Brief - Spring 2012 Edition

2 Brief Spring 2012 Edition

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Recognising excellence in GMP

sure GMP continuously improves and meets the needs of our communities.

Now is a time to look forward to the future. Yes, this is a challenging time and there is a lot of change on the horizon, and I don’t underestimate the impact this has on you all. But it’s also important to remember that, despite this, there is a lot of fantastic work going on around the Force. I have been fortunate enough to witness some of this first-hand and join in the achievements of officers and staff across GMP.

I’ve talked about change and looking to the future and that is true for Members of the Police Authority. In November, GMPA will be replaced by a Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), elected by the public. Greater Manchester, like the rest of the country, will go to the polls on 15 November, and it’s the Police Authority’s role to make sure the transition to the PCC is as smooth and

Positives in challenging times

Looking back over the last 12 months, there are lots of successes to smile about and achievements to be proud of. Crime is at its lowest for more than a decade, GMP is meeting almost all of the promises set out in the 2011-2012 Policing Plan, and the new-look Rochdale Divisional Headquarters, North Manchester DHQ and brand new Force Headquarters have officially opened their doors.

The Police Authority itself has also had its fair share of achievement, with its award-winning scrutiny of major events policing and successful consultation with thousands of Greater Manchester residents to find out their policing priorities and how they think the police budget should be spent. And it’s the views of the public that are vital in helping us make important decisions and make

Peter Fahy, Chief Constable

Paul Murphy

GMPA Chair

successful as possible, ensuring we leave behind a lasting legacy of which the Police Authority and the Force can be proud.

Alongside this we will continue to challenge, scrutinise, and drive performance within GMP and build on the successes which have resulted in a more efficient, more effective and more trusted police service.

So a big job for us this year, but one that we will face head on and take very seriously, as always.

Welcome to the first edition of the new look Brief magazine. It is being updated to make it modern and more accessible for you. Developments in technology have changed modern life and we can find information at the touch of a button.

This is why we are making Brief an online publication that people can access wherever there is a computer.

There will still be the same stories and details of what is happening in GMP to keep you up-to-date with news and events. The only difference is it is online. The financial challenges mean finding ways to reduce costs through new ways of working and the new look Brief is part of that change. I have spoken many times about the personal impact that the financial situation is having but it is important to recognise that it also brings opportunities.

March is the time when the Policing Plan for the coming year is being finalised with Greater Manchester Police Authority and one thing that is clear is we will continue to see changes in the coming months.

There are a number of new buildings in use now including the North Manchester headquarters and refurbished Rochdale headquarters, teams are being merged and reviewed, and we know this will continue. Throughout this we need to keep focused on what matters to the people of Greater Manchester and on doing the best we can.

Recognising and rewarding people’s contribution to the people of Greater Manchester is more important than ever. The Excellence Awards are my opportunity to thank people for the dedication, commitment and acts of bravery that have really stood out during the year.

There were some amazing stories this year that demonstrated what GMP is about. They have shown what can be achieved, and what we are doing on a daily basis to tackle crime and keep people safe.

I hope you enjoy this new look Brief and if you have any suggestions about how we can make it even better then get in touch with the editorial team at [email protected]

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Brief Spring 2012 Edition 3

Be published in Brief Photographers: Chris Oldham and Bill Morris 0161 856 2777 | Picture Desk: Lisa Marks 0161 856 2279

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

Contact numbers: 0161 856 856 5939 / 2238 / 5938

Email: [email protected]

Brief online: www.gmp.police.uk/Brief Please get in touch with any stories or images you would like to see published in Brief.

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

Friday 27 April 2012.

Chief Constable’s Column

GMPA Chair’s Column

Divisional Roundup

Meet the leaders

Chief Constable takes to the road

New structure for inner-city divisions

Fraud & Response

Twitter to the rescue

Operation Audacious

Sporting chance for family

Excellence Awards

Alcohol awareness & new Force HQ

All eyes on Manchester & diary dates

OCB changes & social media and you

Letter from the editor WELCOME!

Welcome to the Spring edition of Brief from everyone in the Corporate Communications Branch. As the Force has had to identify ways of making savings and managing its resources, the way this newspaper is delivered to you is changing. Brief will now be available as an on-line publication only.

There are some changes to the overall look, however, you will see many of the regular features continue and I hope you like it. In fact, let us know what you think or if you have a story to share then get in touch by contacting a member of the Corporate Communications Branch or dropping me an email at [email protected]

Stop the press!

What’s in store for a good read this month? The sixth Excellence Awards evening was a celebration of success and there were a few surprises (page 14-17). The Chief Constable has also been talking to staff and officers on the Metropolitan Division about the Future of Policing. Having been involved in putting the first roadshow together with Corporate Communications, Ch Supt Stuart Barton reports back on how it all went (page 8). Following a tragic fire in Broadheath, Altrincham in September last year, Asmar Chaudhry from the Press Office reports on a fund set up for two children (page 13).

Patricia Jones, Editor

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Features

GMP Community

Sports & Social

Letters of Appreciation

No laughing matter

Charities & obituaries

Advertisements

Two tonne lift

24-25

26

27

28-29

30

2

2

4-5

6-7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14-17

18-19

20-21

22-23

Guest contributors

Stuart Barton

Currently temporary divisional commander on the Metropolitan Division and soon to be moving to the Salford Division. He has worked on a number of divisions in his 21-year career with GMP alongside some fantastic people.

Stefan Jarmolowicz A Senior Press Officer, Stefan has been at GMP since 2007. Before that he worked for four years as a senior reporter and news editor on regional newspapers in the North Wales area.

Lee Emery

Communications officer for the Themis project. Lee is responsible for keeping everyone informed about the new Force Headquarters project and the associated new ways of working.

If you’ve got a great idea for a future issue, please get in touch by emailing the Brief team – [email protected]


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150

The Hindley team enjoyed some success recently when three youths were prosecuted for breaching a Dispersal Order in Borsdane. The group were asked to leave the precinct as part of work to reduce antisocial behaviour, but when they refused they were arrested. Two were ordered to clean up the precinct and the third received a three-month referral order to the youth offending team and a fine. The order was introduced in September, and has been hailed a success by residents and local businesses.

Officers from Longsight and Ardwick NPT targeted organised crime as part of Operation Venom 2. Supported by partners and other agencies, the two-week crackdown resulted in the arrest of 25 target offenders. It follows a similar operation in November when 53 people were arrested and 12 vehicles seized. At the first student ‘Independent Advisory Group’, Insp Andy Sidebottom and officers from Manchester’s Student Safe Team discussed crime prevention and student concerns. The group which is made of 15 student volunteers gives officers the opportunity to discuss policing and social issues.

Metropolitan

Wigan

Oldham’s operation to target organised crime has continued into 2012. Since its launch in November last year, the ‘Operation Caminada’ team has arrested 31 people for drug related offences. Oldham’s Operation Alloy team have been working with partners at West Yorkshire Police to target travelling criminals. The joint metal theft operation which focused in the Denshaw area gave the team the opportunity to work with officers across the border to target cross border offending. Nine vehicles were seized, three people arrested and seven summons issued.

Oldham

North Manchester

Police in Salford have taken to the water in thCrime Reduction Advisor, Fiona James, has sSheriff’s Police Trust to fund a Sea Scooter Yhandheld gadgets zoom young people up andpart of team building exercises.

Property Officer Georgina Stewart (pictured) has arranged for boxes of food to be delivered to the homeless. Officers seized a large amount of food as part of a fraud investigation and the company did not want the stock returned. It will now be delivered to the Booth Centre in Manchester, which helps make a difference to the lives of homeless people by providing food, support and advice.

Tameside

Divisional Roundup

On 17 February officers from the City Centre NPT took to the streets for the day in an operation to tackle people begging in the Oxford Road area. During the day, 21 people were stopped during the operation, 17 for begging and four others for antisocial behaviour. This operation will be rolled out across the city. Over one million pounds worth of counterfeit items have been seized following raids in the Strangeways area of Manchester. PC Daniel Travis is pictured with some of the huge amounts of items were discovered concealed within shops and ranged from fake designer t-shirts to fake jewellery and footwear.

Spotlight Sgt Stuart McGuire pictured

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The community cohesion team won the Chief Constable’s Excellence Award for Diversity in Action for its handling of the English Defence League protest in March 2011. With only six days notice of the event, police and council members formed a team to plan for the disruption and prevent widescale disorder. On the day, community mediators were paired with officers and stationed around the town. Social media was used to get messages out to communities and a radio programme was broadcast on a local Asian network.

Police seized around £10,000 worth of illegal drugs, £5,000 cash and arrested 30 people following a series of early morning raids in January. A dog, suspected of being a banned breed, was also seized by officers during one of the raids. Police and partners in Stretford organised a series of interactive presentations to pupils from Lostock College on crime, gang culture and antisocial behaviour, by rap poet D-Bo General (pictured below).

