Wiltshire Police - Firstbeat Spring 2019

Spring 2019

OP METEOR:

Cracking Wiltshire’s biggest CSE case www.wiltshire.police.uk

YOUR MAGAZINE, YOUR NEWS

THE BIG DEBATE:

Have the public lost respect for the police?

FOND FAREWELL: PCC declares he will be stepping down after eight years

www.wiltshire-pcc.gov.uk

LETTERS NEWS

Dear Chief Constable...

People helped by our officers and staff often write to thank the Chief for the great service they’ve received. Here’s a small selection of letters from grateful members of the public.

HERO COP

PCC NEWS

7

HEAR FROM YOUR PCC

IN FOCUS

13

AS a small business owner in the town of Westbury, I just wanted to say how delighted I was with the level of response and subsequent arrest resulting from the armed robbery a few weeks back in our town. With such negative press recently regarding how stretched police budgets are at the moment, it was really reassuring to see such a prolific response in our small town. Thanks again for all your hard work you do each day protecting our society.

RENEWED THANKS FOR A DIFFICULT YEAR IN SALISBURY WE want to send our greetings, good wishes and great thanks for all the policemen and women, not only in

Salisbury but from all parts of the country, who protected us all in this city through every sort of weather. They greeted us all cheerfully while maintaining their vigils uncomplainingly. You will say ‘it is only their job’, but we would say they did it exceptionally well and we admire and thank them most sincerely.

MODERN SLAVERY SPECIAL

IN FOCUS

17

GREAT RESPONSE TO ARMED ROBBERY

MEET THE PARENTS @SurreyPolice Shout out to our colleagues at @wiltshirepolice a year on from the incident in Salisbury. Their hard work and resilience over the past year is something to be admired. @mitchfaefife We have the best Police in the world

BEHIND THE SCENES

31

RUGBY COP

@albiej1 @wiltspoliceCC you should be very proud of your @wiltshirepolice staff’s resilience and professionalism over the last 12 months sir. Difficult time, limited on what you can disclose, huge drain on resources no doubt. Portrayed a World Class professional image @NFUWiltshire Yaaasss Wiltshire Police – thank you for explaining livestock worrying. It’s a huge concern for Wiltshire farmers!

SH ILT IR

PO

Wiltshire and Swindon

E

SPORTS

24

@swifty112 Great service from @wiltshirepolice today – professional, caring and genuine.

This is what UK Policing should look like

W

IN FOCUS

18

LICE

Firstbeat team Editor: Scott McPherson News Editors: Katie Bond, Siobhan Stayt Sub Editors: Andy Grant, Ben Holloway, Emma Morton Designer: Natalie Hobman

Page 2 | Spring 2019

Email: firstbeat@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk

NEWS

HERO POLICE DOGS HANG UP THEIR HARNESSES

BY KATIE BOND Media Officer

HAVING clocked up almost 15 years of service between them, police dogs Tyke and Max have retired; swapping a life of locating criminals and protecting our communities for a quieter life and a wellearned rest.

PD Tyke has worked alongside PC Cindy Hargreave since he was licenced back in 2013 and he’ll continue living with her during his retirement.

“My first shift with Tyke was an evening shift, and you always worry if the dogs will perform for real, like they do in training,” she said.

“We were lucky to get an early result as we attended a report of a burglary in progress at a pub in Swindon. Two men had been seen leaving the back of the pub and into woodland. Tyke gave chase and secured one man who was then arrested. While we headed back to the pub for a search, Tyke dragged me into the undergrowth and started growling. He’d found the second offender.”

PC Hargreave describes Tyke as her life saver,

after he protected her at an illegal rave when a man charged at her with a petrol barrel while she was dealing with another man armed with an iron bar.

“Tyke saw the danger before I did. He really did prevent me from receiving a very serious injury.

PC Tracy Doughty and Max

“Tyke’s full of character and was the best team mate and partner I could ever have wished for. Most of all he wanted to please and work which, now he’s retired, isn’t sitting well with him!”

Also hanging up his harness is Police Dog Max, who worked alongside PC Tracy Doughty. She became his handler when he reached the age of four.

PC Doughty said: “During my first shift with Max we had a report of two men decamping from a car in Swindon. Max got on the scent straight away. Both men ran; Max chased one who sensibly gave up! The second man evaded us for a while but we found all the property he had dumped and then eventually found him.”

One of Max’s proudest moments was locating offenders involved in a series of burglaries in Swindon, as well as receiving two awards.

“Max is a big boy with a few battle scars and a very big mouth” said PC Doughty.

Tyke as a puppy

“He has been challenging to work with but he’s a big softy really.

“He will remain living with me; he’s already loving being inside on the sofa.

He’s looked after me, so it’s up to me now to do the same for him.”

Tyke’s replacement is PD Betty, while Max will be replaced by PD Rudi.

In April, PC Hargreave and PC Doughty celebrated after their new dogs Betty and Rudi gained their licences and are now fully fledged general purpose police dogs.

NEWS IN BRIEF THE DOGS ARE PROTECTING COMING HOME OUR ANIMALS

PC Cindy Hargreave and Tyke

ON 19 April 2019 the Tri-Force Specialist Operations collaboration came to an end – our dog section has now come home to Wiltshire again, headed up by Inspector James Brain for Dogs Policing and Ian Partington for Dogs Training. Follow the team on Twitter via @wiltspolicedogs

A LAW giving extra protection to emergency service animals attacked on duty has now come into force after receiving Royal Assent from the Queen. Known as ‘Finn’s Law’ it will make causing unnecessary suffering to a service animal a specific criminal offence.

Spring 2019 | Page 3

NEWS

BRITAIN’S YOUNGEST FEMALE PAEDOPHILE

BY KATIE BOND Media Officer

IN March 2018 we received a referral from another force regarding possible child sex offences in the county.

Officers from West Mercia had identified that Sophie Elms, 18, living in Royal Wootton Bassett at the time, had been sending regular indecent images of children to a man called David Geering.

offences including sexual assault of a child by penetration and possession of extreme pornographic images of an animal.

Det Insp Simon Childe said: “It is understandable that this case attracted both local and national media coverage.

We don’t often convict women of offences of this nature, and her young age makes it even more unusual.

“The local community and beyond has been Geering, himself shocked at this a registered sex case. Elms was offender and just 17 when she former officer in committed these the Metropolitan atrocious crimes.

Police’s Homicide Incredibly, she was and Serious Crime working towards a Command team, career in childcare, Sophie Elms had befriended something that Elms through she will thankfully Whatsapp and the never achieve.

I am extremely grateful pair had been in regular contact. to the dedicated officers, led by Det Sgt Over time, the images and videos sent Jo Smith, who have stopped her from from Elms to Geering became more working with children again. graphic and more distressing. Hundreds “Elms was initially considered an ideal of these images would be later classified babysitter – she was trusted to look as Class A indecent images – the most after the young children who would severe types of child abuse. eventually become her victims. Believing Elms was arrested on suspicion of child she was using the opportunity to further sex offences and distributing indecent her career working with children, their images of children. So began our parents never had any reason to think investigation into one of the country’s Elms would harm their children. But she youngest female paedophiles. abused this position of trust.

In interview, Elms told officers how she had developed a relationship with Geering and knew him as ‘John’ or ‘Grandpa John’. She admitted that she liked the attention he gave her and she had escalated her behaviour at his request. It is believed Geering got her contact details after fellow students at her old secondary school had published them online several years ago.

At the time of her arrest, Elms was in the second year of a child care course and was on a placement two days a week at a local nursery. Our investigation found no evidence of any offences taking place at the nursery or the college where she was studying.

On January 28, Elms was sentenced to seven years and 10 months’ imprisonment, after pleading guilty to Page 4 | Spring 2019

“It is still too early to know exactly how her behaviour will impact on her young victims but it is clear, from the victim impact statement read out in court by the victims’ father, that her actions have damaged their family beyond words.”

Sentencing Elms, the judge at Swindon Crown Court acknowledged that she had once been a victim herself. He said: “He (Geering) bears responsibility but to lay all the responsibility at his door is misleading and, in my judgment, wrong.

You were a victim but also a perpetrator.

You wanted to appease the man towards whom you felt affection, and for jealous reasons you wanted his attention. You prioritised these things over the welfare of young, vulnerable children in your care.”

OP METE county’s b

BY SIOBHAN STAYT

Media Officer

IT all began with one 15-year-old girl who was upset because she didn’t get the pair of trainers she had been promised. So she decided to tell her teacher a secret she had been keeping for many years.

Her secret opened the doors on Wiltshire’s biggest child sexual exploitation (CSE) case, which came to its conclusion earlier this year when predatory paedophile Peter Daniels was handed six life sentences for 78 charges of child abuse.

Daniels was known to the community of Alderbury as “Uncle Peter” – photographer, historian and respected member of the community.

He used this status to befriend and groom families in and around Salisbury, creating a network of contacts that he could exploit to gain access to children.

Pe

“Daniels was a predatory an spent years grooming not on but their families and the wid Det Sgt Eirin Martin, from Salisbury CID, first learnt about Daniels in July 2017, when the allegations made by the 15-year-old girl were tasked to her team to investigate.

“This was abuse that involved 27 victims and spanned ten years, but the first time anyone said anything was because of something small and unimportant”, she said.

“One of his victims, angry when Daniels didn’t give her the new trainers he had promised, decided to speak out.

“The low-level abuse she disclosed to her teacher was reported to the police. Our early conversations with this victim and her

Children’s items found inside Daniels’ home

NEWS

EOR: Cracking the biggest CSE case house and securing justice for the other victims.

The operation would come to involve more than 25 specialist officers, interviews and conversations with over 350 adults and children, and a staggering amount of digital evidence.

They cracked the encryption on Daniels’ hard drive – which he had hidden behind a bookcase in his house – and uncovered more than 4,000 images and videos he had created to document his abuse of the children.

How the media reported the case

OP METEOR 3 - ongoing

They also found more than 600,000 indecent images of children which he had downloaded from the internet.

eter Daniels

nd prolific paedophile who nly the children he abused, der community in Salisbury.” school revealed more names of young girls who seemed to have contact with Daniels.

“Everyone we spoke to would suggest more names to us, and within a week, we had 15 potential victims, and realised that we could have something big on our hands.”

Op Meteor became so big, in fact, that is was divided into three investigations...

OP METEOR 1, 2017 The team’s first priority was safeguarding potential victims. They had to act quickly to make an arrest, charge Daniels with offences against two of the children, and make sure he was behind bars. In August 2017 he pleaded guilty to 12 offences, including rape, and was subsequently jailed for 12 years – meaning he was behind bars within three months of the first complaint.

