Chief
Retires for Medical Reasons
West
Yorkshire Chief Constable, Colin Cramphorn, has announced plans to
retire from the force in the New Year.
The senior officer is suffering from prostrate cancer. Although his condition
has been constantly monitored since he was diagnosed over two years ago,
Mr Cramphorn said, in a statement to his staff, it would become 'increasingly
difficult' for him to discharge his full responsibilities as Chief Constable.
He added: ‘Therefore, after four challenging and rewarding years
as Head of West Yorkshire Police, I have decided to retire.’
Mr Cramphorn said that while his family had been his greatest strength,
he had been inspired by letters and support from staff and officers.
The post for Chief Constable will be advertised nationally in October
and an appointment made toward the end of the year.
Chief
Superintendent Tony Cherington will move from his current post
as Head of Corporate Support at police headquarters to take up the reins
as Commander of the Western Area in Norfolk.
The Western Area Command Unit covers some 1067 square miles, has a residential
population of approx 270,000, and is geographically one of the largest
area commands in England and Wales.
Chief Supt Cherington, 42, joined Northamptonshire Police as a cadet in
1980 before advancing through the ranks. He joined Norfolk Constabulary
in 2001 as a Superintendent at King's Lynn between 2001 and 2003 and was
promoted and appointed Central Area Commander in June 2003.
Whilst Central Area Commander, which covers the district council areas
of Norwich City, South Norfolk and Broadland, burglary and vehicle crime
were more than halved. He moved to his current post in December 2005.
The move bids farewell to Chief Superintendent Alan Hayes, who has overseen
policing in the West Norfolk and Breckland areas for the past five years.
Chief Supt Hayes will transfer to Corporate Support and retain responsibility
for Royalty Protection and the county's Special Constabulary.
Lay
Justice Member Reappointed
Mike
Nevitt has been reappointed to Devon and Cornwall Police Authority
as a lay justice member for a further four years.
Honiton-based Mr Nevitt has been a magistrate since 1999 and works on
the family smallholding, as well as being a specialist fire consultant.
Mr Nevitt said: ‘I care about policing and my background makes me
representative of the average person.’
His work with the Police Authority has included further improving public
consultation and engagement.
The Police Authority's role is to ensure that Devon and Cornwall Constabulary
runs efficiently and effectively. It has 19 members - 10 councillors,
3 lay justices and 6 independents.
UK
Police Band to Perform in 9/11 Ceremony
Organisers
of a memorial concert marking the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 atrocity
in New York have invited the West Yorkshire Police Band to play
at the event.
Twenty
five members of the Force band will fly out to New York on September 9th.
They are going in their own time and at their own expense, though they
have received some sponsorship from local businesses.
They will play at a church service on September 10th, the anniversary
memorial on the 11th and at a gala dinner the following evening.
Keith Williams, West Yorkshire Police's Band Manager, said: ‘It is
a great honour and a privilege for the band to be invited to play in New
York on the anniversary of 9/11.
‘The service will allow us to pay our own respects to the 67 Britons
who died on that terrible day five years ago and we will ensure that our
performance does the service and the Force proud.’
The hour long service on the site of the British Memorial Garden in Manhattan
will also feature music from the choir of St George's Chapel at Windsor
Castle and the New York Scottish Pipes and Drums Band.
Allen-Vanguard
Appointment Bolsters Technical Division
Allen-Vanguard,
the global security specialist, has strengthened its team with the appointment
of Derrick Darlow as product development manager.
Derrick’s new role is to manage and support the product development
side of the business by building the company’s breadth of competencies
to sustain and stimulate the company’s ongoing growth. He will report
to Roy Peers-Smith, Allen-Vanguard’s managing director.
Previously at Halliburton for 13 years, Derrick has considerable experience
within the product advancement arena. His main achievements included transitioning
the company’s electronic sub assemblies to a total procurement basis
through building partnerships and improving efficiency.
Of his new role, Derrick said: 'This is a fantastic role for me which
I am looking forward to getting my teeth into. Allen-Vanguard is a dynamic
company with a dedicated workforce. Its high quality products and services
are renowned throughout the global security community. I am confident
that my experience and insight will contribute to Allen-Vanguard’s
objectives and the continued success of the business.'
Roy Peers-Smith added: 'It is great that Derrick has joined us. He has
the background and drive we were looking for to take the business forward.