More than £1 million worth of illegal drugs has been taken off the streets by police and partners as part of a long-term crackdown campaign. Under the ‘Bolton Residents Against Drugs’ campaign, police have carried out 181 drug search warrants and arrested 211 suspects on a variety of offences. A drug dealer who made more than £300,000 from his crimes has been told to sell his three homes. Ian Barrick has been ordered to pay back £64,274 or face an extra 18 months in jail and still have to repay the money.

Bolton

Two specialised bicycles have been recovered by officers after they were stolen from the Seashell Trust, a charity that provides education and a residential car for people with complex communication difficulties. After a tip-off by a member of the public the bicycles were returned to grateful staff at the Trust. An operation targeting Organised Crime Gangs across the division resulted in the seizure of more than half a million pounds of cash, 17 cars and a large amount of drugs. Officers also arrested more than 180 individuals.

heir latest crackdown on antisocial behaviour. successfully received £3,000 from the High

Youth Project at Fit City in Clarendon. The d down the pool for fun and will be used as

More than 250 victims of burglary have attended an Aladdin’s Cave event in south Manchester to try and identify their stolen items. Detective Inspector Lee Price (pictured) said: “The items have been seized in raids over the last few months and although attempts have been made to try and identify the owners, we haven’t always been able to. We had a fantastic turnout at the event and received lots of positive comments from members of the public. It is definitely something we would consider doing again.”

South Manchester

Businesses across Bury have joined together to beat metal thieves. A new ‘Metal Mark’ scheme is being rolled out across the borough. Bury Council, Six Town Housing and other businesses have been marking lead, copper and other metal components with a forensic DNA substance. This substance is unique to each premise and once applied to the metal it will transfer onto skin and clothing if handled. Officers are working closely with scrap metal dealers to identify stolen metal by scanning for signs of the DNA substance.

Stockport

Bury

Trafford

Rochdale

on Salford with some of the swimmers

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Meet the

leaders

DCC Ian Hopkins has responsibility for External Relations and

Performance, Change and Corporate

Communications branches, the strategic resourcing panel and local and strategic partnerships and takes a lead on the gender

strand of diversity.

The Force Command Team

has been reshaped following

the appointment of Ian

Hopkins as Deputy Chief

Constable. Steve Heywood

has also taken up the role of

Assistant Chief Constable as

part of the latest review.

Here, the new ACCs talk

about their portfolio areas.

Has responsibility for Bolton, Bury and Rochdale Divisions, Professional Standards, Custody and Criminal

Justice, Organisational Learning and Workforce Development branch, public contact issues and the race strand of diversity.

ACC Dawn Copley Territorial Policing

DCC Ian Hopkins External Relations and

Performance

Has responsibility for Wigan, Salford

and Trafford Divisions,

Specialist Operations Division and counter terrorism, the lead on critical incidents and CCTV issues and has the sexual

orientation and gender identity strand of diversity.

ACC Terry Sweeney Protective Services

First job? I worked on a jeans stall at Warrington

market every Saturday

Spare Time? Sadly, I’m a

season ticket holder for

Wolverhampton Wanderers

First job? I was an apprentice

welder at David Brown Tractors. I viewed the trade as a solid career for life but then left to

go to University.

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ACC Steve Heywood Serious Crime and

Vulnerable People

Has responsibility for North, South and the Metropolitan Manchester Divisions, volume crime

investigation and reduction, response policing, neighbourhoods, confidence and diversity issues with a lead on disability matters.

ACC Garry Shewan Neighbourhood Policing

Has responsibility for HR, Estates, Finance, Business Support, Information Services

branches, value

for money issues, and the religion and belief strand of diversity.

ACO Lynne Potts Resources

Policing priorities 2012-13

Has responsibility for Oldham, Tameside and Stockport Divisions,

Serious Crime

Division, Investigative Support Division, including forensics and intelligence, vulnerable people

issues, coronial matters and the age

strand of diversity.

THE Greater Manchester Police Authority has agreed the Force’s Policing Priorities for the next 12 months. Setting the direction of the Force, the policing priorities have been shaped by a number of influencing factors including the views of the public, our partners and the government’s shadow Strategic Policing Requirement. Deputy Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “We want to drive down all crime which is why from April this year we will be focusing on stealing through Operation Storm. “There is also an emphasis on reducing violence and increasing satisfaction.” The six priorities for 2012-13 are: • Counter the threat of organised crime and

terrorism • Reduce and solve crime • Help keep people safe • Reduce antisocial behaviour • Increase confidence in policing • Deliver value for money They are supported by a number of statements which provide further detail on how these priorities will be achieved. The priorities and targets, together with key commitments made to the public, are set out in the Policing Plan 2012-13, which can be viewed on the Intranet and GMP’s website from 30 March.

Spare time? With three kids

aged between 2-16, I spend a lot of time ferrying

them about

First job? I sold

computers for Boots some

time ago

Spare time? Doing any kind of

sport—participating is more fun than

excelling though

Features


Speedy ticket to jail

In total 728 motoring offences were detected across 26 police forces, prompting more than 1,000 false nominations to be made by the pair. But for Lowndes, the motoring scam was just the tip of the iceberg. He also admitted 30 offences of fraud after officers investigating the scam discovered he was involved in credit card fraud. He even committed fraudulent transactions while on bail. “The disregard Lowndes had for the law was astonishing” says PC Davies. “He knew we were investigating him yet thought nothing of continuing his criminality, using stolen credit card details to fund lavish holidays for himself, his family and friends.” It was on one of these holidays that things started to go wrong for Lowndes, as Andy explains: “The holiday company found out the cards he had used were stolen and kicked him out of his hotel in Benidorm. Funny thing is he even rang them,

playing the victim and accused them of treating him like a crook.” The team continue to investigate and prosecute those drivers who took part in the scam. So far more than 250 motorists have been arrested and some have received custodial sentences.

A fraudster who was behind one of the country’s biggest motoring scams has secured a speedy ticket to jail. “Colin Lowndes and his brother-in-law, Mark Foster, masterminded a scheme that sought to make a mockery of road traffic laws and undermine the criminal justice system” explained PC Andy Davies. Andy got involved after staff at the Central Ticket Office (CTO) noticed several addresses across Hyde feature time and again on nominations for drivers allegedly responsible for motoring offences. This was the start of Operation Crush and in May 2010, raids were carried out at 11 addresses across Greater Manchester. The two suspects were arrested and cash and other incriminating documents were seized. It soon became apparent that Lowndes and Foster would be handed ‘Notices of Intended Prosecution’ by drivers hoping to avoid motoring convictions. They would then make up hundreds of names and return the forms, claiming it was that person who was responsible for the offence. While the names used were many and varied, the addresses weren’t. More than 500 documents were sent to Foster’s home during the scam. “If we were to believe the information supplied by Lowndes and Foster, more than 500 different people lived at Foster’s house in just a few years. By anyone’s standards that would have been a serious turnover of tenants or lodgers” says Andy.

Seeking your Response

A major change in approach is underway in Response Officer Training with a view to providing training tailored to their individual preferences and ongoing professional development. Training is currently suspended while consultation sessions using ‘Hydra 10,000 Volts’ takes place every Wednesday with response officers. Sgt Louise Perrin from Response Training said: “The old training sessions were a ‘sheep dip’ approach which was not the best way to use GMP resources or officers’ time. What officers need to know varies enormously and we found that some officers were getting training that they didn’t need. Soon we will be able to deliver a ‘you said, we did’ report to show that their preferences have been acted upon.” Further details will be provided on the home page of the Intranet and a future edition of Brief.

Children from St Andrew’s Primary School in Levenshulme were able to get a glimpse inside a police van, sound the blue lights and the tannoy and try on some public order equipment during a recent visit from TAU officers. Arranged by Community Relations officer for the division - Mazamil Bashir, the visit and was part of an ongoing program by the TAU to give children a positive interaction with the Police.

Back to school for TAU

Features


Airport 91

THE response team at Manchester Airport has been asking passengers, workers and visitors about the service they get from the police. As well as four interactive customer feedback podiums placed around the airport terminals, two hand held units are also being used by the neighbourhood policing team. Insp Lee Grant said: “In two weeks we have already had more than 400 responses. It is important that we get people’s views on how we are doing and where we can improve so that we can create an environment where everyone feels safe.”

