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SECURIZINE ISSUE 56 25th October 2006
Police
Performance Assessments Report
All forces have achieved 3 per cent efficiency gains, according to
the Police Performance Assessments report released this week. The
report found that resource use, one of the categories forces are measured
on, remains one of the strongest areas of assessed performance.
[More
on this Story]
Officer
Dies in Road Crash
A Strathclyde Police officer has died following a road crash in Ayrshire
last Friday. Emergency Services attended the crash involving an unmarked
Mercedes police car and a Mitsubishi Shogun which occurred around
1905 hours on Friday on the northbound carriageway of the A77.
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on this Story]
Minister
Tight-Lipped on Police Pay Dispute
Home Office minister, Tony McNulty, refused to be drawn on the outcome
of the police pay dispute currently going through arbitration. Mr
McNulty said it was a matter for the arbitration panel which would
report in two to three weeks.
[More
on this Story]
Council
Needed to Solving Police Funding Problems
Dr
Marie Dickie, chair of Northants police authority has called on
Northamptonshire County Council to give higher priority to working
with Northamptonshire Police Authority in solving funding difficulties.
[More
on this Story]
Police
Performance Continues to Improve
The
Association of Police Authorities welcomed assessments released
this week showing that police performance across England and Wales
continues to improve.
[More
on this Story]
Overall
Crime Rates Steady as Robbery and Drug Crime Rises
Robbery and drug offences have increased, although overall crime
has fallen by two per cent. The British Crime Survey quarterly report
said crime remained stable, but the Recorded Crime Statistics recorded
a two per cent dip.
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on this Story]
Half
of Public Rate Police
For
the first time, BCS data has shown that over half of people questioned
(51%) think that the police in their area do an excellent or good
job, compared with 48% who thought this in the previous 12 month
period.
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on this Story]
Government
Denies PCSO Rumours
The
Home Secretary has dismissed rumours that the Government is set
to abandon its target of recruiting 24,000 Community Support Officers
by March 2008.
[More
on this Story]
Chief
Superintendent of Surrey Police Reprimanded
A
Surrey senior police officer has been reprimanded after a motorist
spotted him driving while talking on his mobile phone.
[More
on this Story]
Force
Apologises to Family for Missing Corpse
Fife
Constabulary has admitted that two of its officers mistook the body
of a man for a shop dummy. In a statement, Chief Superintendent Jim
Rodden said: ‘Regrettably, two young and inexperienced officers
carried out the first investigation.
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on this Story]
Thousands
of UK Computers Hacked Into, says Met
The
Metropolitan Police Computer Crime Unit is investigating data recovered
from a computer in the United States which contained personal information
from hacked computers located in the United Kingdom.
[More
on this Story]
Britain
Scared of Teenagers
Britain
is in danger of becoming a nation fearful of its young people, compounding
the problems of troubled childhood-adult transitions, according to
new research from the Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr)
to be published next month.
[More
on this Story]
Calls
for National Rape Reduction Targets
A
Labour MP has called for national targets to increase the number of
rape convictions after revealing wide disparities across the country.
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on this Story]
Northants
'Well Above Average' for Criminal Records Checks
Northamptonshire
Police is well above average for the time it takes to respond to requests
for information for Criminal Records Bureau checks.
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on this Story]
Slight
Increase in Registered Sex Offenders
The
numbers of the most dangerous and violent offenders has decreased, but
there has been a rise in registered sex offenders, according to MAPPA
figures released this week.
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on this Story]
Covert
Car Nets 50 Offenders
Fifty
people have been prosecuted in six months for car crime and handling
offences in Avon and Somerset after the police introduced covert cars.
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on this Story]
Gay
Police Association Advert Stirs Religious Backlash
A
staggering 553 complaints were received by the Advertising Standards
Authority (ASA) in response to an a national press ad placed by the
Gay Police Association in The Independent.
[More
on this Story]
BP
Garage Loses License for Under-Age Drink Sales
Fife
Constabulary has welcomed what it calls another landmark decision in
its mission to stamp out illegal sales of alcohol - after a major company
had its licence revoked for selling drink to under-18s.
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on this Story]
Police
Dog Gets Reprieve
The future of Saxon, the Gwent police dog has finally been decided,
following the latest and final assessment obtained by the force. The
dog will not be put down, as feared, but will be rehomed.
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on this Story]
IPCC
Commends Police Officer
In
an unusual move, The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC)
has commended a police officer for his role in a road crash involving
a police car in Suffolk.
[More
on this Story]
Specialist
Wildlife Crime Unit Launched in Edinburgh
A
specialist wildlife crime unit, aimed at tackling the ongoing illegal
international trade and threats to endangered species has been officially
launched in Edinburgh.