OP METEOR 2, 2019 The team then focused on the bigger challenge – analysing the huge amount of digital data they had seized from Daniels’

This evidence was vital in proving that Daniels had carried out the worst kind of sexual abuse against 22 children, aged between two and 15, over a ten-year period.

In December 2018, Daniels pleaded guilty to 78 offences and earlier this year was given six life sentences.

Det Insp Nikki Davey, who was the senior investigating officer, said: “This case was a classic example of grooming.

“He built up their trust and confidence, giving the children treats, money and gifts, and everyone believed he was doing this out of the kindness of his heart. The reality was so much more sinister.”

The third part of the investigation, which is almost complete, is looking into the 500 contacts on his computer which included 100 children, several local sex offenders and links to two Scout groups.

No evidence has been found to suggest Daniels was part of a paedophile ring and police believe he offended alone, and did not share the images or videos of the abuse he committed.

BREAKING Daniels’ sentence was referred to the Court of Appeal, which ruled it was unduly lenient. A new, longer, prison sentence will now be imposed and Wiltshire Police will be updated on the length of the new sentence in the coming months.

OPERATION METEOR IN NUMBERS...

500

contacts on Daniels’ computer which needed thoroughly assessing to see if these could be potential victims, witnesses or coconspirators

27 264

children recorded complaints of abuse (22 had enough evidence for charging)

165

children seen and spoken to by different agencies

adults aged between 18 and 32 spoken to face-to-face by police to eliminate them as victims or witnesses

34

Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) videos recorded

Spring 2019 | Page 5

NEWS

£80K DRUGS PAIR JAILED WHO: Mohammed Yunus Ali (pictured top left), 24, and Mohammed Yusuf Ali, 20, both of Gladstone Street, Swindon WHAT: Officers attended the pair’s address on an unrelated matter and found drugs worth more than £80,000 inside. Both were charged with possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs.

RESULT: The pair were jailed for a total of nine years and four months.

Det Con Craig Rathbone said: “This amount of class A drugs had the potential to do serious harm to a large number of vulnerable people within our community and is likely to have been associated with serious violence.

“I am pleased that we have been able to intercept and dismantle this supply chain, preventing these class A drugs from reaching Wiltshire’s streets and into the hands of vulnerable users.”

JAIL FOR CHILD SEX OFFENDER WHO: Stuart Clive Penny, 52, of Pinewood Close, Salisbury WHAT: Penny was convicted of sexual activity with a 13-year-old child, possession of extreme pornography and inciting a child under 16 to view and engage in sexual activity.

RESULT: Penny was jailed for seven years and two months.

Det Con Jackie Allen, from Salisbury CID, said: “I would like to pay tribute to the young victim in this case who has shown immense bravery in speaking to police about the abuse she suffered.

“Penny is a manipulative sex offender who groomed his victim and initially denied the offences, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.”

AXE- WIELDING WOULD-BE-ROBBER WHO: Dale James Stagg, 38, of The Lye, Seend WHAT: Stagg threatened a 48-year-old man with an axe at a fishing lake in Bradford on Avon. He demanded the victim hand over money. When the victim fought back, a struggle ensued and both men fell into the lake. When Stagg made off, he left a balaclava and an axe at the scene which were seized as part of the investigation. The ‘Find My Phone’ app on the victim’s stolen phone led to Stagg’s arrest.

RESULT: Stagg was jailed for three years and eight months.

Det Con Aaron Rowe, of Melksham CID, said: “Stagg attended the location brandishing an axe – he had every intention of causing fear and intimidation to those at the site.

“He was aggressive and threatening as he launched his attack on his victim, who, fortunately, was not left with any serious injuries.”

Page 6 | Spring 2019

NEWS

OFFICER RECOGNISED FOR TRAIN TRACK RESCUE HAVING previously worked in banking, PC Jason Fisher was looking for something a little more exciting than a desk job when he first became a police officer 10 years ago.

Jason, 33, who originally worked at Thames Valley Police before joining Wiltshire, currently works as part of South Wiltshire Community Policing Team (CPT), based in Amesbury.

Earlier this year, Jason was presented with a Chief Constable’s Commendation at the Force Awards for his brave actions in saving a woman in crisis from a train track in Salisbury in October 2018.

“Two siblings had called police after their mother had sent a string of concerning text messages, as if she was feeling suicidal,” said Jason. “After a conversation with the woman’s daughter, we ended up at the publicly-accessible train tracks.

“Initially we searched the area with the woman’s daughter but couldn’t see any sign of her. We were about to leave when a member of the public approached

and said they had just seen a woman walking up the tracks.”

After hearing this, the woman’s daughter ran up the tracks.

Prioritising his colleague’s safety, as the only officer present wearing high-vis, Jason quickly gave chase.

When the woman spotted Jason, she knelt on the train track before laying across the tracks.

“Instinct took over,” he said. “Without thinking it was a case of grabbing hold of

Kier Pritchard presenting PC Jason Fisher with a Chief Constable’s Certificate of Commendation

her and doing anything to get her off the tracks and out of immediate danger.

“She wasn’t intoxicated but went limp and became a dead weight that I had to physically grab and lift. I believe in that moment of crisis she was very intent on ending her life.

“As with anything you do as a police officer, there is always an element of risk.

It is part of the job, this woman was at a low point and she needed our help. It is what we sign up for.”

The incident was a close call, with a train rattling past only minutes after Jason had managed to restrain the woman. She was detained under the Mental Health Act and later taken to a place of safety.

Jason said: “Although we have access to specialist resources, I feel there is definitely an element of luck in policing too. If we had decided to stop searching and leave just a few minutes earlier, we might have missed that member of the public and things could have turned out very differently.”

Whilst he still really enjoys working on CPT, Jason is keen to specialise in the future and become a firearms officer.

He sees himself staying in the police profession and hopes to eventually climb the ranks.

He added: “Like most police officers I don’t do it for the recognition. That said, it was a lovely evening and it was of course very nice to be recognised.”

TURN TO PAGES 20-21 FOR FULL ROLL OF HONOUR

Spring 2019 | Page 7

NEWS THERE’S no two ways about it; policing polarises opinion.

Whether it’s the rise in knife crime being seen across the country, officer visibility, how we’re funded or the way we respond to demand, the appetite for debate seems endless.

Here, in a new series for Firstbeat, Andy Grant asked the PCC and members of the Force to take part in the first of our ‘big debates’; whether or not they felt the public have lost respect for the police. The results may surprise you…

ANGUS MACPHERSON Police and Crime Commissioner “Over the years we’ve seen a decline in the police’s interaction with the public, due to increasing demand and decreasing resources. It’s not surprising that when the public do interact with police, their expectations are more likely to come from TV and social media, leading them to believe that interactions with the police will be poor.

“Interacting with the public is an important part of policing. But the public’s respect is no longer a given; it must be earned.

“I want Wiltshire to be funded in such a way that our police have time. Time to stop, to show interest, to investigate and to empathise.

“I fear the pendulum may have swung too far. That said, I will do everything I can to support our staff, whether that is pushing for greater numbers, better kit or heavier sentences for offenders.”

KIER PRITCHARD Chief Constable “The police can only have the public’s trust if we work together as part of the community, rather than simply rolling in to enforce the law. Modern demands placed on policing have taken us into areas that are often hidden from the public. On occasions this has meant we have policed Page 8 | Spring 2019

Have the public lost re more reactively which has inevitably created distance between modern policing and traditional community delivery.

“Locally we have seen a 100% increase in the number of assaults against officers and staff. We see less tolerance towards policing, and it would suggest that society is becoming less tolerant and respectful across the board. It may be that we are just more aware of what is happening in society which leads to the perception that the public has lost respect.

“The British Crime Survey shows that Wiltshire Police are currently the best in the country at meeting local needs and second best for public confidence. So despite the challenges, we must be doing things right. I firmly believe the majority of the public here hold us in high regard, especially given the challenges we have worked through together in 2018.”

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

SERGEANT MARTIN ALVIS Custody “There appears to be less and less respect for the police. Maybe this is because we are seeing people in their worst position, having just been arrested and their world fallen apart.

The abuse is persistent and their manners lacking. And young people can be far worse; a lot of them are disrespectful both to custody staff and the agencies supporting them. Is this society as a whole? I don’t think so, it just happens to be the people we see and the chaotic lifestyles they lead.”

6%

Strongly Agree

23% 28%

HOW YOU VOTED 43% Agree

NEWS

WE AGREE “I believe the media are to blame for lack of respect as they readily report negative stories about the police rather than all the good work that the police do on a daily basis”.

espect for the police?

Of those who answered:

66%

said YES

34%

said NO

INSPECTOR MARK ANDREWS Wiltshire Police Federation Chair “The majority of the public respect the police. Most people appreciate the difficulties we face and the dedication of our staff, especially in a county such as Wiltshire. But a minority have and always will have a disdain for law and order. It is essential we equip, train and resource Wiltshire Police sufficiently to deal with these individuals to demonstrate to people their respect and support is not wasted.”

CLIFF FULLER UNISON Secretary “The public has lost confidence in the police. The police are continually claiming they do not have the resources at their disposal, and cannot investigate domestic burglaries in a timely manner. In some

cases, police do not even attend the scene, yet on the other hand they can throw additional resources and money to investigate alleged criminal activities of dead people who won’t be brought to justice.

The public do not want lip service, they want to see the police out on the streets in their communities dealing with the everyday issues affecting that community.

Many members of the public do not need to ring the police, but those who do, want to see action.”

PENNY FULLER Head of OHU “We hear general themes around the public being happier to be bystanders; unfortunately more keen to film than to help. The level of abuse on police officers, whether verbal or physical appears to have increased; rather than a single punch, it now progresses to being punched or kicked repeatedly. Is this a reflection of lack of fear of punishment?

Or is it a reflection of the wellbeing of the general public with increased alcohol/ drug usage escalating aggression and anger, maybe associated with poor mental health caused through deprivation and a reduction in social services?”

If you have something you’d like to see covered in ‘The Big Debate’ feature please email us at firstbeat@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk

Detective Constable, MOSOVO

“There is no stigma anymore of having the police rock up to your door.”

PCSO, Wiltshire West CPT

“The public seem to be under the impression that the police service not only are the investigators of crime, but are also the judges and the juries.”

Police Constable, Wiltshire South CPT

“The public expect an incident to be dealt with there and then. Once they go to court, they are getting non-enforced ‘punishments’. The public believe criminals get away with everything, and the police get the blame for this.”

CPT Officer, Wiltshire West CPT

WE DISAGREE “I meet many people who still have respect for the police and what we do, they are just as angry at how society behaves and understand the pressures we face and get angry at the soft sentences that get passed. ” Police Constable, Wiltshire West CPT

“The public appreciate the budget cuts that forces have to work with and the dangers officers face every day.”