Twitter to the rescue A missing 10-year-old from Bolton has been found thanks to Twitter, celebrity TV stars and the local community. PCSO Kelly Jenkinson from the Bolton East NPT could not have imagined the attention her tweets would get when she circulated the details of the missing boy on twitter to encourage locals to join in the search for him. Late one Friday afternoon in January, a mother sent her 10-year-old son on a quick errand to the local shops near their home in Harwood. When he failed to return a short time later, worried family and friends went out to look for him, visiting the shops and contacting relatives and school pals to see if he had stopped off anywhere. However he couldn’t be found. As darkness closed in and the boy’s family became more anxious, they contacted police and an official search was started. Response and officers from the Bolton East NPT carried out a thorough search of the

area, checking CCTV from the shops, visiting local parks, relatives and friends. PCSO Kelly Jenkinson sent a message on twitter to the NPT’s 765 followers to see if they could help find the boy, who had now been missing for several hours. She posted his description, the area he

had last been seen in and asked members of the public to get in touch. She then tweeted updates to keep people up to speed with how the search was going. Kelly’s messages gained momentum as they were re-tweeted by local celebrities including Dancing on Ice star Natasha Giggs, causing the tweets to begin trending on Twitter. He was found a short time later

playing with a group of other children after one follower recognised him from the description. Police were then contacted and the boy was reunited with his relieved family. PCSO Kelly said: “We try to use twitter as much as we can to communicate with our residents and let them know about crime as it happens, and this was a great example of this work in action. “It wasn’t long after I had tweeted the description of the young lad that the woman got in touch with us to say she had found him. We are extremely grateful for the interest that all our followers showed that. “Not only was Twitter successful in helping us to reunite a missing boy with his family. “I would encourage other NPTs to make the most of their Twitter accounts – who knows what success you might have with it.”

CH Supt Jon Rush was among the guests who attended the official opening of the new Redeeming Our Communities (ROC) café in Radcliffe. Officers from the Bury Division have been working in partnership with ‘Churches Together’, local fire officers and volunteers to run the café, which is open from 6.30pm to 9pm every Thursday for young people aged 11 to 16. The centre offers a range of activities and has already helped to cut antisocial behaviour in the area by 51 per cent.

Radcliffe ROC German visit OFFICERS from Berlin recently visited the Force to find out how we manage juvenile crime, particularly from a Muslim background. The three officers and one psychologist spoke to officers in Oldham, Rochdale and the city centre as well as staff in the Organisational Learning & Workforce Development Branch.

The officers said that everyone had been very friendly and they had been shown a range of projects that will help them when they return to Berlin.

“We try to use Twitter as much as we can”

Features


Ex-cell-ent customer service A ‘customer’ of Bolton Custody Suite was so impressed by how he was treated whilst detained in custody recently that he felt he had to register his satisfaction.

SUSPECTED drug dealers got an early wake-up call in Manchester’s largest ever crackdown on drugs took place. The operation was the first of its kind as 150 members of the community were invited along to watch the raids from the safety of a mini bus. They were given the opportunity to see for themselves the action that GMP takes against drug dealers. PCSO Louise Duffy from the Wythenshawe Neighbourhood Policing Team was one of the officers involved. She told Brief that she arrived at Wythenshawe Police

Station at 3.30am ready to get to Manchester City Stadium in time for the 5am briefing. Once there, Louise was responsible for greeting residents and assisting them to their seats on the minibus. Louise and her colleague PCSO Gemma Royle provided residents with a short briefing and explained what was about to happen. Louise said: “We explained to residents that the purpose of the day was to let them get a clearer understanding as to what the police do and let them witness it first-hand from a mini bus, which would be parked off outside the property.

A rude awakening “Local residents saw the police enter the property and escort the target to a van ready to be transported to custody. They also watched officers search the offender’s cars. “The residents found this extremely rewarding and interesting and throughout the day, numerous residents said that was a great insight into how the police work and it was good to see how the police are dealing with the problems that the community are telling them about.”

The detainee, who was transferred from custody in Blackpool by Lancashire Constabulary, wrote: “To everyone at Bolton custody suite, (especially Sergeant Smith), “I have been to four or five police custody suites in my life and I would like to show my appreciation for treating me as a human being. From what I saw everyone else was treated similarly. The way you dealt with prisoners was admirable and I was genuinely amazed that your staff followed suit. Being remanded in custody is not easy for any person but I would like to point out, for the record, your staff were humane and assisted me in every way possible. Thank you for your understanding, co-operation and most of all your dignity. “As much as I appreciate you, I hope to never see you again!” In response to the praise he received, Sergeant Smith said: “We try to treat people like we would like to be treated. We have a great team here at Bolton Custody Suite and that makes what can be challenging work very rewarding.” Above: (left to right) Sgt John Smith and CDOs

Simon Ablard, Martin Whimp and Paula Benford

Features


Sporting chance for devastated family

When the clubs became aware of the fund while working with GMP ahead of the fixture, they arranged for players to meet them and assist in publicity for the appeal.

United’s Tom Cleverley and City’s Joleon Lescott met with Zach and Cailin at the Reds’ training ground at Carrington two days before the match in January, and the children were also given tickets by Manchester City.

Joleon Lescott said: “Meeting Cailin and Zach was a genuinely humbling experience.

“Despite our obvious rivalry, we were very happy to team up with Manchester United today to help shine a light on the fundraising efforts on the family’s behalf.

Tom Cleverley said: “It is good that we can come together off the pitch and support families like this as one city.

The following day the story and details of the Just Giving appeal appeared in all of the national sports pages in the pre-match build up, prompting a sudden hike in donations.

Ian also helped organise a netball

tournament just before Christmas where a dozen teams took part in the competition at the Hough End Centre. The GMP women's netball team eventually prevailed. The show was stolen, however, by the Trafford officers themselves, whose male contingent wore skirts to mark the occasion. He said: “I have been involved with the family from the day of the incident and it has amazed me the amount of strength and character both Cailin and Zach have shown in the face of such a devastating, life-changing experience.

“It was very upsetting to see both children go through what they have but I have been genuinely touched by the help and support the children have been given by the Trafford officers and their family and friends.

“The money that has been raised will go a long way to assist the children, in the short term, to reorganise their lives and try to put some normality back.

“On Cailin and Zach's behalf I would like to thank each and every officer who went out of their way to support the appeal, whether it be donating prizes, buying or selling raffle tickets to actually playing in the netball match and I hope they realise what it has meant to the family."

To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/gmp.

By Asmar Chaudhry

MEMORIAL fund organised by officers in Trafford for a young family devastated by a fatal house fire has been given a welcome sporting boost.

Not only did the officers arrange a successfully attended netball tournament which yielded significant returns for the fund, but players from Manchester City and Manchester United came together in support of the family days before they locked horns in their thrilling Manchester derby in the third round of the FA Cup.

Four-year-old Zach Jones and his 18-year-old sister Cailin Van Straaten lost their mother Tracy and 15 year old brother Shaun in a fire at their home in Broadheath in September 2011. Tracy’s former partner, David Potts, also died in the blaze.

Although they are now making a gradual recovery, both were hospitalised for months and lost all of their belongings in the fire, which prompted Family Liaison Officer, Detective Constable Ian Prescott to set up a just giving page to help give the family a new start in life.

Features


Cop Idol winner Joanna Robson sings “Save the best for last”

The event was hosted by Detective Chief Superintendent Darren Shenton from the Serious Crime Division

Chief Constable Peter Fahy applauds the winners

The Manchester Town Hall was the venue for the Excellence Awards, attended by 220 officers and staff.

Top talent recoIn the sixth annual Chief Constable’s Excelle

GMP have been recognised for their outstan

Hall the glitzy ceremony was again funded b

organisations and businesses, and the winn

Thank you to our sponsors: Post Office, GMP Federation, Northgate Public Services, Greater Manchester Police Authority, ST

Features


The Award Winners The Gloria Oates Award for Outstanding

Leadership • Winner: Sergeant Richard Warden, Stockport Division

Outstanding Communication Award: • Winner: “I’m not laughing”, Disability Hate Campaign,

Bolton Division & Bolton Council

Police Staff Employee of the Year Award: • Winner: Joy Harkness, Volume Crime Scene

Supervisor, Investigative Support Division

Partnership Working Award: • Winner: Xcalibre Task Force, Serious Crime Division

Individual Achievement Award: • Winner: Mark Detheridge, PCSO, Oldham Division

Outstanding Team Performance Award: • Winner: Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit, Specialist

Operations Branch & Command and Control Operators, Operational Communications Branch

Citizen Focus Award: • Winner: Constable Andrew Wright, Wigan Division

Brave Officer of the Year: • Winners: Constables Karl Jackson and Anthony

Sheridan, Tameside Division

The Chief Constable’s Award for Police Community

Support Officer of the Year • Winner: Mark Safranauskas, Police Community

Support Officer, Metropolitan Division

The Karin Mulligan Award for Diversity in Action • Winner: Community Cohesion Team, Rochdale

Division & Rochdale Council

The Chief Constable’s Award for Lifetime

Achievement • Winner: Constable Michael Kennedy, Bury Division

ognised nce Awards individuals and team from across

nding achievements. Held at Manchester’s Town

by sponsorship from national and local

ers’ names were announced on the night.

TL Technologies, Police Mutual, G4S, Capita and John Laing

Read about some of the winners overleaf...

Features


The swift, brave and decisive action of two off-duty officers prevented what could have been a public order nightmare.