Our aim is to exceed the targets set for the year ahead, and I have every
confidence that Derrick will be successful in helping us achieve that
objective.'
Longest-serving Super Retires from Northamptonshire
From
a cathedral siege to boot camps, organising a royal funeral to tracking
gun running criminals, and from a visit to the FBI to the arrival of the
SCT, Northamptonshire Police's longest-serving Superintendent has
seen it all.
Ken
Willis, the Chief Superintendent in charge of the Northampton Area, has
retired from the Force after 30 years and can reflect on an exciting and
challenging career that began as a beat officer on the Exeter and Hazel
Leys estates in Corby during the long hot summer of 1976.
Ken was promoted to Superintendent of the old Traffic area in 1990, so
more than half of his service in Northamptonshire was spent at the rank
of Superintendent and above.
It is a proud achievement for the softly-spoken 51-year-old Geordie, who
lives with his wife Ann in West Hunsbury, Northampton and considers himself
very much a local.
He said: 'One thing that gets my goat is the assumption that I will now
be upping sticks back to the north-east.
'Many people do not realise that I didn't transfer in and that I have
actually spent all of my service with Northamptonshire Police. The people
in Northampton and the county have been really great to me, it's a great
place to be and I am happy to be here.'
Ken started out in Corby and achieved accelerated promotion in 1981, the
last officer in the Force to be required to move house on promotion. He
moved to Northampton as a Sergeant at Campbell Square a year later and
was then promoted to Inspector at Mereway in 1983, where he became closely
acquainted with the Far Cotton area and the Mereway School community.
Ken explained: 'It was around this time that we experimented with attendance
centres, even at that time nicknamed 'boot camps', at Mereway School on
Saturday afternoons.
'They were set up to combat the problems with football hooliganism at
the time and I thought they were a success. Some of the lads did not benefit
from being there but for others it was certainly the short sharp shock
that they required.'
After a spell as an Inspector at Force Headquarters overseeing management
services, in those days under police officer command, Ken moved up to
become Chief Inspector of Training and then sub-divisional commander at
first Wellingborough and then Kettering.
After six months as Chief Inspector at Campbell Square, Ken was promoted
to Traffic Superintendent in 1990 and thereafter moved to Corby as the
Area Commander.
Ken has held all the major commands within the Northamptonshire Police
structure, including road policing, with the exception of one - Daventry,
or the old Western Area.
One of Ken's most memorable major operations, for which he received a
Chief Constable's Commendation, was Operation Espadrille, which involved
24-hour surveillance with colleague Trevor Finch investigating the transportation
of guns from Corby to Scotland and across the water to Northern Ireland.
The
Forensic Science Service has appointed a new Communications Director
from the Private Sector.
Kay Francis joins the FSS as Director of Communications from a series
of high profile roles in the press office of blue chip companies, including
Ford Motor Company, Land Rover, Jaguar and Bentley Motors.
The position sits on the Executive Committee of the company, reporting
directly to the CEO. This marks the first time that a dedicated professional
from a media handling background has been included in the senior management
structure.
Chief Executive Officer, Dave Werrett, said of the appointment: ‘We
are delighted to welcome Kay into the organisation, as she brings with
her a wealth of private sector experience that will invigorate our communications
at such a crucial time.’
Scottish
Pipe Band Second in the World
Tayside
Police Pipe Band continued its fine form this season when it was placed
a highly creditable 2nd in the Grade Two Competition at the World Pipe
Band Championships, held at Glasgow Green on Saturday 12th August 2006.
This prestigious event attracted a record breaking 50,000 spectators,
who throughout the day saw 236 Pipe Bands competing from all over the
world including America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and all over
Europe.
The Dundee-based band competed against thirty-nine other bands from ten
countries, and finished very closely as runners up to 'The Robert Malcolm
Memorial Pipe Band' from Canada.
Pipe Sergeant Lindsay Ellis, a Constable with Tayside Police said: ‘The
whole band was extremely pleased with the result. We actually finished
joint first on points with the same total as the Robert Malcolm Memorial
Band, but they were awarded the title on the Judges Ensemble preference.’
Chief Constable John Vine added: ‘I have sent my sincere congratulations
to the Pipe Major and all members of the Pipe Band on achieving second
place in the Grade 2 Competition. I am absolutely delighted that their
hard work and efforts have paid off. Whilst first place would have been
the icing on the cake, this achievement demonstrates the high level of
commitment everyone has put in this year. To be Scottish and British Champions
and then runners up in the World Championships in the same year is something
that all members of the band should be extremely proud of. The band have
acted as very good ambassadors for Tayside Police and I am extremely proud
of all of them.’