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on this Story]
SECURIZINE ISSUE 55 18th October 2006
Procurement
Officers Thanked for Professionalism
The
senior officer in charge of police procurement thanked staff from
across England and Wales for their professionalism during the 'turmoil'
caused by the proposed police amalgamations. Ian Readhead, Deputy
Chief Constable of Hampshire police and Chair of ACPO Procurement
Portfolio, was speaking at the Association of Police Procurement and
Contract Managers' conference in Birmingham last week.
[More
on this Story]
More
Collaboration Needed, says Police Procurement Director
Police procurement officers have been urged to collaborate more in
a bid to reduce duplication and boost efficiency savings. Paul Davies,
Director of PEPS, told the annual conference of police procurement
officers that collaboration between forces' procurement departments
had to be 'the default'.
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on this Story]
Private
Police Firm Wins Top Outsourcing Award
The Police Associates Register (PAR), a specialist supplier of outsourcing
operational services to the UK police service, has won a top national
award. In what is thought to be a UK first, Surrey police service
outsourced its 'house-to-house' enquiry function to PAR.
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on this Story]
EU
gives €15 Million to Combat Terrorism
The
European Commission is to fund a 15 million Euro research project
to improve the detection of explosives, including liquids, at airports.
Other projects include improving protection of the drinking water
supply against bio/chemical terrorism.
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on this Story]
Equipment
and Technology Innovation Awards 2007 Launched
The
Association of Police and Public Security Suppliers, in association
with the Home Office Scientific Development Branch (HOSDB) has launched
the Equipment and Technology Innovation Awards for 2007 (ETI 2007).
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on this Story]
CPS
Will Prosecute Met Over De Menezes
The
MPA has received a response from the Attorney General's office to
its letter of concern about the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
decision to prosecute the Metropolitan Police Service for an alleged
breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 as a result of
the investigation into the death of Jean Charles de Menezes on 22nd
July 2005.
[More
on this Story]
Injured
Special Undergoes Surgery
A Nottinghamshire Special who was injured on duty has undergone
reconstructive surgery for significant facial injuries. The officer
continues to be treated for other injuries. His condition remains
stable.
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on this Story]
Met
Defends Reduction in Traffic Officers
The Met has attributed the dramatic fall in traffic officers in London
to the rise in technology. Following an article in the Evening Standard
entitled 'London Traffic Police Halved' (12 October), Commander Shabir
Hussain has issued a response.
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on this Story]
Grampian's
Detection Rate Increases following HMIC Report
Grampian
police has increased its detection rate following an inspection by
HMIC. Overall Chief Constable Colin McKerracher said he was pleased
with the report which identified 12 areas of good practice.
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on this Story]
No
Missing Millions, says Authority
Avon
and Somerset police authority has responded to press reports that millions
of pounds have gone missing from its coffers. In a statement, Dr Moira
Hamlin, Chair of the Authority said it was a 'simple fact' that there
were no missing millions.
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on this Story]
Electronic
Tagging System 'Stuttering', says MP
The success of the electronic tagging system has been thrown into
doubt by the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. Edward Leigh
MP, Chairman of the Committee of Public Accounts, said the system
is 'stuttering' along at present.
[More
on this Story]
Electronic
System gives Speeding Drivers a Choice
Drivers
caught speeding in Humberside will automatically be given a choice between
a fixed penalty notice and a place on a speed awareness course. Through
an upgrade to Northgate's existing fixed penalty solution, 'VP/FPO'.
[More
on this Story]
Scottish
Parliament Procurement Problems Resolved
Guidelines
on construction procurement and better training have been introduced
by the Scottish Executive following concerns over the construction of
the new Parliament.
[More
on this Story]
Football
Triggers Domestic Abuse, says New Report
The police needs to be more aware of the link between sport and domestic
abuse, according to a new report. Strong links exist between major football
matches, alcohol consumption and domestic violence, according to Lessons
Learned from the Domestic Violence Enforcement Campaigns 2006.
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on this Story]
Merseyside
Taskforce Uncovers Ten Tonnes of Fireworks
Merseyside's
Anti-social behaviour Taskforce has uncovered ten tonnes of fireworks
during the first ever coordinated enforcement of legislation covering
the carriage, storage, distribution of fireworks.
[More
on this Story]
Zero
Tolerance Call on Drug Driving
Meredydd
Hughes, Chief Constable of South Yorkshire and spokesman for the Association
of Chief Police Officers on roads policing, has called for a zero tolerance
approach to drug driving.
[More
on this Story]
'Crystal
meth' Should be a Class A Drug, says Government
The
Government is aiming to reclassify the highly-addictive club drug 'crystal
meth' because of the harm it can cause.
[More
on this Story]
LULAC
to Continue Best Practice Work with TASER
TASER
International has announced that the National Board of Directors of
the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) unanimously passed
a motion last Friday stating that LULAC should continue to work with
TASER International to establish best practice guidelines for the proper
use of TASER® systems.