Police Staff, Facilities

“I’ve been a frontline uniformed PC for 26 years.

I’ve seen no change in the level of respect which I receive from the public.

I feel much of the debate may be a media driven panic.”

Police Constable, People Development

Spring 2019 | Page 9

NEWS

BY SCOTT McPHERSON Head of Media Services

OCTOBER 2018: A selection of the knives handed in during the two-week amnesty

Children as young as 11 were found carrying knives during a county-wide crackdown earlier this year.

With the knife crime epidemic gripping the country, Wiltshire Police took part in the national Op Sceptre week of action in March – and the results were shocking.

REALITY: A deep slash wound to a young victim

The campaign followed a two-week knife amnesty Wiltshire Police held in October 2018 when a staggering 430 knives were handed in.

IN JUST SEVEN DAYS, THE FOLLOWING INCIDENTS WERE REPORTED: ■ An 11-year-old boy was found carrying a knife in Swindon town centre ■ Eleven children were also identified as habitually carrying knives through our work with local schools – we are now working with them, their families and partner agencies ■ A 16-year-old was located with CS gas and a hammer ■ We charged a 46-year-old woman from Swindon with possession of a bladed article in a public place

Although the results might shock those who still think knife crime only occurs in large urban areas and inner cities, it is important to note that knife crime has fallen by 18 per cent in Wiltshire over the past 12 months.

Working with young people was also a focus of the week and three schools were visited by officers who undertook bag checks and spoke to children about the dangers of carrying weapons.

The week of action started with an open letter from Assistant Chief Constable Gavin Williams to our communities, who stressed the importance of our partners supporting police on this topic.

■ A Swindon man was charged with possession of a bladed article in a public place. It followed the stop and search of a car where officers found a meat cleaver ■ There were a total of five possession of knife offences in Swindon during the week ■ A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of affray after threatening another teen with two kitchen knives which were seized in Trowbridge ■ Two addresses were searched in Salisbury and a large amount of weapons were located including; a meat cleaver, parts of a shotgun, BB gun and pellets ■ Four knives were found by members of the public in public places in Trowbridge – these have now been destroyed

Page 10 | Spring 2019

Sgt David Tippets and ACC Gavin Williams display two of the knives handed in during the amnesty

NEWS

He said: “It is easy to say knife crime is a police problem. But it is not as straightforward as that, tackling knife crime is a police priority but it is a community problem. One that we can only solve by parents, schools, the NHS and our communities working together.

“As our knife crime figures show, Wiltshire is a safe place to live; the statistics show knife crime has dropped by 18 per cent across the county in the past year but we won’t ever rest on our laurels and

will firmly deal with anyone who we find carrying a knife.”

Angus Macpherson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, said: “Early intervention is a major part of this crucial work - getting to the youngsters before they turn to use a blade for what they believe is protection.

“There is no one solution to rid our country and county of knife crime. We all need to take more responsibility for the signs

of knife crime in our communities - to spot them early on so they get ‘nipped in the bud’ before becoming a major problem.”

Xray following a stabbing in Swindon

“I WILL PROTECT YOU”

In recent months, we have seen a barrage of media reports on knife crime.

It seems every time we read the news, we learn of another stabbing and, tragically, it often involves another young life lost in horrific circumstances.

The knife crime epidemic continues to plague the streets of our capital with six reported stabbings in a recent six-hour period. It’s a topic which everyone has a view on, and rightly so. The devastation that crimes of this nature have on a community and beyond cannot be underestimated. The shockwaves which ripple out in a community following a stabbing are significant and unrelenting.

Knife crime is a huge problem facing all police forces nationally. In Wiltshire, we have actually seen an 18 per cent drop in knife crime across the county in the past year, but these statistics will undoubtedly provide little reassurance to the victims of recent stabbings in Trowbridge and Swindon, as well as the friends and families of those caught up in these incidents.

These statistics are also not a reason for us to be complacent. Violent crime will always be taken seriously and perpetrators will always be dealt with robustly.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick has recently spoken of the reduction in police officer numbers and cuts to public services coinciding with the rise in violent crime.

Whilst I agree with Commissioner Dick that there is a causal link between the reduction in the number of bobbies on the beat and the national rise in violent crime, I believe the ever-increasing demand on officers and complexities of modern day crime within our society, has also contributed to the concerning national picture. We are constantly expected to do more with less resources, and proactive policing - including the use of stop and search powers - is often forced to take a back seat.

However, it is unfair to suggest that knife crime is solely a policing problem cuts to officer numbers are not the only cause. We’ve seen a reduction in the number of youth clubs and other events which have previously provided a focus for young people.

OP JURA TASKFORCE A TASKFORCE has been set up in response to concerns about knife crime and youth violence in the Trowbridge area.

Unfortunately, many role models for the young are now coming through social media depictions of wealth which is often criminal gains from county line activity and this seems to be attractive for both status and ego. We have to take a more holistic approach – much like the approach taken in Scotland where the issue is treated more like a public health problem which requires a multi-agency response.

Operation Jura was established to target activity against a known group of young people in the town who are believed to be involved in anti-social behaviour, violence and drug dealing.

It is crucial that we all work together to educate people and take action against those who go out into our community armed with weapons. We cannot do it alone. We need the support of parents, schools, partner agencies and our communities including young people to make a real difference to all of our lives.

“What began as low-level anti-social behaviour has grown in seriousness as these people have got older, and now we have serious concerns that they are either already involved in, or could be being exposed to, County Lines drugs activity and violent crime.

Chief Constable Kier Pritchard

A/DS Ted Roe, from Melksham CID, said: “The feedback we have been getting from the public is that there is a specific group of teenagers who are continuously causing trouble in Trowbridge.

“Op Jura, a multi-agency approach, has been set up to target and disrupt this criminality and hopefully make the town safer.”

Spring 2019 | Page 11

IN FOCUS

advice. I enjoy building relationships both internally and externally and look to use this skill to assist me in my new role.

CommunityPolicing One team

BY SIOBHAN STAYT Media Officer

AS part of our continuous improvement of the Community Policing Team (CPT) model, we have created a new CPT. The Amesbury and Tidworth areas will be moving out of Wiltshire South CPT and a new Wiltshire South East CPT is being created.

Inspector Liz Coles has been confirmed as the new CPT Inspector for this area and will now be working alongside Inspector Pete Sparrow (Wiltshire South) to plan the launch of Wiltshire South East CPT over the coming months.

Here, in her own words, she introduces herself to the Force and the public, and outlines her plans for the coming year.

What is your background in policing?

I joined in 2005. Following a short time in uniform, I went onto CID in my probation, where I stayed for around seven years.

During this time I worked on the proactive burglary/robbery squad, drugs squad, LCT/Volume Crime and main office CID before moving to MCIT in Marlborough.

I then moved to HQ in Devizes as staff officer to two Chief Constables.

How do you think your various experience has set you in good stead to take on a CPT Inspector role?

My roles have allowed me to develop my leadership skills – which have been further strengthened by being on the Developing Leaders Programme and currently the Senior Leadership Programme. I have a strong background in investigations and now have experience of the strategic side of policing. I have worked with numerous teams and know many colleagues across the Force who I can happily ask for help and

Page 12 | Spring 2019

Your role will including shaping this new CPT – what plans do you have?

I plan to spend the early stages simply listening. Listening to the officers and staff and listening to key stakeholders and the public to ensure I have a good understanding of the area.

I also want to work alongside colleagues, partners and the public to tackle any identified problem areas and to keep the public of Amesbury safe.

I will provide a platform that allows the Amesbury CPT to continue to deliver reassurance to the public with prevention at the core of everything we do. We will work hard to respond to incidents and use our initiative to tackle the more hidden crimes and of course will prioritise looking after the vulnerable.

What are you most looking forward to about your new role?

I am most looking forward to working with the current Amesbury team and also helping to provide reassurance and a high quality service to the people of Amesbury.

This is a fantastic opportunity for me to work within a new CPT and to learn from the experience and skills of my colleagues already working within Amesbury. I am also looking forward to learning more about the south of the county and the differences that make Amesbury unique.

What do you think the biggest challenges will be?

I am yet to fully understand the biggest challenges for my new role, however there are numerous projects to work through, including the relocation of our British troops to Tidworth and the potential for the tunnel being built near Stonehenge. There is plenty to keep me and the team busy!

What is your message to the officers and staff working in Amesbury?

I made my first visit to Amesbury last week where I met some of the team. I was thoroughly impressed by the positivity and enthusiasm and I’m looking forward to working with them all. I’m also looking forward to welcoming new members of the team to Amesbury CPT.

Given everything that happened in Amesbury last year, what is your message to the communities in the new South East CPT area?

2018 saw events that were unprecedented in both Salisbury and Amesbury. It is clear the public are extremely resilient and, with our partners, together we have worked through what was a difficult year. 2019 sees a new CPT where I will be available to listen to the people of Amesbury and work with our partners and the public to detect and prevent crime. I intend to fully engage with as many different areas as possible and I hope the public will work with us to help keep them safe.

PCC NEWS

POLICE and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon Angus Macpherson has announced he will be stepping down after what will be eight years in the role.

Angus joined the Wiltshire Police Authority on 10 February 2005 as a sitting magistrate before becoming the first PCC for the Force in 2012 and then getting reelected in 2016.

When Angus joined in 2005, the focus was firmly on performance stats, target setting and number crunching but it was also the year that the state-of-the-art Gablecross Police Station opened in Swindon – signalling a new era of modernity and technology.

■ Investment in live link technology which allows victims and witnesses (who are often vulnerable) to give live evidence to court via video link facilities; as well as Domestic Violence Court Observers to review a victim’s experience of the court service.

■ Hundreds of thousands of pounds have been given to a large number of local charities over the years.

■ Citizens in policing has increased the number of Special Constables to 242 and embedded them into Community Policing Teams. Police Cadets and Mini Police have also been established.

■ The introduction of mental health triage staff into the Crime and Communication Centre to give 24/7 advice to officers and call handlers who are having to assess and manage people in mental health crisis.

Angus will hold his position until the next PCC election in May 2020.

MY FINAL YEAR

Angus’ legacy

I have outlined my aims for the next 12 months, with an underlying goal of continuing the successes of the past seven years, along with giving my successor a solid foundation to build on:

We take a look back at the achievements and milestones Angus has overseen during his tenure as PCC. ■ In 2015 Horizon Victim and Witness Care service was set up to provide a single point of contact for vulnerable victims and witnesses. By the time Horizon celebrated its third birthday in 2018 – nearly 11,500 vulnerable victims had been offered help.