On their way home from work, Constables Karl Jackson and Tony

Sheridan (pictured) saw two men squaring up to each other, with 15 others looking on.

The situation looked explosive and they saw they could not tackle such a large group on their own. Suddenly they saw a large knife being

drawn.

Realising they had to intervene, they ran towards the group shouting “Police!” with their warrant cards held high.

Off duty bravery Fortunately some of the group did not hang around to see that the officers were not armed. Both Tony and Karl grappled with the violent man with the knife. Eventually Tony managed to restrain the offender. Karl, who had only just completed his probation, remained calm and assertive as he was faced with aggressive onlookers.

They were not recognisable as police, had no body armour, no protective gear or any radio communication should the situation worsen.

Despite this, the officers saw the potential risk to the public and placed themselves in great danger.

Since April last year, Sgt Richard Warden (pictured) has managed a small team, which was formed to combat organised crime groups in Stockport under the banner of Operation Worn. All of the associated operations and investigations have been created and managed by Ric. His strategic perspective has seen him partner up with the Serious Crime and Investigative Support Divisions and other forces and agencies to make sure every angle is covered and high levels of expertise are involved. Ric’s tenacity for success means he invests heavily in the education and

morale of his team. He makes sure that each member has a significant role, which in turn increases their commitment to succeed. And succeed they have. Since the beginning of the operation, Ric and his team have seized over half a million pounds, 17 cars, an extraordinary amount of drugs and over 180 criminals have been arrested. The hard working ethos and exceptionally high standards of Sergeant Ric Warden is fully admired by his team and all are inspired to follow in his footsteps, wherever they may lead.

Great leadership reaps rewards in Stockport

What a great evening... “When I was nominated for ‘Police Staff Employee of the Year’ I was really surprised but happy. When I was selected as a finalist I was amazed. I've been a PSCO for three years and heard a lot about the Excellence Awards, but I never thought I would have the honour to attend.

“After arriving and a glass of champagne we were lead to the grand hall for the main event. The hall was fabulous and I felt very proud that little old me, a PSCO from the Wigan Division had been picked to attend such an event. Although I didn't win an award, I still enjoyed the evening. I thought that Chief Constable Fahy's final words were inspirational and make me proud to work for GMP.”

PCSO Carrie Fitzpatrick from Wigan Division

Features


VÉÅÅxÇwtà|ÉÇ VÉÜÇxÜ

If anyone has any queries about how to nominate a colleague or member of the public for recognition please contact Sarah Wilcox-Standring for

further information (Ext 62533).

Joy Harkness (pictured) has been a member of the Crime Scene Investigation Team on the South Manchester Division for 10 years and has made a significant contribution to the reduction and detection of burglary and vehicle crime. Her keen eye, initiative and natural ability to spot potential evidence has been crucial for many criminal incidents and major investigations. Particularly of note are the letters of support from victims, who have recognised her outstanding skills and diligence. Many have been grateful that she has taken the time and effort to reassure them and

Having taken a survey after hearing the local kids whine, “We’ve nowt to do”, PC Andy Wright (pictured) from the Atherton Neighbourhood Team created and developed the “Nowt 2 Do?” project. This scheme provides positive activities for young people, with the aim to bring out the best in them. Andy wanted all young people to get involved so all events are free and are based at a variety of locations. He encourages the kids to think about what affects them and they have recently developed a drama about knife crime. Andy has personally raised over £60,000 so far to help fund the project. He also negotiates venues and organises staff and volunteers. Both Andy’s family and a growing number of

supporters have come on board, who are now called the Nowty Mums. At all stages, Andy has made sure that the project is firmly linked with GMP and its priority to reducing antisocial behaviour. Local schools and youth workers have seen improvements in troubled pupils and increases in self-esteem. The project has been awarded the ‘London 2012 Inspire Mark’. Andy has developed an outstanding community project, which owes its success to his personal commitment, as he does most of the work in his own time. The project continues to grow and now has over 400 members on Facebook, a twitter account and its own website.

There has been some outstanding bravery and work recognised by the Chief Constable over the past two months. Officers and staff have been presented Chief Constable’s Commendations at ceremonies in Oldham, Stockport and Rochdale.

Gary Blessington, Ross Clancy, KeithCrossley and Nick Hibbs all received Chief Constable’s Commendations for their resilience and bravery during the riots last year. They are all Senior Transport Officers and they encountered hostile crowds and had many missiles launched at them as they tried to deliver food, water and much needed protective gear and vehicles to desperate front line officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Bell was posted as Temporary Detective Superintendent during 2009 and was the lead in the force-wide operation to drive performance addressing serious acquisitive crime. Through his leadership and determination the levels of recorded crime were reduced by 32%. That means over 22,000 less victims.

Finally three officers from Tameside were recognised for their bravery in confronting an extremely violent man, who had smashed up a taxi with a hammer. Sergeants Raju Misra and Paul Smith and Constable Joseph Barron were then threatened by the man, who had also produced a large knife. The officers managed to tackle and restrain him, putting their own lives at risk to help protect members of the public.

No longer Nowt to do in Atherton

CSI: Manchester

thereby improve their confidence in the police. As a supervisor, she could also not be more compassionate or supportive to all of her staff. Her positive attitude, determined motivation and sunny personality lifts all who surround her.

Features


“Importantly young people enjoy and benefit from the course, leave with a positive attitude towards policing and hopefully go on to become confident and well rounded members of society.”

Ryan says that he and Martin make a good team and that being a cadet gave him a real insight into policing and confirmed that it was the career for him.

Divisional Commander Jon Rush said: “Police cadets are an integral part of the Bury “police family” and a great way to support neighbourhood

officers in public engagement.

“Martin and Ryan’s commitment to the cadet scheme is paying dividends in the quantity and quality of young people going through the programme and shows the special contribution that volunteers can make to modern policing.”

Bury Division currently has 28 cadets aged 16 to 18 on their 42 week course.

The cadets meet for two hours every Wednesday evening to cover a wide ranging syllabus that includes sports leadership, crime reduction, drugs awareness and outdoor pursuits as well as inputs from policing sections including traffic, firearms, public order, forensics and mounted and dogs.

With great sadness, we report the death of cadet Jordan Fairchild. A popular member of the team, he harboured a burning desire to be a police officer. He’ll be remembered as a highly-motivated young man with a strong sense of justice. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

MARTIN Coyne, Volunteer Police Cadet Coordinator on the Bury Division is passionate about the value that cadets can bring to the Force and is surprised that his division is the only one tapping into this valuable resource.

He is convinced that cadets are a great way to support neighbourhood officers in public engagement, build a solid base for Specials, officer and staff recruitment for the future, and help young people acquire confidence and skills for life.

Martin has managed the cadet scheme since 2006 and is supported by Ryan Page, an ex-cadet and Special Constable.

Martin said: “Ryan is a good example of how investment in the cadet scheme can support policing in the future. For most participants the programme provides life experiences, citizen skills, a sense of self worth and some evidence to progress their careers.

Keep calm and use cadets!

GMP is working with Drink Wise North West, an organisation set up to work with all public sector organisations in the region to raise awareness of alcohol harm and ways to reduce the negative impacts of alcohol. ACC Garry Shewan (pictured) said: “Whether you think you may drink excessively or not, it’s a good idea to take a look at what the healthy amounts are and take advantage of the information provided. We don’t know how many people are under-performing or off sick in GMP with alcohol being a contributory factor. No one is pointing the finger at anybody. We just want to make sure that people know that help is there.” HR Business Partner Kerry Atkinson said: “An important part of the community is within GMP and the concern is that GMP staff might be more reluctant than members of

Getting drink wise other professions to come forward if they had any concerns about the amount of alcohol they were drinking, so might miss out on the support available to them. In the last two years there have been very few referrals to Occupational Health for alcohol-related illness. If there are absences in relation to alcohol they are usually recorded as ‘stress’, so the problem could be hidden.” The Department of Health guidelines for sensible drinking limits are that men drink no more than three or four units a day and women no more than two or three units a day. One unit of alcohol is equal to one 25ml single measure of spirit (40% ABV) or half a standard (175ml) glass of

red wine (12% ABV). For more information and to find out how to become a Drink Wise Champion, visit www.drinkwisenorthwest.org. For professional counselling in total confidence, all Police Officers, Special Constables and Police Staff can make use of Care First by using the Freephone telephone number 0800 174319 or visiting www.carefirst.co.uk.

By Tariq Munir

Features


It’s official - in Rochdale AFTER 18 months of extensive refurbishment, Rochdale Division has unveiled a ceremonial plaque to mark the official opening.

THIRTY five children dressed as police officers, complete with truncheons helped to mark the official opening of the new Force Headquarters. The children from St Edmund’s Roman Catholic Primary School marched along Upper Monsall Street and Northampton Road to the new building last month. They were joined by Chief Constable Peter Fahy, Cllr Paul Murphy from Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA), Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, the High Sheriff, Council leaders, representatives from the Fire, Ambulance and Rescue Services as well as Faith Leaders and representatives.