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on this Story]
SECURIZINE ISSUE 54 11th October 2006
Operation
Safeguard in Jeopardy if Police Pay Deal Not Honoured
The Police Federation has warned that prisoners could be left inadequately
guarded if the police pay deal is not honoured. Alan Gordon, vice
chairman of the Federation said: 'If the police pay deal is not honoured
there‚s every chance that hundreds of prisoners may not be properly
guarded or the public may be at risk of increased levels of crime'.
[More
on this Story]
Guilty
Plea in Beshenivsky Case
One of the men accused of gunning down policewoman Sharon Beshenivsky
last year has pleaded guilty to her murder, a court heard on Wednesday,
according to media reports. 25-year-old Muzzaker Shah pleaded guilty
on October 4th, but legal restrictions have meant that the admission
of guilt could not be reported until now.
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on this Story]
Private
Company Supplying Policing Services up for Top Outsourcing Award
The Police Associates Register (PAR), the leading specialist supplier
of outsourcing operational services to the UK police service, is
in the running for a top national award. PAR was the first company
to create a database of retired police officers as a temporary staff
resource for the police and related agencies.
[More
on this Story]
West
Yorkshire Scoops Top Procurement Prize
West
Yorkshire police procurement has scooped the top prize at the annual
Association of Police Procurement and Contract Managers' conference
held this week.
[More
on this Story]
Private
Industry Could Put More Officers on Streets
Thousands
of bobbies could be back on the beat if police forces used private
sector expertise to streamline their administration and support
services, according to a new report from the CBI published last
week.
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on this Story]
Safestyle
Back Police Charity Concert
Safestyle UK, the Bradford based replacement window and door retailer,
has agreed to be one of the key sponsors at a forthcoming major
charity concert being staged in memory of two former West Yorkshire
police constables murdered in the course of their duty.
[More
on this Story]
Essex
gets Recruitment Cash
Essex
Police Authority has agreed to release £550,000 to fund the
recruitment of 50 additional officers, the majority of which will
carry out front line duties.
[More
on this Story]
Legislation
U-turn Welcomed
Government
moves to amend the Police and Justice Bill in light of the significant
concerns held by police authorities and chief officers alike have
met with approval.
[More
on this Story]
Panel
to get Victims Heard
A Victims' Advisory Panel is to be set up to ensure the criminal justice
system listens to victims. The new panel will include people who have
suffered from crimes such as burglary, anti-social behaviour and hate
crime, or who are survivors of victims of serious violent crime.
[More
on this Story]
Special
Constabulary in Birthday Celebrations
The
Special Constabulary celebrates its 175th Anniversary this month. The
Special Constables Act was passed on 15th October 1831, which put the
Special Constabulary on a statutory basis for the first time.
[More
on this Story]
Met
Searches for Experienced Officers
In
a nationwide recruitment drive, the Metropolitan Police is proactively
looking to attract experienced officers for a wide variety of posts,
both uniformed and CID and at various ranks.
[More
on this Story]
No
Charges Over Man Shot by Police
The
Director of Public Prosecutions, Ken Macdonald, QC, has decided that
no officers from Humberside Police should face any criminal charges
over the death of Simon Murden, who was shot dead on the A63 near
Hull in March, 2005.
[More
on this Story]
PITO
Boss Shares Police Experience
Philip
Webb, Police Information Technology Organisation (PITO) CEO, will deliver
a keynote speech at a Non-Executives Network workshop on 'Managing Risk
at Board Level in a Complex and Changing Environment'.
[More
on this Story]
Demand
for 101 Number Increasing
Call
volumes to 101, the new single non-emergency number, from Sheffield
residents are increasing month by month, according to South Yorkshire
police.
[More
on this Story]
Inquiry
into Poor 999 Response Launched
Kent
Police has launched a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding
its response to calls from a Canterbury School about an intruder.
[More
on this Story]
Cambridge
Draws Up Evacuation Plan
A
plan has been drawn up for the emergency evacuation of Cambridge city
centre following a major incident.
[More
on this Story]
Praise
for Tackling Alcohol Crime
Bristol
has been praised by the Police Standards Unit for its work in reducing
alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour in the city.
[More
on this Story]
Merseyside
Launches First ASB 'Taskforce'
Merseyside
police are launching an anti-social behaviour 'task force', the first
of its kind in the UK, which brings under one roof officers from all
policing disciplines alongside fire officers and investigators, advocates
and the Crown Prosecution Service to combat anti-social and criminal
behaviour.
[More
on this Story]
MPS
Officer Guilty in Driving Without Due Care and Attention
A
Metropolitan Police Service officer involved in a road traffic incident
that led to the death of a pedestrian has pleaded guilty to driving
without due care and attention.