■ The establishment of Restorative Together completing restorative justice training for 500 community policing staff who arrange meetings with victims and offenders.

“However, I believe that whatever the future holds, the hard work of Wiltshire Police, its partners and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) will stand our county in good stead to face whatever is over the horizon.”

Angus said: “My role is exactly that, a role – it’s more than just a job. I feel privileged to be in this position to be able to exercise and influence what I care about – doing right by those who are vulnerable and at risk in society and making sure they are protected and cared for.

“I am also passionate about trying to help offenders get back on the straight and narrow - my work with Restorative Justice and the local Criminal Justice Board allows me to try and give those who are often on the fringes of society a helping hand, supporting them with expertise from partners to show them that there is a better path to take in life.

“As with all jobs there is always more to do, improvements to be made and aims to achieve under the four priorities of my Police and Crime Plan.

“When I step down in 2020, no-one will know the future – what demands there will be on police officers and staff, what threats will face us and what new crimes will appear.

1. Invest in better digital technology with the ongoing development of the Force website for people to access self-service information when needed. However, this will not forsake the other traditional methods like calling 101 or popping to a policing point 2. Focus on attracting people from all backgrounds to join or volunteer with us so we can be even more reflective of our diverse communities in the county 3. Making sure we avoid children being unnecessarily ‘criminalised’ by making sure we use the right criminal justice outcome and supporting young people through schemes such as Mini Police, Police Cadets and the Junior Good Citizen programme 4. Continue to bolster the public’s satisfaction and confidence in the police I will also continue to fight for fairer funding for Wiltshire Police so that we get a reasonable share of the national funding pot. My lobbying of Government on this issue remains one of my top priorities.

Spring 2019 | Page 13

PCC NEWS

MINI POLICE IS GROWING AFTER the successful pilot of the Mini Police scheme the Force will be looking to roll the programme out across further primary schools in Swindon and Wiltshire. Mini Police is a national scheme aimed at children aged 10 and 11 years old and is run in partnership between local primary schools and the police. The scheme encourages young people to take pride in their local community, be good citizens and have positive relationships with the police.

STOPPING IT KICKING OFF WE have teamed up with the charity Kickoff@3 to host a football tournament at John of Gaunt School, Trowbridge on Sunday 19 May. The tournament hopes to break down barriers between the police and some of our local communities in those areas where engagement is poor.

The winners will go on to represent Wiltshire at the national finals in South London on 7 July.

KNIFE CRIME SHORT FILM AS part of Operation Sceptre in March 2019, Salisbury Cadet Unit led by Sgt Tracey Holloway created a short film about knife crime. The film, written and directed by the cadets aims to inform and educate young people about the risks and consequences of carrying a knife. You can view it at www.twitter.com/SouthWiltsCPT.

GOVERNMENT PAY BACK THE Government has now met all costs incurred during Operations Fairline and Fortis. The total of £11.75million is more than 10 per cent of the Force’s annual budget and included £6.8million on mutual aid, £3million on overtime and £680,000 on accommodation and food.

Page 14 | Spring 2019

A NEW multi-agency decision panel set up to decide whether first-time young offenders receive a caution has been launched.

The panel was set up with an emphasis on restorative justice, engagement and intervention.

Before February, the decision to issue a youth caution would have been based on policing experience alone and without outside consultation.

But the new Youth Restorative Intervention panel (YRI), made up of police and partners, aims to redefine how some young offenders are treated and, in turn, change experiences of the criminal justice system.

The panel will sit weekly and provide youths, coming to the notice of the police for the first time, the option of alternative solutions without unnecessarily criminalising them by giving them a youth caution.

Alternatives like one of the PCC’s commissions: Youth Restorative Justice - where the offender and victim are given the opportunity to meet. This helps the victim come to terms with the offence and the offender to positively address their actions.

PCC Angus Macpherson said: “A youngster who starts out committing

crimes does so for a number of complex reasons - they’re not just “a bad ‘un” as society wishes to label them.

“A broken home life, perhaps tainted by domestic abuse, mental health issues and anger management problems, are some of the many reasons which can lead a young person to break the law.

“Punishments like a Youth Caution can then become the first step on the slippery slope of crime: they get a youth caution, they get a criminal record.

PCC NEWS Case study : Youth Rest orative Ju stice in a ction

“For some it may become a badge of honour so they think there’s no hope and then offend again - and so it continues.”

Recently, Justice Secretary David Gauke set out his vision for a “smart” justice system to reduce reoffending; rethinking how punishment should look in modern times.

Angus feels that this Governmental vision is already being reflected by this new board.

He said: “This is timely. Figures show the volume of children arrested in Wiltshire and Swindon is declining, but we are still issuing a high number of cautions to socalled first timers.

“With the introduction of this new system, I feel this is a major sea-change in the way first-time young offenders are dealt with.

“And, don’t forget, this won’t work for everyone. The panel system recognises that and if a Youth Caution is required then that will be handed down. Traditional punishments have to be used for some people. Sometimes there is no other way.

“But this “new way of working” gives some vulnerable perpetrators a chance. A chance to see the error of their ways and hopefully correct their path before it’s too late and a life of crime is all they know.

“The police won’t be working in isolation - maintaining a pathway for young people is not something they can do alone. It involves education, health and wellbeing, employment and social inclusion too.”

More details on the YRI can be found on Firstpoint, the staff intranet.

Tom* (16) stole good s worth ab sport shop out £350 fr . He was ca om a ught immedi goods were ately and returned. the The assist ant manage r, Craig*, Restorativ wanted to e Justice use to help To personal im m understa pact of hi nd the s him going action and down the wr to try to ong path fo stop life. He wa r his futu nted to ta re lk to him express hi face to fa s feelings ce to and to be Tom had re assured th ally learnt at from his ex understood perience an what his ne d gative choi to. ce could le ad The meetin g took plac e at a Wilt station. shire poli ce Craig spok e to Tom ab out the im hours of wo pact on hi rk, lost ti m - the me, fear wh Tom that he en he chas might have ed the fact th had a knif e, and final at he coul d have lost ly was the tu rning poin his job. Th t. Tom was is and expres vi sed genuin sibly shoc e concern ked, could have that his ac had such a tion serious co Craig. nsequence for Craig was keen to em phasise th from the sh at by stea op, Tom wa ling s putting category al himself in ongside th a e homeless convicted , drug addi criminals cts, - desperat he choosing e people. to be like Why was life? The them, in hi impact of s comforta all that Cr ble to hit home aig raised , and when seemed Tom apolog would neve ised and sa r steal ag ain, he se id he emed genuin *Names have e. been change d

Public backs PCC’s ‘precept promise’ for more officers AN agreed £2 a month increase to the policing precept will mean an extra 41 officers for Wiltshire Police.

At the beginning of this year, the Police and Crime Commissioner consulted with residents and local businesses on the increase proposal – it was later agreed by the Police and Crime Panel.

This means an additional 41 officers, two police staff, allocated funding for our digital teams (DIIU and CIET) and dedicated funding for a renewed approach to crime prevention, using diversionary tactics to target those at risk of committing crime in future or at risk of being exploited.

More than 2,300 people responded to the consultation with 68 per cent in favour of the proposal.

PCC Angus Macpherson said: “I’m aware an additional 41 officers is only a drop in the ocean and across the Force officers and staff are being pushed to the limit on a daily basis.

“That said, this is the first time in 10 years that we have seen an increase in officer numbers and I hope this reassures you that, alongside the Chief Constable, I will do what I can with the budget available to bolster our workforce.”

Work to recruit the additional officers has already begun, with an intake scheduled for 2020 being brought forward and recruitment for transferees from other Forces already live.

Spring 2019 | Page 15

IN FOCUS

HAVE you ever wondered how half a dozen people can wash your car inside and out for £10? Or do your nails for half the price of other places? How far would you go for a bargain?

CONSIDER THIS Given the Force’s commitment to combat Modern Slavery, are police officers and staff right to use nail bars and pop up car washes when we know that many victims of modern slavery continue to work in these establishments for little or no pay, often working excessive hours in poor working conditions?

Modern Slavery is a huge challenge for police forces, and can often be dismissed as a big city problem that doesn’t happen in counties like Wiltshire. But we continue to uncover exploitation in our communities regularly.

The latest Force problem profile for modern slavery shows that the volume of intelligence submissions has doubled in Wiltshire, as has the number of people who’ve been through the Home Office National Referral Mechanism as a suspected victim of modern slavery. Much of this increase is due to a more joined-up approach between the Force Modern Slavery Desk in the Wiltshire Intelligence Unit, local Community Policing Team officers, and investigators.

So is it right to be keenly aware of these issues in the office, but ignore them while off work? Is it right to fight modern slavery on-duty, but help perpetuate the organised criminality linked to these types of premises while off-duty?

Often the true cost of these services isn’t financial. There is a very real human cost, in the welfare, wages and human rights of the victims. Men, women and children are being illegally brought into Wiltshire to work. They are sold the dream of a better life, they say goodbye to their loved ones and when they arrive they are exploited, threatened and abused.

Often these services are significantly cheaper and can appear to be of good quality. But I would ask you to think about the wider issues associated with such businesses. Often, those who work there do so in substandard conditions, including working with unregulated chemicals and detergents without appropriate protective clothing. The people forced to work at these premises are often deprived of proper nourishment, of a bed of their own to sleep in and of their basic human rights.

Many of them don’t perceive themselves to be victims and in some instances children have been found exposed to risk whilst operating in these environments.

We have a role to play in the protection of the exploited and vulnerable. We must start asking questions around why these establishments only accept cash. Why are no receipts provided? This must prompt some legitimate ethical concerns for all of us within the Force.

If we don’t start changing behaviour, we risk not only lining the pockets of organised criminals, but also prolonging the suffering of vulnerable people in our communities – the very people we are here to protect.

Jem

Detective Superintendent Jeremy Carter Head of HQ Crime

Page 16 | Spring 2019

IN FOCUS

THE ONLINE CHAT IS BACK

Det Sup Jeremy Carter, Hillary Agg from the Modern Slavery Helpline, PCC Angus MacPherson and Shayne Tyler

Hidden in plain sight - one man’s vow to tackle modern slavery

BY KATIE BOND Media Officer

SHAYNE Tyler has dedicated years of his life to fighting for the rights of victims of modern slavery.

It’s a cause he is passionate about and believes everyone has a role to play in tackling this wicked crime.

But it hasn’t always been this way.

Back in 2000, an episode of BBC’s Panorama was broadcast which found more than 200 illegal workers at Shayne’s place of work. The company, and Shayne, were completely unaware of the exploitation, criminality and desperation that was happening right in front of them.