This fantastic result has seen the band increase their overall lead in
the Grade Two Champions Table, with the final event of the playing season
taking place at the Cowal Championships at Dunoon on Saturday 26th August
2006. This fine form has also had the added benefit of attracting worldwide
exposure for the band. They recently accepted an invitation to headline
a Police Music Festival in Zurich in September 2006.
Northamptonshire
Police Mourns Inspector Deborah Jeans
Officers
and staff of Northamptonshire Police are mourning the untimely
death of one of their best loved and respected officers.
Inspector
Deborah Jeans died at the Cynthia Spencer Hospice in Northampton on Monday
31st July at the age of 41, after a three-year battle against cancer.
Inspector Jones has served for 22 years and received her Long Service
Medal at a ceremony at Force Headquarters in June.
The medal was pinned next to the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct
(the Silver Oak Leaf) - a rarely presented national award for outstanding
courage, which she was given following her pursuit of two armed robbers
in Northampton 18 years ago.
She was also the inspiration for a huge fund raising drive, through which
colleagues, family and friends have added at least £20,000 to cancer
charities.
Chief Constable Peter Maddison said he is deeply saddened, both professionally
and personally, by Deborah's death.
‘She was a much loved colleague across the Force and the county,
known to many as an inspirational leader and Police Officer. Few can fail
to admire her dedication to duty - she will be sorely missed,’ he
said.
Superintendent Bob Smart, Head of the Force Communications Centre, informed
his team of Deborah's death ‘with utmost sadness’.
‘This has hit us all very hard, as she was a remarkable person, much
admired and loved within our department and across the Force’, he
said.
Deborah was married to former Chief Superintendent David Jeans who retired
from Northamptonshire Police in 2004 and leaves a son Will, aged 15.
She was accorded a full Police funeral.
Devon
and Cornwall Pays Tribute to Sergeant Gary Edwards
Devon
and Cornwall police has paid tribute to one of its officers following
his death last month.
Sergeant Gary Edwards, 51, joined the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary
on 29th July 1974, having previously served as a Police Cadet since August
1971.
He enjoyed a varied operational career and developed considerable expertise
within the field of the Police National Computer (PNC) culminating in
him being seconded to Police Information Technology Organisation (PITO)
as the National PNC Advisor.
Within this role he advised the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO),
individual police forces and outside agencies in the use of PNC to ensure
that business benefits were realised across the Police Service.
Acting Chief Constable Nigel Arnold said: ‘Gary was a loyal and enthusiastic
officer who displayed devotion to duty and throughout his service he had
earned the respect of both managers and peers alike.
‘He was also held in high regard with the many outside agencies with
which he had formed excellent working relationships. He proved to be an
excellent ambassador for the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary. His death
is a very sad loss, not only to his family, but also to PITO and to the
Devon and Cornwall Constabulary.’
Bill Glen Force PNC Manager said: ‘The tragic death of Gary has been
a shock to all his colleagues in force and those he worked with throughout
the country. He will be greatly missed by his family and colleagues who
were privileged to work alongside him and our thoughts are with them at
this time.’
Northants
Officers Certified as Forensic Computer Examiners
Two
officers from Northamptonshire Police High Tech Crime Unit are
two of just seven people in the UK to have been certified as Forensic
Computer Examiners.
Detective Sergeant Damian Walton and Detective Constable Gary Evans passed
rigorous selection criteria to be listed as Forensic Computer Examiners,
amongst forensic experts from many other fields, on the national register
of the Council for Registration of Forensic Practitioners (CRFP).
The CRFP was set up six years ago in response to concerns about miscarriages
of justice in which deficient scientific evidence was implicated. The
organisation is accountable to the Lord Chancellor.
In the last year, DS Walton and DC Evans, along with Police Staff colleague
Ailsa Brown, in the county Force's High Tech Crime Unit, have dealt with
200 cases of suspected crimes committed with the use of computer technology,
ranging from possession of indecent images of children, to harassment,
fraud and even murder. Every case that the Unit has brought to prosecution
in the last two years has either resulted in a guilty plea or a conviction.