[More
on this Story]
Life
for First Double Jeopardy Case Killer
The
first man to face a retrial under the double jeopardy rule after Director
of Public Prosecutions, Ken Macdonald, QC, gave his consent for this
case to be referred to the Court of Appeal, was last week sentenced
to life imprisonment for the murder of Julie Hogg in 1989.
[More
on this Story]
Consultancy
Guide for Public Sector
The
OGC has published new guidance - Delivering Value from Consultancy -
aimed at helping and supporting public sector clients and suppliers
to gain value for money from consultancy resources.
[More
on this Story]
Female
Police Association in Sponsorship Deal
Northgate
Information Solutions and the British Association for Women in Policing
(BAWP) have signed a two-year agreement which will see Northgate become
headline sponsors of the National Conference for Senior Women in Policing.
[More
on this Story]
Met
Stands by Decision to Move Officer from Israeli Embassy
The
Met has defended its decision to redeploy a police officer from the
Israeli embassy claiming the decision was for safety reasons and not
the result of political correctness.
[More
on this Story]
Superintendents
in Demand
Two forces have launched major recruitment campaigns for senior police
officers. PSNI is to appoint a team of senior commanders to lead and
shape the future of frontline district policing across Northern Ireland.
[More
on this Story]
SECURIZINE ISSUE 53 4th October 2006
West
Yorkshire 'Bobby Dazzler' is Crowned Mr Gay UK 2006
PC
Mark Carter, 23, was voted Britain's sexiest gay man at Blackpool's
Flamingo Club. About 50 of his colleagues were there to cheer him
on - in t-shirts bearing his picture - and he had the full backing
of West Yorkshire Police in taking part in the contest.
[More
on this Story]
Proposals
are 'Green Light' to Offend, says Federation
The National Police Federation has attacked plans to introduce fines
for assaulting police officers as 'beyond belief'. Responding to
news that proposals being considered by the Home Office could see
crimes such as assaulting a police officer and shoplifting being
punished with fixed penalty notice fines and not criminal convictions.
[More
on this Story]
ACPO
Predicts more 'Tragedies' Due to Poor Information Sharing
Information sharing between police, social services and health
professionals is key to reducing violent deaths and serious assaults,
the Association of Chief Police Officers said last week.
[More
on this Story]
Serious
Knife Injuries are Increasing, say Doctors
Serious knife injuries are increasing, say trauma experts at the
Royal London Hospital in a letter to this week's BMJ. Several
recent deaths have fuelled the perception that forensic knife
injuries have become an epidemic, resulting in a knife amnesty
and government discussion of new punitive measures, write Charles
Knowles and colleagues.
[More
on this Story]
UK
First In Fight Against Sat Nav Thieves
Officers in Coventry have had the first UK success using sophisticated
tracking equipment, launched in the West Midlands last week. Officers
deployed a 'Capture Car' in Foleshill, Coventry, on Wednesday
20 September and within an hour and a half four men were arrested
for allegedly stealing a sat nav from a vehicle.
[More
on this Story]
Force
Tests its Readiness
Thames Valley Police's chemical and biological response teams have
been joined by colleagues from the other emergency services in an
intensive four-day training exercise. Hosted by the Force, Exercise
'Voodoo Station' was held in a former US airbase at Upper Heyford.
[More
on this Story]
Northgate
Accredited as Public Sector Provider under Catalist
Northgate Information Solutions, a provider of technology solutions
to the public services and utilities markets, has been awarded Catalist
framework agreements to supply IT Goods and Associated Services,
and Specialist Solutions by OGCbuying.solutions, the government's
procurement service.
[More
on this Story]
No
Ban on 'Yobs'
The Met have put the record straight on reports that they would no
longer use the term 'yobs' for fear of upsetting.... well... yobs.
Commenting on media speculation that the word 'Yobs' has been banned
by the MPS, Assistant Commissioner Tim Godwin, said: 'Any suggestion
that the Commissioner has backed a blanket ban on the use of the word
'yobs' is totally ludicrous.
[More
on this Story]
New
Counter Terrorism Command Launched
The Met has launched its new Counter Terrorism Command. The single
unified command will bring together intelligence analysis and development
with investigation and operational support activity. It replaces the
Met's Special Branch and Anti-Terrorist Branch.
[More
on this Story]
A new contract between Hampshire Constabulary and the National Interpreting
Service will allow a three-way conversation to take place between
the trained emergency call taker, the member of the public and an
interpreter, in any one of around 150 languages.
[More
on this Story]
New
Trafficking Centre To End 'Modern Day Slavery'
The
United Kingdom's response to human trafficking is to be revolutionised
by a dedicated unit bringing enforcement, intelligence gathering,
training, victim care and research functions under one roof. From
this week the United Kingdom Human Trafficking Centre (UKHTC) will
co-ordinate and direct the law enforcement response to trafficking
in this country.
[More
on this Story]