Just days later, 58 Chinese workers died in the back of a lorry while they were being smuggled into the UK. The unrelated incident, combined with the expose of the company that Shayne worked for, was a turning point for Shayne and he decided he needed to do more to help those who couldn’t help themselves.

On March 26, Shayne addressed businesspeople at the first ever Modern Slavery Breakfast Event hosted by Wiltshire Police.

The event, which was attended by representatives from recruitment agencies, education, finance and charitable sectors and mental health services, was an opportunity for Shayne to highlight the role we all have in detecting any exploitation and trafficking in workforces.

“It was a great opportunity to bring people from different businesses together, but victims will not care that their bosses or fellow colleagues attended. They will only care when their employer takes action and makes a difference to their lives.

“My journey began back in June 2000 when the factory I was working at featured on Panorama – I was so self-centred as a boss that I had no idea what was going on around me. I didn’t do enough. I had failed to detect sexual exploitation and labour exploitation in my own workforce and so I vowed from that day that I would do more.”

Over the past 19 years, Shayne has used his experiences to help identify countless examples of exploitation in the workplace, and continues to help shape legislation and best practice to tackle modern slavery head on.

Detective Superintendent Jeremy Carter said: “The current modern slavery picture in Wiltshire is constantly changing, but the most prevalent exploitation we are seeing in the county is sexual exploitation, forced criminality and forced labour – it is therefore vital that we hold awarenessraising events of this nature for our business communities so they know how to spot the signs, where to go for help and how victims can be supported.”

The Modern Slavery Helpline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 08000 121 700.

THE Online Chat made a return in December last year. Between then, and March this year, officers, staff and volunteers have tuned in and asked over 90 pressing questions to the leaders of our Force. Topics have ranged from questions about Tri-force to discussing if ELT feel the courts are letting victims down with their lenient sentences. The online chat happens monthly on Slido and the time and date is promoted in ebrief and on Firstpoint news - make sure you tune in for the next one.

KEEP ON SNAPPING THE Wiltshire Police Instagram now has over 4,000 followers. Its success is all thanks to the amazing photographs taken on the job by officers, staff and volunteers around the Force. Since its launch in late 2017, the public have been enjoying a behind the scenes look at policing in Wiltshire. If you want to be part of the success send your photos to digital@ wiltshire.pnn.police.uk.

SMOKE-FREE ZONES ALL Wiltshire Council estates became smoke-free zones as of 13 March.

Smoking remains the primary cause of preventable illness and premature death in the UK and contributes to the burden of costs to the NHS and Adult Social Care services. The council has agreed to promote smoke-free environments to encourage a healthy workforce.

PAWFECT FOR CHARITY THE dog show will be returning to HQ on Sunday 18 August and will see employees, their families and friends come together in aid of charity. The last show was held in 2017 and raised £1,646 for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Spring 2019 | Page 17

IN FOCUS

BY SIOBHAN STAYT Media Officer

changing shift pattern and deployment to different parts of the county.

THERE is no denying that policing can be a challenging job.

And for a large chunk of our workforce, they juggle the demands of the job with the demands of parenting.

It can be physically exhausting, stressful and unpredictable with officers and staff working long, unsociable hours.

Sarah Robbins found out she was pregnant the same week she was promoted to the rank of Superintendent.

It often involves working or being on call at weekends, evenings or nights and can include a

She realised she was going to be thrown into the deep end of managing the demands of a new, senior role, with the unknowns of pregnancy, maternity leave and raising a young child.

She said: “I was beyond thrilled about my pregnancy, but the timing wasn’t perfect.

“I did have some anxiety about telling my work colleagues I was pregnant because we’d never had a pregnant Superintendent before, and I knew that I would be going on maternity leave half way through my probationary period.

“However, I didn’t have any hesitation in taking the full year off work, and have never had any regrets about this decision because it was right for me and my family and I didn’t want to miss that time with my son.

“Again I had some anxiety about returning to work, realising that it would have to be different to how it was before, but

Page 18 | Spring 2019

ultimately I made the choice to come back to a job that I know isn’t easy but gives me great fulfilment”.

When Sarah returned to work she was asked to look at ways to improve the way the Force supported officers and staff through the maternity process.

After initial discussions, The Bobby Tots initiative was created and invites were sent out to all those in the Force who were either pregnant, on maternity leave, or recently returned to work, to bring them together to discuss the issues that had been affecting them.

The scheme has now been running for more than 18 months and the group hold regular catch-ups, where members can bring their babies or children along, to share problems or concerns, get advice or make suggestions for improvements.

Sarah said: “I hope that Bobby Tots gives people the opportunity to meet other new parents who work for the same organisation, to feel they have maintained a connection to work and provide a way in which people can ask questions and find information relating to pregnancy, maternity and returning to work.

“This wasn’t available when I was on maternity leave, and you can feel quite isolated from work and it is common to feel anxious about returning when your whole life has changed.”

There are ambitious plans for Bobby Tots in 2019 with the monthly catch-ups looking to include things such as baby massage, breast feeding and weaning support, and baby gym.

Sarah is also reviewing many of our existing Force policies and practices around pregnancy and maternity and in the future a Firstpoint portal page will direct individuals to all relevant help and advice.

Sarah added: “I would like to invite any new members to find out more about Bobby Tots, and the easiest way to do this is through our closed Facebook page. If you would like to join please contact Katrina Fleet in Corporate Communications.”

For Sarah, she hopes her experience of balancing a senior policing job with being a mum to her son Thomas, will help inspire others in the Force.

IN FOCUS

BY SIOBHAN STAYT Media Officer

TWO people who know all too well the juggles of policing and parenting are PCSOs Lee Hare and Kate JacksonColllier who work together in the Swindon North Community Policing Team and are co-parents to an eight-year-old boy Noah.

They’ve never been in a relationship together, but are best friends who decided they wanted to create and raise a child, with the support of Kate’s partner, all together.

Lee said: “In 2008 Kate and her partner Candace asked me if I would consider helping them have a child in the near future.

“Kate is bi-sexual and in a same sex relationship and obviously it is very difficult for two women to have a child, so I was the much-needed missing piece.

“I’d always wanted to be a dad growing up but as a gay man knew my chances were very slim.

When this opportunity arose it was perfect for me and all of us concerned.

“They’d considered an anonymous donor but felt they wanted the child to know who their dad was and to have a paternal relationship with them.”

The friends chatted about the idea for two years before Kate and Candace approached doctors for help and advice about IVF. Although the system has now changed and same-sex couples can get access to IVF on the NHS, at the time they were not eligible and faced a £3,000 bill for private treatment.

Lee Hare, Kate Jackson-Collier, son Noah and partners

has now grown into a healthy, very bouncy and loud eightand-a-half year old, who is discovering the world.”

Kate discovered challenges combining policing with becoming a parent as well as the financial implications of having to take 14 months off work. But she was lucky to have an extremely supportive line manager.

So, they purchased a £12.50 artificial insemination kit off the internet – and the rest is history!

The parenting juggle has obviously continued as Noah has grown, and Lee and Kate face the same challenges as other parents working within Wiltshire Police.

Lee said: “Noah Lee Jackson-Collier was born three months early to three ecstatic parents and three sets of very proud grandparents.

Lee said: “Our police roles have an impact on our families, as well as on us, but it is part of the job and every parent will experience these challenges.

“He weighed a tiny 1lb 8oz, so spent the first four months of his life in hospital but

“Thankfully Kate’s partner has a very flexible job so she can work from home

to try and reduce the need for childcare.

We also have the added bonus of three families to help out if there is ever an issue with cover.”

However, the rewards of parenting have far outweighed the challenges, and the pair have come to a co-parenting arrangement that works for them.

Kate and Candace are Noah’s legal parents, but Lee still plays an active role in raising his son – who has the benefits of having two mums and a dad.

“It works great,” said Lee, “as although we have a child together we are best mates who are more like family.

“Kate, Candace and Noah live together and I live with my partner Jamie so we are not always in each other’s faces.

“We share something extremely special that none of us ever thought we would have and I don’t think that bond could ever be broken.”

Spring 2019 | Page 19

IN FOCUS

SOME of Wiltshire Police’s finest officers, staff and volunteers gathered earlier this year to celebrate their bravery, dedication and hard work at the Wiltshire Police Awards Ceremony.

Surrounded by their friends and family 36 worthy recipients took to the stage at the new venue Casterley Barn to receive their certificates.

T/ACC Deborah Smith, assisted by DCC Paul Mills, hosted the ceremony, with distinguished guests in attendance including Lord Lieutenant Mrs Sarah Troughton and High Sheriff Nicky Alberry.

Chief Constable Kier Pritchard, who opened the ceremony, said: “Our awards ceremony is one of the highlights of my role as the Chief Constable and leaves me feeling incredibly proud and inspired by the amazing people who play their part in policing our county.

L to R: CC Kier Pritchard, PC Adam Burson and PS Richard Tottle

ACC Gavin Williams and family

L to R: CC Kier Pritchard, PCs Tom Wilson, Steve Holbrow and Andrew Moreton

“It is also such a privilege to be able to spend these ceremonies with the families and loved ones of our officers, staff and volunteers.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson, who closed the ceremony, said: “I have been truly humbled by some of the stories we have heard - the commitment and dedication of our officers, staff and volunteers never ceases to amaze me.”

L to R: CC Kier Pritchard, PCs Freya Skerton, Michael Ramselaar and Simon Talbot

CC Kier Pritchard and Julia Gay

ROLL OF HONOUR LONG SERVICE AWARD

OUTSTANDING TEAMWORK AWARD

ACC Gavin Williams

PS Andrew Moreton

Insp Mark Freeman

PC Sam Chivers

CHIEF CONSTABLE’S COMMENDATION PS Richard Tottle

PC Steven Holbrow

PC Adam Burson

PC Michael Ramselaar

PC Jamie Collings

PC Freya Skerten

PC Jason Fisher

PC Simon Talbot

DC Kevin Golledge

PC Tom Wilson

PC James Isaac

Specialist Crime Department

PC Jonathan Pearce

Mr Adrian Scrivens

PC James Rossiter

Pauline Bawden Hayley Chapman

CHIEF CONSTABLE’S CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE

DS Mark Lewis (Op Wainwright)

Nigel Lord

PC Joseph Tedder

DC Madeleine Hennah (Op Wainwright)

Lou Martin

PC Kiah Vaughan

INSPIRATIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD

OUTSTANDING INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY AWARD

EXCELLENCE IN PARTNERSHIP WORKING

Graeme Deeley

PCSO Andrew MacLachlan

DC Jeremy Horner Chief Finance Officer Clive Barker Anthea Benyon Jacky Stagg SPC Ian Evans SPC Nicholas Earle JUDGE’S COMMENDATION DI Paul Franklin (Op Wainwright)

Julia Gay

Page 20 | Spring 2019

IN FOCUS

L to R: CC Kier Pritchard, Nigel Lord, Hayley Chapman, Pauline Bawden and Lou Martin

Lord Lieutenant Mrs Sarah Troughton and CC Kier Pritchard

PC Tom Wilson with BPA Chair Ronnie Lungu

T/ACC Deb Smith

L to R: CC Kier Pritchard, PCs Kiah Vaughan, Jonathan Pearce and Joseph Tedder

SPCs Ian Evans and Nicholas Earle

Anthea Benyon and guest

NEXT AWARDS

L to R: CC Kier Pritchard, PCs James Rossiter, James Isaac and Kevin Golledge

High Sheriff Nicky Alberry, DI Paul Franklin, DS Mark Lewis and DC Madeleine Hennah

Our next award ceremony takes place Tuesday 25 June

Spring 2019 | Page 21

IN FOCUS WILTSHIRE BPA COLUMN I’M Ronnie Lungu and I’ve been a police officer for 16 years. I chair the Wiltshire Black Police Association (BPA), supporting BME colleagues across the Force.