Once inside, the children performed two songs including their rendition of ‘The Laughing Policeman’ from the first floor balcony to a packed-out atrium audience. The Chief Constable said this performance was, for him, the highlight of the afternoon. “Having school children here to help us open the building demonstrates why we’re all here, to serve the public outside.” He added that the creation of the new building was not an extravagant move, more a wise investment for our future. “The building provides wonderful accommodation for our staff so they can be as efficient as they can in serving the rest of the Force and the people of Greater

To find who’s already working at the new HQ, visit the dedicated section of the Force Intranet. There are now only a few teams to move to the new HQ. Moving in May are: • Professional Standards Branch -

Investigations and Legal Sections only

• HR Branch

Getting off to a sound start by Lee Emery Manchester.” Children from a school in each of the 10 boroughs then presented the Chief Constable and Chair of GMPA with artwork they had created depicting where they live. When these ten pieces were joined together on the day they created a colourful and diverse map of Greater Manchester. This image will soon be on display in the central atrium of the new building so that anyone who visits or works from the building can reflect on the communities that GMP serves. The new Force Headquarters, designed to house the teams that support the rest of the Force, is now operating at around 80% capacity.

Who’s moved in?

Local councillors and representatives from partner agencies were among more than 40 guests who joined Vice Chair of the Police Authority, Christine McGawley, Deputy Chief Constable Ian Hopkins and Chief Superintendent John O’Hare for the celebration. The station has undergone an extensive refurbishment which has transformed the building into a fit-for-purpose headquarters which meets the needs of a modern day police force. Work on the £16m project started in August 2010 and has seen the building stripped back to its basic structure to create open plan office space. New external lighting has been installed at the front of the building, which now boasts a new public entrance and extensive glass frontage that is lit up in the evening.

Features


Party is coming back to Manchester for their annual Conference at the start of October. “And of course, there are the usual high-profile football matches and concerts that Manchester hosts on a regular basis. “This is definitely going to be a busy year for us all but through the excellent work that the team do I am sure it will all, as always, be a great success.”

when the City hosts nine Olympic football games in the summer at Old Trafford. On two of the days games will be played back to back – so no pressure for us there then! “Before this though is the very complex planning for the four dates that the Olympic Torch Relay that will travel through Greater Manchester – not only are we organising the policing for this but we are coordinating the policing of the torch relay for the whole of the North West region. “And following this, when we will all need a well-earned rest, the Labour

2012 is yet another busy year for GMP with Royal visits, Olympic football matches, outdoor rock concerts and the return of another political party conference in the autumn. Supt Bryan Lawton, who heads up the Force Events Section said: “One of the first major events was the Queen and Prince Philip’s visit to Manchester on Friday 23 March, which was part of their Jubilee celebrations. There was a great deal of meticulous planning but it all went really well. “This year we will also see the eyes of the world on Greater Manchester

All eyes on Manchester

Features


April 2012

24 April:

Launch of Public

Protection

Division

May 2012

June-July 2012

March 2012

Dates for your diary

May 26-27:

RFL Rugby

League

tournament at

Etihad Stadium

2 April:

Road safety

awareness week

17 May:

South Manchester Roadshow

30 March: Cannabis

cultivation campaign

June 9-10: Coldplay concert at Etihad Stadium

10 April: Public Enquiry Counters to close

June 22:

Bruce Springsteen

concert at Etihad

Stadium

29 June—1 July: Stone Roses concerts at

Heaton Park

2 May:

North

Manchester

Roadshow

May 27:

Unicef Soccer

Aid at Old

Trafford

April:

Wigan, Tameside

& Bury long

service ceremonies

A woman who stole from families of cancer patients and a prolific sex offender have both been locked away thanks to being recognised on the Force’s Digital Image Database. Dawn Warburton callously stole from families of cancer patients at The Christie hospital by picking up unattended handbags when visitors went to get a glass of water from the hospital restaurant. She was caught on CCTV but wasn’t recognised until her image was placed on the Digital Imaging Database (DID). Within a week she was recognised and arrested. With 16 other offences taken into account, she was charged and sentenced to 18 weeks in prison. Rukhsar Ahmed, is a prolific sex offender. He had pestered one of his victims by asking for help in finding a bus to Oldham. He then followed her and stood in front of her to stop her from getting away, asking if he could be her mate. When the victim tried to get away he grabbed her.

How DID we catch them? His image was also posted on the DID. He was caught and sentenced to four months in prison suspended for two years. These are just two examples from more than 1300 images that have been posted on the DID. In addition more than 900 crimes that would otherwise have remained undetected have now been solved.

The DID is the first forcewide image database in any force in the UK and contains still images from CCTV, decoy vehicles and facial composites created by Forensic Imaging Specialists. Officers can log on to the DID through the Intranet home page or Systems Portal.

Motoring on The North Manchester Division has taken delivery of their latest sponsored vehicle from Securitas Security Services Ltd, a partnership which has run for over 11 years. The Volkswagon Touran vehicle will be used by the Manchester City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team for the next three years. Paul King Securitas Area Director North West said: “We are delighted to continue our support of Greater Manchester Police in providing this vehicle for operational use by the Neighbourhood Police team within Manchester City Centre." Superintendent Stuart Ellison from North Manchester Division said: “We have enjoyed a long association with this business spanning well over a decade and this support helps the policing of the division, and in particular the city centre, and I, on behalf of Greater Manchester Police, offer our thanks once again for such sustained and sterling support.”

“Dawn Warburton callously stole from the

families of cancer patients”

Features


Divisional Command and Control (Radio Operators) The radio operators now work from two locations. Command and Control South and West (A,B,C,L, M, F Divisions) operate from Claytonbrook OCR while Command and Control North and East (K, N, P, G, J, Q Divisions) operate from Tameside OCR. Andy Massey, Business Lead for Command and Control said: “Bringing Command an Control together like this was about working in better ways and we have already seen a better flow of information and intelligence between the different teams. “There are still challenges but we will continue to review staffing levels to make sure we get it right.”

Changes take shape ONE month after major changes within the Operational Communication Branch were launched, Brief speaks to Chief Superintendent Ian Wiggett and his team about how things are shaping up.

“Implementing change of this scale is not easy, I’ve already said thanks to all OCB staff for their positive approach, but I extend my thanks to everyone across the Force who is helping us get the new services right.”

Switchboard

The Switchboard team now work from two sites – Trafford OCR and a day shift at Claytonbrook.

Crime Input Unit and PAD

The Crime Input Unit and PAD both work

from Claytonbrook and the teams are merging into one unit - the Crime Recording Unit. There is also a new service to record road traffic collisions on the telephone.

Call Handling All 999 and 101 (non-emergency) call handlers now operate from Trafford OCR as one contact centre.

Diane Grandidge, Business Lead for Contact Management said: “Having a call centre environment like this also helps us ensure we deliver the most professional service

possible, with quality monitoring that helps us maintain our standards as a nationally accredited contact management centre.”

“It is certainly better

“I miss my old team. The “We were really

isolated at Bootle Street so it’s good to be able to see what

everyone else does. People are also surprised at how much we do

“I feel bad for officers who are waiting a long time to

get their call answered but we’ve got new staff trained so it

will get better.”

“It is sometimes hard

“I was worried that with the change in staff that the radio

operators wouldn’t have the same local knowledge but that’s

not the case.”

“Some officers regularly use the PNC 88898 service but others don’t seem to know what it is for. We can do more than just PNC checks to support them.”

to get air time when the channels are merged.”

being together in the same place and the new shift pattern is better. Getting away at 5pm on an early

shift is a nightmare though!”

new system means we all have different start times but it is

better having all the call handlers together”

Force Command and Control

(TNS, Vanguard, ANPR, PNC, Intelligence)

The Force Command and Control team now operate from Claytonbrook OCR and include radio telephony PNC and enquiry service for frontline officers.

Features


The lines between our professional and personal lives are blurring. Kevin Hoy, Web Manager talks about how the web and social media have made it easier than ever to bring your home to work and work to home.