DS Walton and DC Evans had to evidence competencies in data capture and
data examination to ensure they conformed to national forensic guidelines
and be certified as Forensic Computer Examiners for the CRFP.
DS Walton said: ‘I am proud to be one of only seven certified Forensic
Computer Examiners in the country which adds even more credibility to
what we do.’
DC Evans added: ‘It is important that there is a national register
of experts in various forensic fields, and that there is a robust assessment
system for people to get on that register.
‘A lot of our work involves seizing computers from suspects and capturing
and examining data from those machines - that process has to be forensically
sound so that it stands up to court scrutiny.’
After four years on the register, DS Walton and DC Evans will have to
apply again with current examples of their work in order to be considered
for the register for a further four years.
Chief
Steps up to the Crease for Charity
Merseyside
Police Chief Constable Bernard Hogan-Howe swapped his uniform for traditional
whites to raise money for charity last week.
The
Chief Constable took part in the match which signals the end of a project
put together to encourage young people to think about good citizenship
using faith, sport and culture as key themes.
On the day representatives from the Pakistan Centre competed against members
from the Caribbean Centre to mark the end of this year's Schools Intergenerational
Nurturing and Learning Project (SIGNAL).
SIGNAL was devised by John Patterson at Liverpool Hope University, and
it has been supported by Merseyside Police and Liverpool Football Club
throughout the last year.
During the year John and Muhammad Masroor (Captain of the Karachi team
in Pakistan) have delivered cricket master classes at primary schools
in Liverpool and have also taken part in school assemblies geared up to
promote good citizenship and respect for different cultures within local
communities.
Chief Constable Bernard Hogan-Howe said: ‘SIGNAL has carried out
a lot of good work with primary school children over the last year and
I am delighted to be playing in the match on Friday which brings this
year's theme of faith, sport and culture to a close. But the good work
doesn't stop here. Over the next 12 months the SIGNAL project will be
devising activities for young people around the theme of the 200th anniversary
of the abolition of the slave trade.’
Alan
Featherstone Appointed Assistant Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police
Authority
Northamptonshire
Police Authority has appointed Alan Featherstone as Assistant Chief Constable
of the county force.
Mr Featherstone (49), who has been filling the role on a temporary basis
for the past 21 months, was successful in a selection process carried
out by the Authority's Appointments Panel.
Chair of the Authority Dr Marie Dickie said his contribution to the force
so far has been extremely valuable, particularly in relation to the performance
of the policing Areas, and she is delighted to welcome him to the chief
officer team.
Mr Featherstone, who transferred to Northamptonshire Police in 2002 on
promotion to superintendent and rose further through the ranks, attended
the police service Strategic Command Course in 2004. He returned to the
force to take on the temporary chief officer role when the Authority agreed
to the appointment of a second assistant chief constable, and has been
responsible for territorial policing and for introducing significant advances
in customer services and operational performance.
He says he is delighted with his appointment and welcomes the opportunity
to further progress important work, which will help Northamptonshire Police
change back to being one of the best in the country. He believes one of
his biggest challenges will be to take the introduction of neighbourhood
policing to the next level, introducing safer community teams across the
Force area.
Alan Featherstone gained a BA (Hons) Law Degree at Leeds University before
joining West Yorkshire Police and going on to serve in a variety of operational
and investigative roles. For example, he was involved in the Ripper case
and the 1980 riots, as well as a number of major crime and murder enquiries.
He was also a member of the force's specialist public order and firearms
team.
As a sergeant he spent 1984 on the Special Course at Bramshill and 1985
based in Bradford. He alternated between leading a unit on the Miners'
Strike and developing local operational policing initiatives in an area
with the highest ethnic minority population in the county.
He was Policy Officer to the Chief Constable's command team and on promotion
to chief inspector introduced neighbourhood policing to the Wakefield
Division. A frequent bronze and silver commander at Elland Road football
ground, he also managed the change from area control rooms to a centralised
force call centre and two incident management centres.
He attended Leeds University part time from 1991-4, obtaining an MBA.
On transfer to Northamptonshire Police Alan Featherstone commanded the
Professional Standards Department, during which time he qualified as a
senior investigating officer. While at the Strategic Command Course in
2004 he obtained a Diploma in Applied Criminology from Cambridge University.
Since then he has been temporary assistant chief constable.
Alistair
Finlay to Take Up New Assistant Chief Constable Post for PSNI
The
Chief Constable of PSNI has welcomed the appointment by the Policing
Board of a new Assistant Chief Constable post for the Police Service.