Challenging Perceptions

Currently no police force truly reflects the communities it serves. My job is to create an environment where everyone feels valued and confident that they have opportunities to achieve their maximum potential, regardless of their background.

We want to create a diverse workforce and be recognised as an employer of choice. That means a strong focus on recruitment, retention and progression. We need to educate and understand unconscious bias to help people make rational and sound decisions. I do this by working with all departments within the Force, our partners and communities.

Last year I led a team delivering the first South West and Wales BPA Diversity Conference, attracting 200 delegates across the region and beyond. This year we will be marking Stephen Lawrence Day on 22 April, launching a BME Networking Group and celebrating Black History Month in October.

The BPA is an active, highly supportive group, which is growing from strength to strength and helping members develop and grow in their careers. New BME colleagues are always welcome – please get in touch to find out more.

Left to right: Venita Hannibal, Fadwa Booth, Sarah King, Sandra Samuel, Gavin Williams, Paul Mills, Eric Frempong, Kier Pritchard and Ronnie Lungu

A PIONEERING programme to give senior leaders insight into the organisation has just been launched.

Our first reverse mentoring scheme sees five BME staff and officers matched with members of the Executive Leadership Team to help understand the challenges that employees face and help senior leaders see the organisation from a different point of view.

The pairings have already held their first 1:1s and will meet several times over the 12 month programme, with regular reviews to check both parties are benefiting from the experience. The mentor’s role is to offer feedback and insight and help mentees to become better and more effective in their roles.

Wiltshire was one of the forces on the College of Policing reverse mentoring pilot group and Sgt Ronnie Lungu made the connections to get the first group started.

“First accounts have been positive. It’s a fantastic opportunity for senior managers

to get a better understanding of our diverse workforce, what they go through in and outside of work and what drives them,” said Ronnie.

“Leader’s aren’t coaches or problem solvers, they just need to listen,” he added.

Traditional mentoring focuses on passing knowledge from senior to junior employees. Reverse mentoring feeds experience upwards, helping senior managers gain insight into their leadership style and take a new perspective on policing, organisational concerns and cultural perspectives, as well as things like gender or sexuality, through confidential and honest discussions.

The focus on diversity and underrepresented groups is set to continue - the next ten mentors will have a higher proportion of women, as well as people with disabilities or from our LGBT+ community. The mentees will be paired up in April with mentees chosen from the Developing Leaders’ Programme.

New advisory group is looking for BME participants INDEPENDENT Advisory Groups (IAGs), were introduced in Wiltshire and Swindon a year ago. They provide an important channel for the public to give independent advice to the police on a range of issues. The scheme is working well, but the six groups aligned to our community policing hubs are not sufficiently diverse in terms of BME representation.

To address the gap, Sergeant Ronnie Lungu is launching a new BME Advisory Group and inviting members of the public from BME communities across Wiltshire and Swindon to apply.

Page 22 | Spring 2019

“I’m looking for 16 to 20 people who are willing to give us feedback and insight around specific topics where a BME perspective is particularly valuable.

This includes key police priorities such as stop and search, hate crime and ensuring our recruitment approaches encourage people from diverse backgrounds,” Ronnie said.

“I’m particularly keen to hear the voices of women and young people from black, minority ethnic communities who often don’t come forward, individuals who may be part of their local mosque or church, or simply someone who is interested in community relations and feels they have

something to contribute to local policing,” he added.

February saw the 20th anniversary of the publication of the landmark MacPherson Report into the murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence and the issues stemming from the report are still very current today including workforce diversity, recruitment, retention and progression.

If you know anyone from the BME community who may be interested in getting involved, please contact Sgt Ronnie Lungu at ronald.lungu@wiltshire. pnn.police.uk

WELLBEING

BY LAURIE FARQUHAR Communications Officer

PROMOTING good mental health and resilience in the workplace is a top priority for Wiltshire Police.

Leading the way, alongside the Force’s dedicated mental health nurse, is the Mental Health Peer Supporters (MHPS) network – a team of volunteers who members of staff can access to talk about any issues or feelings they are experiencing.

The network is a pioneering approach and currently has 14 MHPS volunteers – civilian and police officer colleagues, at various ranks, who offer shared experiences, guidance signposting and confidential meetings.

Marcus Tawn has been offering insight, empathy and understanding of mental health issues to colleagues as a peer supporter for the last two years.

His role, which he has taken on voluntarily, comes from a deep-seated belief that talking about issues can reduce stigma, can encourage more people to seek help and could also prevent staff from needing help in the first place.

MHPS volunteers take part in a two-day mental health training course. They are given training in mental health issues, communication techniques and how to signpost people to other organisations.

Marcus believes that encouraging others to be a good colleague could also have a positive impact on mental health within the Force, as a whole.

“It’s not always necessary to go through the network, sometimes all people need is a casual chat by the photocopier,” he added. “Look out for each other.”

Marcus is keen to stress that the network is not intended to replace the Force’s OHU and they work closely with staff there – if necessary.

Marcus said: “At the beginning of any meeting, I outline a contract of confidentiality and explain that I would need to disclose to OHU if I had serious concerns about the person’s safety, or if they were having suicidal thoughts.

“This would always be done with their knowledge but keeping their safety at the forefront.”

“People shouldn’t be put off by the name - peer support could mean a phone call, a personal meeting or simply advice over a cup of tea.

Det Sgt Marcus Tawn

WILTSHIRE is one of the few forces in the country to have its own dedicated mental health nurse to support staff and officers and staff with the stresses and strains of modern-day work and life.

forget to look after themselves,” Declan said: “There’s no denying that anxiety and stress do exist here and if you’re chronically stressed it’s really important to seek help.

Declan McGann, a former acute mental health worker, is helping to ensure the force has a resilient, well-led workforce that can tolerate the pressures that being in a police force can bring.

“Stress can be managed. It’s about recognising the early warning signs, identifying triggers and developing plans to prevent it happening.”

“I’ve found that the majority of police officers are extremely resilient, well driven, very conscientious and hard working. Because of this, they can

If you are interested in knowing more, you can access the names of our peer supporters through the Health and Wellbeing portal site on Firstpoint.

POLICE FED COLUMN “THE mental health of serving officers is an increasing concern for the Federation.

Resilience in the service is at an all-time low and officers are being put under inordinate amounts of pressure.

Cuts to the police service have meant our officers are being asked to do more and more with fewer resources and while they continue to rise to the challenge it is inevitable the increased pressures will have an impact on them mentally.

He said: “We know that if you need help and are receiving support from someone who has experienced those issues themselves, it can really help the person to make huge strides forward in their recovery.

“All the supporters are patient and nonjudgemental. We’re here to offer support, normalise the situation and signpost people to other professionals.”

And Marcus added: “Everyone is different and needs different things. You have to be a good communicator, be good at listening and really want to take time out to be kind to someone. I have a real commitment to helping my colleagues – that’s the driving force for me.”

Declan is currently giving presentations on wellness, how to identify early warning signs of stress and who to go to for help as well as advice on maintaining wellbeing.

I am proud of the work of our Occupational Health Unit, in relation to mental health care. I also appreciate the efforts of the Chief Constable who recognises the impact mental ill health has on his staff.

However, more needs to be done and I continue to raise these concerns both locally and nationally.

Alarmingly a Federation survey of 17,000 officers in 2016 showed some officers felt they would be letting their already stretched teams down by taking time off, while others were concerned about the stigma of disclosing mental health problems.

Officers have said the social stigma attached to mental ill health can make their difficulties worse. We each have a role to play in removing the stigma of mental illness and helping those who are struggling to get help.

We are working with OHU and managers to support and help you through these times.”

Spring 2019 | Page 23

IN FOCUS

BY VICKY CRAIG

Whilst Helen and Jane are often out of sight in the kitchen whipping up treats, Paula and Ginette are out front serving throngs of starving sergeants and peckish PCSOs.

Communications Officer

Beyond the bacon baps and frothy coffee an operation of military precision takes place daily at our HQ canteen.

Catering manager Jane Cristofoli and catering assistant Paula Goodchild have lifted the lid and revealed what’s involved in keeping the force fed.

In addition to the daily breakfast and lunch menus, the team of four – Jane, Paula, Helen and Ginette, also regularly provide hospitality to large scale events and meetings.

Paula, Helen, Ginette and Karen at a recent 80s themed day

Within the first 12 days of Operation Fairline, for example, the team pulled together more than 3,000 packed lunches for those working out on cordons or working extended shifts to keep the force going.

The team also have to put in 2am starts to cater for our cops at the Royal Air Tattoo

and used to provide refreshments across Solstice.

Jane said: “We had such fun times running out of a temporary kitchen in Larkhill, working through the night feeding officers down at Solstice.

“The last time we catered there we made fish and chips for everyone and as they sat to eat, they all got called back out.

Everything went to waste and we had to start again for when they came back.

“I also remember making Millennium goodie bags for all of those working the overnight shift on New Year’s Eve. “They had an individual Christmas cake and chocolate with the date written on it.

“I remember going home wondering what might happen at the stroke of midnight.”

HERITAGE CRIME THE Wiltshire Rural Crime Team are soon to launch Operation Apollo which aims to tackle heritage crime in the county.

Heritage crime is any offence that harms the value of England’s heritage sites, grounds and buildings such as listed buildings and scheduled monuments, World Heritage sites, conservation areas, registered parks and gardens, registered battlefields and remains, aircrafts and vessels of historic interest, and any undesignated but acknowledged heritage buildings and sites. The operation will help ensure a centralised approach to dealing with heritage crime and offer support for

Page 24 | Spring 2019

Much has changed for Paula who has worked in the canteen for 29 years. When she joined, she was armed only with a coffee percolator and a large tea pot.