GMP, you and social networks

With people on average spending over five hours per month on sites such as Facebook and Twitter it’s more important than ever to understand what is acceptable behaviour online. Social media covers a whole range of online and digital tools that help you contact and chat with other people. The networks that you will probably know are Facebook, Twitter, Linked In and UniformDating.com, however you may not have realised that social media isn’t just about websites…

As well as the websites, emails and even text messaging are social media tools. In work, personal use of social networks is forbidden from both GMP computers and your own smartphones. You can only access social networks privately out of hours. The only people who are able to access social networks in the office are those who require it for work purposes (such as work email, or officers responsible for tweeting from an official GMP Twitter account). You must not discuss information known to you on any site because you are a police officer or member of police staff and not known to the public. As well as your comments, this also includes uploading photographs or videos that relate to your work. You must not record or upload crime

scenes or police operational activity to any social media site. When posting any type of content to social networks, the important thing to remember is that it is there for all to see, and will remain so for many years to come. You should treat your online comments in the same way you would any other public forum, like a meeting, a dinner party or a catchup with friends. You should also respect people’s privacy and remain civil and polite at all times. As a GMP employee you are expected to comply with the Standards of Professional Behaviour Police Regulations, and the Police Staff Handbook, no matter what the circumstance. Whether on or off duty your conduct is measured against the standards of behaviour - this counts whether you are in a pub with friends or posting comments on Facebook. The Standards of Professional Behaviour Police Regulations and the Police Staff Handbook are there to protect you and GMP. You must be clear about who you are and who you represent. If you state that you work for GMP, then you must also make it clear that the opinions you post are your own. Even with this disclaimer, however, the public may still see you as GMP personnel and your comments will still be judged against the Standards

of Professional Behaviour policy. Inappropriate remarks could damage the Force, a colleague or your own reputation. You should also consider the risks associated when you identify the organisation you work for. Using GMP logos or insignia, or photographs of yourself in uniform may imply you are authorised to speak on behalf of the Force. You’re probably not – on social media you only represent yourself. Only those who manage the official GMP Twitter and Facebook accounts (Corporate Communications Branch) can represent the Force. To be clear and transparent you must make it obvious that you do not represent the Force. It is every officer and staff member’s responsibility to read and understand the Standards of Professional Behaviour Police Regulations and Police Staff handbook, which is available on the intranet. There is also a short video available on the intranet that explains all of this in fewer words. If you are ever unsure about what you can do online, you should contact the Professional Standards Branch or the Corporate Communications Branch. Consider this golden rule – always think twice before you post anything online.

So, what is social media?

I have my own Facebook page – are there restrictions on what I can say on it? Can I say that I work for GMP on

my social network accounts?

Can I use photographs of police logos or uniforms?

Is there any further guidance to help me?

But does that matter when I’m not in work and using my personal Facebook account?

GMP Community


One of the officers even offered to take my son’s football kit which was in the vehicle to Collyhurst station.

Please pass on my regards to both officers for their impeccable handling of the situation. They are a credit to GMP.

P.G., Oldham

Diligent and professional

I am a serving police officer with Hampshire Constabulary and was away for a weekend with my girlfriend in Manchester. Whilst in one of the bars I was unfortunate enough to have my drink spiked and consequently was very unwell.

I regularly police public order and night time economy situations and I know that sometimes people who have their drinks spiked can be treated less well. Therefore I was all

Support that kept us strong

My daughter was a victim of a very serious assault and the CID Team at Bradford Road Police Station have given my family and I so much support that has kept us strong enough to get through this traumatic ordeal.

The main person I wish to thank is DC Guy Laycock. His support was never wavering and his hard work and determination lead to the conviction of the offender. I cannot put into words all he has done for my family. Thanks also to the extremely professional support we received from DC Keith Gibbs and Witness Care Officer Lauren Astbury.

D.R., Blackley

Impeccable police work

My wife was involved in a traffic accident last December. A taxi driver had tried to cut across the carriageway from the left hand lane resulting in my wife colliding severely with the side of his vehicle. My wife was understandably highly distressed at the scene due to the shock. The two officers at the scene, PC Adam Ayling and PC Lee Broadstock handled the situation sympathetically and professionally.

You are a great lot This is a heartfelt thank you to the Grey Mare Lane police.

I had an incident up there on Saturday when I was a victim of robbery at Grey Mare Lane market. PC 12732 Appleton who took my call was marvellous. PC 19606 Redfearne and PC 1565 Bristow who came to see me on Sunday brought flowers with them and I was very emo-tional. You are a great lot and deserve more praise then the public give to you all. I am fine, just shaken and bruised but will be good in a day or two. Many thanks to you all.

M.C., Reddish

Letters of Appreciation

The support has been ‘like a rock’

I am a PCSO based at Droylsden, I had a baby boy, Jack, in October who was born with Transportation Of The Great Arteries. This means that he was born with the valves of his heart back to front and he was unable to breathe.

Jack was in intensive care from being born until being moved to Liverpool for open heart surgery to save his life. We were told that there was a chance Jack wouldn’t make it but he did really well during the operation. He spent two and half days in intensive care before being moved back to the ward.

Jack is doing really well, he loves smiling, he is such a good baby so happy and content. We feel so blessed to have him.

Whilst we were going through this most difficult time of our lives, the support from both the J and G Division has been like a rock for us just knowing that we had the support there from friends helped. Special thanks to: Ch Supt Nick Adderley, Insp Claire Galt , PC Carmel Cooper , Natalie Meadows and all the staff on the west NPT and the G Division. Insp Steve Gilbertson, Sgt Gareth Davis, Sgt Darren Spurgeon, Sgt Dave Lythgoe , Sgt Chris Evans and all the PCSOs and PCs on the NPT at Cheadle Heath. Also thanks to the Chief Constable who I emailed and received back a heartfelt reply. SG, Tameside Division

Send copies of letters or emails of thanks and appreciation to Brief, Corporate Communications, Force Headquarters, making sure that the recipient’s full name, not just number, is included. Letters may be edited for reasons of space.

GMP Community


the more impressed by PC Blake Rogers who was helpful, caring, diligent and professional. My utmost thanks to him.

J.T., Hampshire

Operation Alloy praised by Merseyside Police

Thank you for the support you have provided to Merseyside Police’s Operation Element.

Supt Craig Thompson and the team have been extremely proactive in forging links with surrounding forces and developing best practice which is to your credit and as a region I am sure it stands us in good stead.

Operation Element was a great success with £75,000 worth of BT cable being seized and a significant number of scrap metal dealers being under investigation.

My thanks to the Operation Alloy team for their support, drive and

determination.

Helen King, Assistant Chief Constable, Merseyside Police

Better than good

I am 22 years old and I have carers who get me up each morning as I need support due to my disability. I would like you to know how very good two of your police officers are. In fact they are better than good. One or both of my carers stole my phone. I was so shocked and upset, not just because it was a brand new phone but to think that someone I trusted so much could take something from me.

PC Morgan and PC Davies went far more than the extra mile for me. They understood completely that the incident had made me realise how vulnerable I am. I could tell that they really cared about what had happened to me and that it is much more than a job to them.

L.A., Wigan

@the_ugli_truth

Impressed by the @gmpolice divisional tweets! Very informative knowing what’s going on in each area compared to the other forces general feeds

@MissCoupe

Today I had to call @gmpolice and they were ace. Quick to respond, got back to me quickly and incredibly helpful. Great work!

@MiSSBurns

@gmpolice The team in Bury (covering Chesham Rd) were superb in dealing with ASB—can’t rate them highly enough.

@Ruth_Watson

Thanks to @gmpolice this afternoon. Loverly helpful officers made me feel a bit better sfter having my reg plates taken.

Katie Leicester

Thank you for keeping us safe you all do a fantastic job. Proud to be British with our public sector workersx

Adele Jackson

Tank you to all officers in Bolton involved in the safe return of my daughter from London

Amy Zumbamad Henthorn

Just wanted to say, a THANK YOU for the rapid response of the Saddleworth division tonight. Very efficient and informative police officer, he arrived at my home within 30 mins of reporting. Thank you again.

Tim Clarke

Top marks to GMP for their assistance after a break-in at home while we slept! They caught the blighters and got most of our things back… Turned a distressing time into a positive experience!

Totally capable

One of my customers was experiencing intimidating behaviour from a group of people who claimed that she had stolen their dog and she requested my help whilst she awaited a response from the police.

PC Shelina Ajab handled a difficult situation exceptionally well.

She went that extra mile to help us get home safely from the yobs, who were very threatening until her arrival.

She was totally capable of analysing and resolving the crime plus she was very understanding and responded to our concerns and worries.

I hope she climbs the ladder to promotion because she totally deserves it.

L.R., Carrbrook

GMP Community


FORMER OFFICER George Stephen, 90, died 12 February.

FORMER Supt William Adams, 88, died 14 January, leaving a son, William. He joined Lancashire Constabulary in 1950 and retired from GMP in 1980.

FORMER OFFICER Frank Dickinson, 86, died 10 January, leaving a daughter, Mrs Bentley.

FORMER Insp Ronald Hulley, 80, died 3 December 2011, leaving a widow. He joined Manchester City

Police in 1959 and retired in 1989.

FORMER PC Ian Coughlin, 77, died 10 December 2011, leaving a widow, Rita. He joined Lancashire Police in 1955 and retired from GMP in 1985.

FORMER PC Brian Flynn, 75, died 11 December 2011 leaving a widow, Anne. He joined Salford City Police in 1958 and retired from GMP in 1984.

FORMER Ch Supt Norman Lindsey, 89, died 26 January leaving a widow, Evelyn. He completed war service

between 1941 and 1946, joined Lancashire Police in 1946 and retired from GMP in 1975.

