didn’t question the task and went into the town centre to assist with CCTV and find the crime scene. Within an hour the crime scene and suspect had been identified and good quality CCTV of the assault was obtained. A young person causing issues in the town centre was remanded due to the PCSOs assistance within 24 hours.
“The second job was the support the team gave me following the case of a gentleman who had been rough sleeping and was sadly found dead. There were no suspicious circumstances regarding his death however he had left several items together with a tent which need removing from a local area.
“After trying many different avenues to clear it, I started to as much as I could myself however needed some additional support and without hesitation Liam from the team very kindly helped to remove these items and I cannot thank him enough. Great teamwork.”
“You make a superb police officer and role model”
From a member of the community: “PC Frankie Griffiths attended my home on Monday 5 May 2025 following an incident that scared and upset my family. I want to thank him for his care, understanding, support and professionalism.
“He has even followed this through by updating me via phone which I really appreciate. This has put me and my family at ease the best it can. Thank you, PC Griffiths. Don’t change. You make a superb police officer and role model.”
“You go above and beyond in your role”
From Lynda Jones Community and Safeguarding Lead at Hazelwood High School: “I’d just like to say thank you to PC Mohammed Nadeem who is our school engagement officer, for all your support.
“You go above and beyond in your role, and the school really appreciates all your commitment and contributions in safeguarding our students.”
“A testament to his professionalism and dedication to serving those in need”
From Detective Inspector Helen Osmond: “In a recent case involving a male suspect arrested for section 39 common assault, PC Aqeel Azam demonstrated compassion and determination.
“The victim was reluctant to support a prosecution and recognising the complexities of such scenarios, PC Azam took the time to revisit the victim, demonstrating his understanding of the importance of building trust and rapport. His empathetic approach created a safe space for the victim to share her harrowing experiences.
“Through his efforts, PC Azam was able to gather compelling evidence and his meticulous attention to detail revealed a pattern of violence that had previously gone unreported.
“PC Azam’s ability to connect with victims on a personal level is a testament to his professionalism and dedication to serving those in need. His actions not only empowered the victim to reclaim her voice but also paved the way for hopefully a successful prosecution against her abuser. This case exemplifies his commitment to ensuring that victims of domestic abuse feel supported, heard, and validated.”