Now, the team need to be on the ball when it comes to food allergies – they need to know what the latest advice is for preparing and serving up food to cater for most types of allergies.

There is a fifth member of the team, Karen, who single handedly manages all of the catering at Melksham Police station.

The Devizes answer to Dinnerladies, they also throw themed food events across the year – in addition to the traditional Christmas fayre and Valentine’s Day goodies, they recently threw an 80’s themed day complete with retro food and power ballads.

Next time you head down for a brew, be sure to ask Paula about her leg warmers…

officers around the Force when dealing with offences of this nature. The damage caused to Heritage sites can be very costly to repair. The loss of historical artefacts can stop future generations from being able to enjoy them, and can have an impact on tourism and the livelihoods of those who depend on them for an income.

BURGLAR SENTENCED A PROLIFIC burglar has been sentenced to three years in prison after breaking into a home in Swindon. Frankie O’Dwyer, from Baydon, stole jewellery from the property on Grosvenor Road after smashing his way into the address during the afternoon

of Tuesday 5 February. The 18-year-old pleaded guilty to burglary at Swindon Crown Court where he admitted further burglary offences committed across Wiltshire and Swindon between August 2018 and February 2019.

CONFISCATION ORDER A WARMINSTER man has been ordered to pay over £130,000 after he was sentenced for drug offences in 2017. Jack Pearce, 38, formerly of Sutton Veny, Warminster, is currently serving a prison sentence for possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine, and money laundering.

Following this result, a lengthy investigation

IN FOCUS

STAFF visiting the Devizes HQ bar and canteen area are to benefit from a long overdue facelift and a modern, bright area to eat and socialise.

At the beginning of this year, Angus Macpherson, Police and Crime Commissioner and ACC Gavin Williams explained that some modernisation of this area is needed to ensure that the places staff are asked to work are fit-for-purpose.

Angus said: “The health and wellbeing of staff and officers is of the utmost importance to me and I have a duty to create an environment where people can give their best.

“The original bar and café area are longoverdue a facelift. The aim is to repair

was carried out by the Dedicated Crime Team and the Financial & Asset Investigation Team to establish how much he had benefited financially from criminal activity. A hearing was held at Swindon Crown Court on April 8 and Pearce was ordered to pay a confiscation order of £131,551 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

STALKING AWARENESS WE recently supported National Stalking Awareness Week, highlighting the work we are doing to support victims and encouraging people to come forward and report harassment offences. Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills is the national policing

or replace the shabby and worn seating and carpets, redecorate and generally refresh the area so that it is a pleasant and inviting space for people to meet colleagues and relax.”

Angus added: “We will do our best to keep services open but, where this isn’t possible, we’ll give staff advance notice so that they can make alternative arrangements for refreshments.

An exhibition stand showing draft plans and ‘mood boards’ was placed in the café area and accessible within Firstpoint with suggestions and feedback welcomed by the PCC’s office.

“Unfortunately, any meetings that have been booked in advance will need to be cancelled or take place elsewhere.

Improvements to the Bay Window and Neville Room are also being planned to coincide with the lounge and café area.

It is anticipated that once the design is finalised, work will begin during May with an anticipated completion by the end of August or September.

lead for stalking and harassment so had a key role to play, including taking part in local and national media interviews. He said: “Both nationally and locally there has been a significant rise in stalking offences and this reflects increased focus by the police to encourage victims to come forward and to ensure that these offences are properly identified, recorded and investigated.”

COMBATING SLAVERY DELEGATES from more than 50 organisations came together on April 4 to discuss the issues around drug gangs and modern slavery. Over the last year we have been heavily targeting offenders who come

“We will make sure that staff are kept informed of the schedule for this so that they can reschedule meetings but we are confident that, once all of the works are finished, the refurbishment will benefit not only colleagues based at HQ, but any officer, staff member or volunteer who is visiting HQ in the future.”

into Wiltshire and Swindon from elsewhere and recruit local people as drug runners and dealers. The knowledge shared at the conference will help shape the future of our work with partners to combat these crimes.

RAMADAN RAMADAN takes place this year between May 5 and June 4. This is a significant time for Muslims within our community. During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking during the hours of daylight, which can have implications on the way they shape their daily activities. Over the coming weeks, plans for reassurance patrols and engagement opportunities will be circulated within the Hubs to ensure regular contact is made with community leaders and Muslims during the Ramadan period.

Spring 2019 | Page 25

IN FOCUS

GETTING THE MESSAGE OUT OVER the past months the communications team has been working hard on developing the Community Messaging database; we now have 11,008 subscribers. The difference between these people and those who follow us on social media is that they have proactively come to us to learn more about policing in the county and all live within Wiltshire and Swindon.

The system is so sophisticated that you can issue proximity based messages from your iPhone – imagine how useful that could be when making an appeal for information – and you can receive direct responses.

The mobile app has been installed on the iPhones of every officer and PCSO. It will enable you to send messages and sign people up to the system when you are with them.

Talk to your community co-ordinator to learn more or go to the Community Messaging page on Firstpoint.

BROADENING OUR REACH WILTSHIRE Police is now on LinkedIn. Since starting to promote job vacancies through our social media channels, we’ve seen a significant increase in the quality and number of applicants.

With the introduction of a Wiltshire Police company page on LinkedIn, we can now reach even more people and it will give us an opportunity to highlight some of the excellent work across the Force.

If you are already on LinkedIn, follow www.linkedin.com/company/ wiltshirepolice/ If you’re not already signed up, create your own professional profile, then follow Wiltshire Police.

If you have content you want to share externally, please email us at internalcommunications@wiltshire. pnn.police.uk

Page 26 | Spring 2019

Sometimes technology moves faster than our ability to understand it. With a surge in cyber crime in recent years, its vital we stay one step ahead of criminals that want to use technology to harm our communities.

BY BEN HOLLOWAY

Digital Communications Manager

LAST summer, the Force set up the Digital Investigations and Intelligence Unit (DIIU), a team dedicated to raising understanding of all things cyber. Led

by D/Supt Jeremy Carter, the DIIU deals with all cyber-dependent crimes as well as more straightforward offences (such as the hacking of social media and e-mail accounts).

A dedicated cyber crime prevention officer in the DIIU helps organisations, community groups and individuals protect themselves from digital threats such as cyber attacks. The team also supports the Bobby Van to help with their Stay Safe Online initiative.

The unit also advises other investigative teams. With two Digital Media Investigators (DMIs) and 24 Digital Media Advisors around the Force, the team aims to highlight opportunities where digital intelligence may aid an investigation.

‘Its all about changing people’s thinking – helping them understand the huge investigative potential in digital evidence,’ said DI Gemma Vinton. ‘Although phones and laptops are an established part of any investigation, sometimes people are still not aware of just how far we can take it. If you don’t know what evidence might be available on a suspects in-car entertainment system or wi-fi router, then you may not consider it as a line of investigation.

IN FOCUS

MAKING CRIME PAY FOR GOOD WHAT DO WE MEAN BY ‘CYBER-DEPENDENT’ CRIMES? This is where the technology is the target of the crime as well as the means, such as: Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks – when legitimate users are denied access to computer services or resources, usually by overloading the service with requests.

Ransomware

Botnet attacks

ND SA

DIGIT A

TIGATIO S E V N N LI

– malicious software that makes systems unusable until the victim makes a payment.

– attacks by a network of infected devices used to commit coordinated cyber attacks without their owner’s knowledge.

Key logging software

I N U

T

ELL

I

NT

– software which logs the keystrokes on a compromised device.

IG E N CE DIGIT A

I

“As part of a County Lines case, we provided the investigating team with a strategy on how to locate a suspect using mobile phones,” said Gemma.

“We’ve also recently had a positive result in a rape case where we used data from

T

E

W

ND SA

“That’s a suspects mobile phone to where show that they were in the same we come wooded area as the victim at the time in. We open the suspected rape took place.” up opportunities Melissa Lunn is an investigator within the for lines of enquiry and show how much team: “We’ve all worked in other areas of more can be done digitally to, for example, policing, so we understand the pressures place someone at a scene or prove aINVESTIGATIO Non other departments, especially CPT. L relationship between suspects. And as SH we’re doing this we’re “The key is contacting us early.

ILT IR hopefully giving some insight to aid future investigations.”

Sometimes the data on a device only remains for a short while before being lost P The team’s expertise has helped inN a huge OLICE forever, so getting that evidence early is TEL NI range of crimes, from fraud and extortion L I G E N C E Ucrucial.” cases to human trafficking and money laundering – even poisonings.

For more information contact Melissa Lunn, Hayley Williams, or DS Ian Magrath. To arrange a talk to a group or business please email the DIIU inbox.

THE Proceeds of Crime Act has seen £900,000 reclaimed by Wiltshire Police from convicted criminals. The money claimed from those involved in cannabis farms, stolen telecoms equipment and an illegal scrap metal operation will pay for the recruitment and training of new officers to help prevent and reduce crime in the county.

CYCLE RIDE OF HONOUR SENIOR officers will be joining Wiltshire Council employees for a 75mile cycle ride to honour the military contribution in Wiltshire. Taking place on Sunday 16 June, the ride will visit a number of military bases and form part of the lead up to National Armed Forces Day.

HELP SOLVING PROBLEMS THE Problem-Solving Star Chamber is a virtual network of problem-solvers and other experienced practitioners, who can offer a review and advice service to those seeking suggestions and ideas for tactical problems they have encountered. If you are seeking support and advice with your problem, please drop an email to emma. reid@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk with a summary of your issue.

MORE TOOLS FOR SIREN THE Force app Siren was relaunched last year with more useful content for front line officers and staff. One of the most significant changes is the addition of an address book, that includes a contact number for almost anyone a frontline officer might need to call, by pressing the link.

By making calls directly to internal departments or partner agencies you can help reduce the demand on our busy control operators. For more information contact philip.mackie@ wiltshire.pnn.police.uk

Spring 2019 | Page 27

NOSTALGIA

BY EMMA MORTON

Communications Officer

A CHANCE donation of a photograph has uncovered one family’s history with the Force.

The sepia-tinged picture, which shows the very first crop of Wiltshire Police constables in 1840, was handed in to the Devizes HQ enquiry office in December – and it was promptly passed to the Chief Constable.

“It is a truly remarkable photograph,” said Kier. “Of course, we are very aware of our recent history and the memories we all have of the police while we were growing up but here is a fantastic representation of where it all started nearly 200 years ago.

“To be able to put a human face to the very first police constables to walk the beat in our county was a pleasure and I was delighted that it had been given to us to display.