FORMER OFFICER Roy Hartley, 86, died on 25 January. He joined Manchester City Police in 1951 and retired from GMP in 1981.

FORMER PC Brian Taylor, 72, died 20 January leaving a widow, Freda. He joined Manchester City Police in 1965 and retired from GMP in 1995.

FORMER PC Stuart Goode, 64, died

Obituaries

No laughing matter

THE ‘I’m Not Laughing’ campaign was launched by the Be Safe Bolton Strategic Partnership (pictured above) in June 2011 and scooped the Outstanding Communication Award. The campaign was set up to raise awareness of disability hate crime, target offenders and provide support and guidance to licensed premises on how to deal with such incidents. But most importantly, the campaign is designed to stop disability hate crime incidents before they occur, making Bolton town centre a safe and welcoming environment for people with learning difficulties. Disability hate crime can take the

shape of verbal attacks or physical assaults and is a criminal offence motivated by hatred or prejudice towards a person because of their disability. The concept for the campaign was devised by Sgt Paul Ellis from the Bolton

Town Centre Neighbourhood Team after he received a complaint from a young couple who were verbally abused and intimidated by a group of young men just because of their disability. This was compounded by reports of security staff who failed to act to stop this behaviour, and the couple felt compelled to leave the pub.

Sgt Paul Ellis said: “We are really pleased to have won a Chief Constable’s Excellence Award and hopefully this will help raise the profile of our campaign. “The whole point is to put in clear and simple terms that disability hate crime is unacceptable – no one deserves to be subjected to it and nobody deserves to get away with it. “Often the focus can be on making sure an incident is recorded and investigated as disability crime, but the real focus of our campaign is to stop disability hate crimes from happening in the first place, and educating people about how they can play their part in stopping it. “Sgt Paul Ellis also spoke to other disabled people and as a result a booklet of their stories has been produced based on their real-life experiences and shows the impact that insults and abuse towards people with a disability can have. A Facebook site, which has been set up at www.facebook.com/Imnotlaughing, has hundreds of followers.

Pioneering scheme to put a stop to disability hate crime across Bolton. Stefan Jarmolowicz reports.

GMP Community


Charities

A challenge and a half CONSTABLE Steve Phillips is running from Whitehaven to Sunderland to raise money for The Christie charity. He told Brief that the 140 mile distance will be the equivalent of running a marathon every day for five days. “In May 2009 I attempted to run from Birmingham to London non-stop was rushed to hospital. As a result of a number of checks the doctors found four unknown tumours caused by an extremely rare illness called Familial Paraganglioma Syndrome. I went under the care of The Christie and in April 2010 I had two tumours removed, one from my chest and one from my abdomen in a nine-hour operation. “While I will be under the care of The Christie for the rest of my life, I owe my life to them and running.” For more information about Steve’s run visit www.c2crun.co.uk

News in Brief

Obituaries 25 January. He joined Lancashire Constabulary in 1971 and retired from GMP in 1982.

FORMER Insp Ern Foulkes, 87, died 1 February leaving a widow, Marcelle. He joined Cheshire Constabulary in 1951 and retired from GMP in 1982.

FORMER Supt Albert Hollingsworth, 74, died 28 January. He joined Stockport Borough Police in 1958 and retired from GMP in 1988.

FORMER Sgt Phillip Blackburn, 59, died 5 February leaving a widow. He joined Bolton Police in 1952 and retired from GMP in 1985.

FORMER DC Charles Freestone, 79, died 10 February leaving a widow, Beryl. He joined Manchester City Police in 1961 and retired from GMP in 1990

FORMER Supt William Roberts, 84, died 14 February leaving a widow, Beryl. He joined Cheshire Police in 1952 and retired from GMP in 1984.

FORMER PC Walter Heaven, 86, died 6 February. He joined Manchester City Police in 1953 and retired from GMP in 1983.

FORMER Ch Insp Patrick Wilson, 75, died 8 February, leaving a widow, Catherine. He joined Lancashire Police in 1957 and retired from GMP in 1987.

FORMER Acting Ch Supt Ian Maskrey, 66, died 14 February leaving a widow, Anne. He joined Lancashire Police in 1964 and retired from GMP in 1994.

JANE Morgan-Hawcroft from Command Support has raised more than £10,000 for women’s cancer following a gruelling 450km bike ride across Kenya. Jane told Brief that after losing a close friend to Leukemia, she decided to do something for ‘Women V Cancer’, a charity that raises funds to fight breast, ovarian and cervical cancer. “I saw an advert for the ride and just fancied the challenge. We had to pay for the initial sponsorship which was £2,800 but after holding a charity evening ball I was able to raise far more than I ever expected.” “The ride itself was amazing. We cycled for five days from Mount Kenya to Lake Victoria and while it was physically and mentally challenging, it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. “It was a real personal achievement and I know that as a result of the money I’ve raised it will make a real difference to people’s lives.” And it doesn’t stop there. Jane is now planning a few more rides including a 100km night ride around London in June this year where she will raise money for BEAT, an eating disorder charity and in October 2013 she will cycle across Cuba.

Cycling Africa for cancer

GMP Community


HOLIDAYS — ABROAD

BULGARIA: Luxury 2 bedroom apartment to rent, sleeps 6, 3 bathrooms, aircon and 3 communal pools in chilled out location near the sea. Prices from £100 per week. Contact Mike for more details [email protected] or tel—07731 992 176. Website to view photos www.kamchiaoasis.co.uk. Flights 20 mins from Varna/80 mins from Bourgas.

TENERIFE: £150 Tenerife Holidays www.tenerifeholidaypolicepromotion.com. Ring 07786 621 821 Neil Bamber for more details

CYPRUS: Peyia, 3 bedroom villa, 2 bathrooms, communal pools, air con, beach 10 mins, pathos 10 mins. Sleeps 4 adults, 4 children, from £330 pw. Gordon Maxwell 0161 339 4749 www.villa-jacaranda.co.uk

SPAIN: Los Alcazars, Southern Spain, 2 bed townhouse, gated, courtyard, TV/DVD/Sat. 10 minutes from beach and airport.From £175 pw. Contact Dave Brook (retired) 07958 645 328

www.davidshouseinspain.com

CYPRUS—Luxury Private Villa (max 12 adults and wheelchair friendly) set in 2 1/2 acre own grounds. Unique design, 6 double bedrooms (2 ensuite) open plan formal dining room, lounge, kitchen (all mod cons), TV lounge (sat TV with UK channels plus sports/movies and CD system), and outside living areas overlooking large swimming pool, sunbathing area and outside BBQ. 1.2 miles from picturesque village of Skarinou. Discounts available to GMP staff. Visit www.exclusivevillacyprus.com or tel/fax Christine and David Williams on 0161 491 5910

HOLIDAYS — ABROAD

BULGARIA - Rural village house to rent located in the countryside on the edge of a small hamlet. 3 bedrooms, sleeps 2-8 with private balcony, patio and garden overlooking the Balkan Mountains. Very peaceful. Traditional wood burning stoves, 90 mins from capital Sofia and the airport. Cheap flights. Contact Eamon 078333 84331 www.bulgarianretreats.com or email

TURKEY - Ovacik, Olu Deniz. Large 2 bed apartment, full air con, 2 bath, fully equipped diner/kitchen, large living room with views of pool and mountains. Sleep 6, sat TV, PS2, washing machine. Tel Mike 01745590649 or email [email protected]

FLORIDA - Isla Del Sol, St Pete, 2 bed/bath waterview condo available 01/06 to 31/10. Minimum rental 2 weeks. Contact Tel 01253 796543

[email protected].

PORTUGAL—luxury mobile homes stunning location, coast one hr. Peaceful setting with host of outdoor activities on doorstep. Rivers with beaches for lazy days, 300 days of sunshine, on site pool, bar etc. Offsite lawn bowls club with pool and bar. Call Pete on 07980 685 7713

Www.tallpinesportugal.com.

PUERTO Banus—Spain. 2 bed, 2 bath appt in walking distance to Port and other attractions. Discounted rates for police and staff. Contact Ady Ollerton on 07768 555 091 or Puerto Banus—Spain. 2 bed, 2 bath appt in walking distance to Port and other attractions. Discounted rates for police and staff. Contact Ady Ollerton on 07912 624 384 or [email protected]

HOLIDAYS — BRITAIN

ANGLESEY, Bennllech, 2 bed, 2 bath luxury appt, sea views, patio, 10 mins walk from beach, GMP discounts, tel Rob 07970 162 840 or [email protected] for details

NORTH Wales riverside lodge, 3 beds, sleeps 8, well furnished. 1 Mile from the historic town of Caernarfon. Pool and bar on the park. Prices from £35.00 per night. Call Louise 07823 331 987

HOLIDAY House Rhosneigr. Sleeps 8, seaview, all mod cons, middle of village, lots of parking. Contact Heather 0161 427 2026. Email [email protected]

Advertisements HOLIDAYS — ABROAD

LUXURY Florida villa. 10 mins to Disney, 5 beds, 3 baths, games room, south facing pool and hot tub. Special GMP rate, exclusive location. Visit www.greenviewsvilla.com or call 0161 973 1822

CYPRUS, Pissouri, 3 bed, 2 bath villa in super village, private pool, WIFI, SKY, sleeps 8. Call 07770 283 161. From £375. Email: [email protected] or visit www.villaproteus-cyprus.com.