Alistair Finlay, who is currently serving with Strathclyde Police, will
take up the new post.
Speaking about the appointment Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde said:
'Following my appointment as Chief Constable of the Police Service of
Northern Ireland I was struck quite forcibly by the need to address more
fundamentally and comprehensively one of the starker legacies of the 'Troubles',
that is, over 2,000 unsolved murders. As a result, the Historical Enquiries
Team was established and it is making progress in undertaking that important
and sensitive area.
'The organisation has other pressing and important commitments related
to dealing with the past. There are a number of public inquiries established
by the Government with which the organisation must engage and co-operate
on a daily basis. In order to ensure that we meet fully all our legal
obligations and responsibilities, the Northern Ireland Policing Board
announced the creation of a new Assistant Chief Countable post for the
Police Service.
'As Chief Constable, I presented a detailed operational assessment to
the Board for a new ACC post based on current pressures facing the Senior
Officer Team; and particularly around the resourcing of public inquiries
and historical investigations.
'The Policing Board agreed with our assessment of the policing requirement
for a dedicated ACC to look after this area of work; and the importance
of this new post for the community as a whole.
'I firmly recognise the complexities and resourcing pressures that this
area generates and we as a Police Service do not want issues arising from
dealing with past issues to impact on the service we deliver daily. I
look forward to welcoming ACC Finlay to the Police Service.'
Mike
Bowron Appointed Commissioner of City of London Police
Mike
Bowron has succeeded James Hart as Commissioner of the City of London
Police.
Mr Bowron was appointed Assistant Commissioner of the Force in September
2002, when he was given responsibility for the Support Services portfolio.
He later assumed responsibility for Operations, and has led the City Police
to achieve a current detection rate of nearly 43% - the highest in England.
In 1997, he was appointed Assistant Chief Constable in Kent, following
a 17-year career with Sussex Police, during which he was Divisional Commander
of Worthing and Head of the Force Inspectorate.
In 1990 he was attached to the European Unit at NSY, researching the implications
of a Europe without frontiers. Between 1991 and 1994 Mr Bowron was part
of a Foreign and Commonwealth Office working party helping to reform the
police in Czechoslovakia. In 2000 he was posted to the British Embassy
in Jakarta for six months and was given responsibility for separating
the Indonesian National Police from the military and implementing a reorganisation
to meet the needs of the new democracy.
Three
Senior Appointments for Warwickshire Police
Warwickshire
Police Authority has appointed three senior officers to work with Keith
Bristow in a new police command team.
Assistant Chief Constable Andy Parker is promoted to Deputy Chief Constable.
Chief Superintendent Lewis Benjamin from the Metropolitan Police Service
and Chief Superintendent Bill Holland from Leicestershire Police will
join Warwickshire as Assistant Chief Constables.
All three will take up their appointments on a date to be confirmed.
Andy Parker, aged 45, has 23 years police service. He joined Warwickshire
Police in January 2005 from North Yorkshire Police where he was a Chief
Superintendent working on corporate issues.
Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Benjamin, aged 49, has 19 years service
in the Metropolitan Police, the majority of which has been spent in the
CID. He is currently the head of Specialist Crime Intelligence with responsibilities
extending through analysis, intelligence dissemination and covert operations.
He has been a senior investigating officer involved in more than 50 major
investigations and has led major change programmes and community partnerships.
Chief Superintendent Bill Holland, aged 49, has been a serving police
officer since 1980 when he joined Staffordshire Police. He transferred
to Leicestershire in 1996. His current role is head of Learning and Development.
Previous roles have included Temporary Assistant Chief Constable (Crime),
Commander of Leicester Central and head of Specialised Crime Investigations.
Phil
Blundell, Chair of Warwickshire Police Authority, said the three appointments
had been made from an excellent field of candidates.
He added: 'We now have a new high quality command team which will move
policing in Warwickshire forward into a new era of strength and stability.
Keith Bristow, Warwickshire's newly appointed Chief Constable who takes
over from John Burbeck later this month, said:
'The new command team will be working to further improve force performance
and striving for excellence in the delivery of policing services across
Warwickshire.
'Our priority will be to deliver strong neighbourhood policing teams throughout
Warwickshire and to develop ongoing partnership work.'
Civilian
Alwyn Keyzor Joins UK Police Contingent in Iraq
A
Norfolk police employee has becomes the first civilian police staff
member in the country to support the UK police contingent in Iraq.