“The photo is in the staff office until we can find a more prominent position to display it at HQ for all to enjoy.”

Kier wanted to thank the donor in person for their generosity and for preserving this vital piece of police history and it wasn’t long before a contact number was found.

Tony Mills, who was born and brought up in Wiltshire but now lives in

Gloucestershire, stumbled across the picture while clearing out his house and, once he realised what he was looking at, knew that the most fitting place for it to end up was with the Force again.

“I have had the picture since my sister Jane’s death, in 2012,” Tony said. “I found it again last year and rather than keep it in a dusty box, I thought the best place for it would be with the Force where I knew it would be appreciated. I am glad that it’s being displayed for all to see.”

Once Kier and Tony were able to talk about the donation – a family’s legacy with Wiltshire Police was revealed.

Tony’s sister, Jane Kirby, worked as member of police staff based in Chippenham and her husband was Det Insp Geoffrey ‘Rip’ Kirby, who worked with Wiltshire Police for many years.

Kier added: “I’m really grateful to Tony for the donation and when I heard of his sister’s, and her husband’s connection with Wiltshire Police, it made it even more special.

“From what I can gather, DI Geoffrey ‘Rip’ Kirby was something of a legend among many in the Force, so it is nice that this picture has prompted many people’s memories of him.”

Page 28 | Spring 2019

Firstbeat is planning a Nostalgia piece in every edition and we would welcome your suggestions about what to cover. Anyone with any old photographs, memorabilia or recollections of significant events from the Force’s history should email firstbeat@wiltshire. pnn.police.uk

IN FOCUS

BY KATIE BOND Media Officer

POLICING is a career that certainly won’t leave you short of stories to share - it’s a lifestyle rather than a job, where your colleagues become family.

You’ll regularly save lives, protect lives and be there when lives end. You see the very best, and the very worst, in humanity.

One of the strangest shifts for Sgt John Hutchings came right at the very start of his career.

Fresh out of probation, single crewed, and 10 minutes before he was due to start his shift as a section officer in Wilton, Sgt Hutchings was tasked to a suspected kidnapping outside a junior school.

It was reported the child was walking to school and had been dragged into a vehicle.

“While on my way, I was redirected to a suspicious death in the opposite direction,” said Sgt Hutchings. “The initial report said two bodies had been found in a burning caravan near a traveller site.

“I was in a state of confusion, what do I go to? Help was needed.

“I was directed to the bodies, so I turned around. I arrived to find the fire service dousing the last of the flames but lots of firefighters were stood around a different caravan on the site.

“I asked what had happened and was told the two bodies were children, and they were in the other caravan. The children had died in their sleep from what appeared to be carbon monoxide poisoning.

“I had no assistance to back me up, and was trying to manage the scene with the firefighters when some travellers arrived and insisted on gaining entry to the caravan where the children’s bodies were.

“Obviously they were distraught, and while related to the children, they were not the parents so I couldn’t let them in.

“I knew one of them, and it was getting quite heated, but we persevered through, help duly arrived and the situation became calmer.

“It turned out the fire was a traditional burn following the death of the owner, and the fire service had been alerted to the occupants of the other caravan. The log had understandably got confused, but nevertheless, there were two teenagers dead.

“The kidnapping turned out to be a parent remonstrating with their naughty child, which made the deaths all the more poignant – who knows what is around the corner for any of us?

“The teenagers who died were estranged from their parents and effectively living rough.

“The man who I had a heated tussle with never spoke of it again – we still see each other. He sells strawberries on the side of the road, and whenever I stop to buy some, he never charges me despite me trying to pay.

“We would talk about lots of stuff but never that day all those years ago. He is one of life’s loveable rogues who I have known for the entire length of my service, at just over 22 years and we maintain a healthy regard for each other.

“I think that has to be a shift that I will always remember.”

Spring 2019 | Page 29

SPORTS

BY KATIE BOND Media Officer

“BEING dyslexic makes me feel I am not good enough – but now I believe in myself and I am pushing forward in my career.”

Acting Detective Sergeant Rob Blake is dyslexic. It is estimated that one in every 10 people in the UK has some degree of dyslexia.

When he left the army, he joined the police and passed the initial assessment despite many people expecting him to fall at the first hurdle.

Rob said: “Since then, I have sat and passed exams that required hours of study and have been determined and happy to prove people wrong. I would never have been able to do it without the support from family and friends, and eventually having a better understanding of dyslexia.”

During his policing career to date, Rob has carried out a number of roles including response policing, CID, domestic violence, major crime and is currently Acting Detective Sergeant in Melksham CID.

Rob with his dad

But growing up, Rob had no idea he suffered with the learning difficulty and spent his childhood thinking he was stupid.

“I spent my life being told I’d never achieve what I wanted,” he said. “Teachers told me that I would be a nobody, so I often skipped school and ended up leaving with no qualifications.”

After school, Rob decided he wanted to join the army. It was during this time that he discovered he was dyslexic. He spent six years in the army and served in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

BY MARK JONES Media Officer

“IF you put your mind to it - you can achieve anything.”

The inspirational words of Victoria Smith, who until recently was working in the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office, and has chosen to run this year’s London Marathon to raise money for and awareness of Parkinson’s disease.

Victoria said: “I’m doing this for my lovely dad who has had Parkinson’s for the past Page 30 | Spring 2019

“The biggest challenge is having belief that you are good enough to push forward and achieve what you want to,” he said.

“Many of the specialist roles and promotions in the job are extremely competitive and I don’t want to be held back by a lack of self-belief or for any other officer with dyslexia to feel that way either.”

Rob and colleagues taking part in the 24 hour treadmill challenge

children and adults with dyslexia so they can achieve in life.

“I will be glad to have done it, but I’m not sure I’ll ever do a marathon again.

Training in those long winter months was so difficult, I’m not sure I could put myself through it again, but I’m proud of myself.”

Ahead of the big day, he held a 24-hour treadmill run at Police Headquarters with support from officers around the Force, including Chief Constable Kier Pritchard.

“I really wanted to raise as much money as possible for DRT - they research the condition so we have a better understanding that can help to support

“It was a really horrendous challenge – I had to give myself some time off from training after because it was just so tiring,” said Rob. “We had some great support over the weekend though, some people even brought their children and their dogs along which was great for our morale.

I’m really grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way, I couldn’t have done it without your help.”

16 years but also to inspire both my young daughters Verity, who is six, and four-yearold Lois, that you can do anything in life if you’re determined enough.”

“Now, I’ve cracked the long, steep Caen Hill locks in Devizes - I managed to run up it the other day. I couldn’t have done that a few weeks ago.”

Victoria, who was personal assistant to the chief executive, deputy chief executive and PCC based at Devizes Police HQ, admits that her busy job was quite sedentary: “When you’re sitting down all day you need to run but I’m not a natural runner. I’m not in my comfort zone but I’m doing it.

The mum of two, who lives in Devizes, recognises that by being surrounding by people she’s inspired by and who she wants to inspire does help.

In a bid to make a difference for others who struggle with dyslexia, Rob is due to run the London Marathon on April 28 for Dyslexia Research Trust (DRT).

“By following the Virgin London Marathon Training Plan I’ve built up over the past ten weeks. That’s amazing for me because before I started training I couldn’t have run for more than half an hour - about three miles.

She said: “My wonderful Godmother passed away suddenly last year and it gave me the motivation that you really do only live once.”

Victoria is raising money for Parkinson’s UK via her JustGiving page: www. justgiving.com/fundraising/VictoriaSmith111

SPORTS

BY SIMONE MATTHEWS

been selected as part of the England Police Rugby Union squad taking on other nations at Police World Cup later this year.

WILTSHIRE PCSO Tom Sharpe’s Sunday rugby hobby has finally paid off – he’s

Tom, 22, who has played for Royal Wootton Bassett Rugby Club since the age of six, will be swapping Swindon North for Hong Kong when he jets off to the competition in September.

Communications Officer

The call up to the England police team came quickly for Tom when a colleague he was training with mentioned his passion for rugby to PC Matt Dickens, another Wiltshire officer who had already been selected for the England Police team.

Tom said: “I really owe it all to Matt - he plays for Chippenham, which is a rival to Bassett, so he had seen me play and approached me when I started my training with the Force.”

Tom was referred for a two day trial with Police England Rugby Football Club before being selected for the team.

Since then, he has played against the GB Fire Team and was part of the starting line up against the Welsh Police at the end of March.

Tom’s international call up came personally from the Director of England Police Rugby and he was invited to join the 26-man squad.

He said: “My family are thrilled, Dad has taken me to rugby since I was six-yearsold and enjoys watching my matches so he is really happy for me. The rugby club did an article on me so they have been sharing the news too.

“It has been quite a proud moment for them.”

Before setting off on the 11-day-tour,Tom has work to do to be physically ready, but also financially too.

“All those who are selected to go do so by being self funded and sponsored,” he added. “I need to raise about £800 and have written to a few local companies to ask for their support.”

We wish Tom the best of luck in his rugby and look forward to following his progress in Hong Kong.

Combining his love of sport with police work is a challenge but one he is more than happy to take on.

I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO JOIN THE POLICE AND EVERYTHING I’VE DONE HAS LED ME IN THIS DIRECTION.

“

“

“I get satisfaction from different things, when I was a sports coach I really enjoyed engaging with the young people, and as a PCSO I really enjoy going to schools and giving talks.”

He added: “I have always just wanted to join the police and everything I have done has led in this direction. I am really competitive but I just play for fun.

“It suits me to have a job which is handson engaging with people. I really enjoy being a PCSO, I like the freedom which comes as part of the job.

Spring 2019 | Page 31

Submit a photo you have taken at work for the Wiltshire Police Instagram by emailing digital@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk

Swindon Community Tasking Team recovered this whopping haul of suspected stolen clothing worth over £5k after a vehicle failed to stop for police. Their property was subsequently searched finding yet MORE clothing

Rather unusual stop for Amesbury officers after this tractor was stopped after reports of it ‘drag racing’ motorbikes… no insurance, no tractor! #seized

Two in custody for possession of a class B drug and various driving offences after some proactive policing in Wroughton

Following reports of anti social behaviour officers in Swindon have been conducting foot patrols in The Town Gardens and surrounding areas

A special day at HQ raising the rainbow flag for LGBT History Month with Swindon PCSOs Lee and Kate. #LGBTHM19

Officers in Salisbury had a snowment of madness and were drawn in to a snowball fight outside Salisbury Police Station

Nice view from the office during the snow in Royal Wootton Bassett, only spoilt by a burnt out Ford Transit...

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Not what you’d call your standard 9-5 training course delivered by our PSU instructors