LANZAROTE Costa Teguise, 2 bed apartment on gated complex, 3 swimming pools. Visit www.lanzarotesun.net. Mobile 07881 614 045

Please fill in the Electronic version of the Advertisement Coupon here: www.gmp.police.uk/briefads

All adverts must be accompanied by a copy of the advertiser’s warrant/ID card or pension number

Cheques should be made payable to “Greater Manchester Police” and sent to:

Brief Advertising, Corporate Communications, Force HQ, Northampton Road, Manchester M40 5BP.

Although all reasonable steps have been taken to check the authenticity of advertisers, it must be stressed that acceptance for publication does not imply the acceptance of any responsibility or liability to GMP in respect of any advertisement. Publication does not imply any endorsement of the companies, individuals or products.

Deadline for adverts to be submitted for the next edition is:

Friday 27 April 2012

How to Advertise in Brief

PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES

PHOTOGRAPHY—for your wedding, home portraits, special occasions. Photography at realistic prices. Contact Brian 07964 254 668 or visit www.omwphotography.co.uk

GMP Community


Advertisements PROPERTY & ARCHITECTURAL & DESIGN SERVICES

LET Me Now: Professional lettings and management agents 35% discount to serving officers and staff. Tenant find, full management of properties. Contact Tony or Darren 01942 841 398, ex PC Tony Wynn L Division, www.letmenow.co.uk

M & D Property Services. All building work undertaken, including loft and garage conversions, windows, fascias, soffits, flat roofs re-felted. Free quotes. Ring 0161 762 1210 or mobile 07708 564 138

ARCHITECTURAL services. Plans drawn for domestic planning and building reg applications. No extension too small. Special rates for GMP staff. Contact Matt Hurst on 07786 994 848

KITCHENS, bedrooms and bathrooms from conception to completion—all your ideas come alive! Travel all areas, free no obligation quotes, freephone Dean on 0808 166 1925

KITCHEN and bathroom One Stop Shop—design, supply, install, joinery, tiling electrics, plastering, gas and building. Call Neil 07913 415 835 or visit www.best4bathrooms.co.uk

KITCHEN and bedroom fitter. Can supply and/or fit. Over 20 years experience. No obligation quotes given. Call Paul on 07711 036 702 or 0161 796 6871.

CONSERVATORY window tints, reduce solar heat gain and glare by up to 80%. No need for roof blinds, 10 yr warranty, professionally installed. Contact Peter Hale on 07970 707 689

NICK BROWN building and joinery services. All aspects of work undertaken inc kitchens, bathrooms, UVPC & timber windows and doors, flooring, tiling etc. Call Nick on 07812 094 411

CAR REPAIRS & VALETING

Mobile body shop and technician, car scratches, dents, alloy refurbs, bumper repairs and more! Full list of services on our website. Great rates

www.smartrepairmanchester.co.uk

Bonnet2Boot Mobile Valeting based in Hale, 10 mile radius covered. At your home/place of work by appt. Call Adam on 07791 384 550 www.bonnet2bootmobilevaleting.co.uk

WILLS AND ESTATE PLANNING

WILLS. Guardians for your children, inheritance to those you wish to benefit, inheritance tax and long-term care issues. Home visit. 0161 485 8980 or [email protected]

WILLS discounted—Police rate £49. Advice on preserving equity of home from care costs, all aspects of will advice. Free home visit. Tel 07557 527

WILLS and estate planning. Single will £45, mirror wills £85. Ex GMP Eric Phillips email [email protected]. Tel 07697 488 469

HOUSES FOR SALE

FOR SALE: 3 Bed Semi in Prestwich. £154,950. New kitchen, garage, central heating, new carpets, recently decorated. Ideal Mcr commute. Contact Barry Turner 0161 736 9592. See Zoopla

ELECTRICAL & ENERGY SERVICES

QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN, NIC EIC Reg. All domestic and industrial work undertaken. Fully guaranteed. Ashton Electrical contact Martin on 07590 192 351. Email [email protected]

ELECTRICAL services. Niceic registered, est. 12 years. All aspects of electrical work, free quotations, GMP discounts, full guaranteed, contact Rob 07970 162 840

ENERGY Performance Certificate. Renting or selling your property and need an EPC? Call Brett (ex K Division) 00765 392 637. [email protected]. Excellent rates and service. Www.energysafeepc.co.uk

PLASTERING & DECORATING

PLASTERING, all aspects of plastering carried out both internal and external. Fully qualified time served with 28 years’ experience and fully insured. Excellent rates for GMP staff. No obligation quotes given on all jobs, please contact Carl on 0161 652 1218 or 07789 085 985

Peregrine Plastering - all types of plastering and rendering, professional customer care, excellent rates for GMP staff. Free quotes call Andrew 0161 431 7558 or 07860 541 853

PLASTERING services—all types of plastering and rendering, 23 years experience, insurance claims undertaken. Special GMP rates. Call Alan 07810 328 003 or 0161 900 4373. Free quotes

PAINTER & decorator estd 1973 City & Guilds qualified. Fully insured. Free estimates. Phone G Morris Tel 962 7458 or 07979 797 477

ACCOUNTANTCY SERVICES

GREG MCGAHAN ACCOUNTANTS. Everything from accounts to VAT, tax returns and advice. We put the customer first offering a friendly service at competitive rates. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your needs. Tel 0161 303 3183. Mobile 07968 354 737, email [email protected] www.gregmcgahanaccountants.co.uk

Sports & Social


Two tonne lift

The annual Police Sport UK Powerlifting competition held in Birmingham at the end of last year proved to be a great platform for two GMP sportsmen. Neil Cook (Command Support) managed his third consecutive victory in the 60kg weight category and was pushed all the way to lift five personal bests from his 10 lifts setting three new records to finish on Squat 130kg, Bench 97.5kg and Deadlift 197.5kg. Colin Harrison (Tactical Aid Unit) took part in his first PSUK competition. But is no stranger to powerlifting as he is the current Combined Services World record holder for the 90kg class. Colin matched his lift-time best lifts and equalled his own Combined Services World Records in the Squat, Deadlift and Total. He

A reunion party for GMP veterans and their partners is taking place on Saturday 21 April. Tickets cost £15 per head including hotpot supper and disco plus late bar until 12.30am. There will also be a raffle and auction in support of the Harrogate Convalescent Home. The party begins at 7.30pm at the Fairways Lodge and Leisure Club, George Street, just off Bury New Road, Manchester M25 9WS. For further information and to get tickets please contact either Caroline Waddicor on 07734 261650 or Andrea Brown on 07970 751763 or email [email protected]. A discounted rate for accommodation at the venue has been arranged for those attending this event at £45 per person for a single or twin room and £55 per person for a double room including full English breakfast and use of gym and spa facilities.

Calling all GMP veterans! Cross country results The National PSUK Cross Country Championship took place in Guildford, Surrey last month. Although there were no team prizes this time for GMP’s competitors, it was a great race. Rick Lloyd was the first person from GMP to cross the line in a time of 44 mins 37 secs. The event was also part of the selection process for the runners who will go on to represent the UK Police team in the European Championships in Romania next month. In the GMP leg of the Northern Police Cross Country league, held at a new venue in Gatley, Stockport, Daniel Appleby came in fourth

finished on Squat 220kg, Bench 145kg and Deadlift 280kg. With a combined lift totalling 1070kg, a metric tonne, Neil and Colin won their respective weight categories, the team event and Colin won overall ‘best lifter’ award for his superb individual performance. They have also qualified for the

National Championships that takes place next month in Glasgow. Neil and Colin have now formed the GMP Powerlifting Club. If anyone is interested in powerlifting or weight lifting in general they can get in touch with Neil on extension 61162.

followed closely behind by Richard Lloyd and Dave Fulton. The last race of the season took place at Witton Park, Blackburn. This race saw the return of Nic Schofield who finished the challenging six-mile course in second place. Dan Appleby came in fifth while Stew Jones came in 10th and Mark Evans finished in 13th place. This gave GMP the team win on the day and overall, the League Title. On Wednesday 16 May, the National Police Fell race takes place at Littleborough. A tough 10-mile course, the route follows the well established Turnslack fell race. Marshalls are also needed for this event. More details are available from Sgt David A Wood.

PC Colin Harrison with his Best Lifter Award

Documents

Brief - Spring 2012 Edition