Alwyn
Keyzor has been working as a civilian in CID sector support at Bethel
Street police station in Norwich for three years. He volunteered for the
role and found out six weeks ago that he had been successful.
Al left on 3rd July, and is expected to be in post in Iraq for up to a
year. He will be part of the UK civilian police contingent in Iraq, and
will come under the operational command and control of the UK Chief Police
Advisor in Iraq.
ACC Dick Barton, the Chief Police Advisor in Iraq, said: 'We are looking
forward to having Al on our team. Police staff are a vital part of policing
today, bringing skill sets that officers don't necessarily have. This
is a first for this mission and it will add a further dimension to British
Policing overseas'.
To prepare for the position, Mr Keyzor has completed a week long intensive
training course in hostile environments and will receive further initial
training upon arrival in Iraq. Having spent 23 years in the RAF, Al is
used to travelling to remote locations around the world.
Mr Keyzor said 'As soon as I saw this position advertised I volunteered
for it as I wanted to help with the situation out there, I feel my background
and experience will be put to good use in Iraq.
'I am looking forward to the challenge; I know it's not going to be easy.
I have been told to be on guard at all times and be aware of the situation
around you.
Just to keep hydrated I will have to drink 7-10 litres of water a day,
so I'm sure the conditions will take a while to get used to.'
Mr Keyzor has already received a medal for long service and good conduct
in the RAF and the Queens Jubilee medal in 1977, which is awarded for
performance in exceptional circumstances.
New
Fife Police NHS Liaison Officer
Transplanting
expertise between two of Fife's biggest public sector organisations
is the role of the new Fife Police NHS Liaison Officer - Inspector Nicola
Harkness.
Nicola - the third inspector to take up the post - will spend the next
year providing support and community safety advice to staff at NHS Fife
and the wider community and helping to enhance information sharing with
Fife Police.
Nicola said that her background as a community officer in Central Division
meant she was used to partnership working.
Despite the challenges, she was looking forward to continuing to building
on the good relationship between NHS Fife and the Police.
'It is more and more important today that public sector partners work
closely together and particularly, that we share expertise, information
and an understanding of what we are all about.
'There is a lot to accomplish within a year. I want to make sure that
even if my successor takes the project forward, I set up the framework
to allow the work to continue.'
New
ACC for Nottinghamshire Police
Nottinghamshire
Police Authority has appointed Ian Ackerley as Assistant Chief Constable
(ACC) (Operational Support) for Nottinghamshire Police.
Mr Ackerley (44), who is currently Temporary ACC for Staffordshire Police,
said: 'I'm really thrilled to be working in Nottinghamshire, which represents
a very challenging opportunity. I'm looking forward to working with the
Police Authority and members of Nottinghamshire Police to make Nottinghamshire
a safer place.'
Nottinghamshire Police Authority Chairman John Clarke added: 'There was
stiff competition for this ACC post and Ian came out on top. Members of
the selection panel were very impressed with his experience, enthusiasm,
commitment and understanding of the demands of the job in the future.'
Mr Ackerley, who is married with two children, has spent his entire policing
career to date with Staffordshire Police having joined as a Police Cadet
in 1978. He has experience in both rural and urban policing, in uniform
and CID operations. He was previously the BCU Commander for North Staffs
and has been Temporary ACC since last July.
It is anticipated that Mr Ackerley will join the force within three months,
although an actual start date will be confirmed nearer the time.
DS
Catherine Jackson Wins FLO of the Year Award
DS
Catherine Jackson from West Yorkshire has been awarded the prestigious
Family Liaison Officer (FLO) of the Year Award at the 2006 National FLO
Forum.
DS Jackson was presented with the award by Harriet Harman QC MP, for her
outstanding contribution in the national field of Family Liaison.
She said: ‘I was shocked, really honoured and chuffed. Everyone is
good at what they do in FLO - I was surprised and lost for words, which
is unusual for me!’
Catherine has significant experience of FLO work stretching back to before
family liaison was a recognised role. Her experience includes the Bradford
City Fire, the Selby Rail crash, the July 7th bombings and the murders
of PC Sharon Beshenivsky and PC Ian Broadhurst.
West Yorkshire Police will shortly be piloting a dedicated FLO unit within
the Homicide Investigation Team. Managing Director of the Dream Group
Miles Davis said:
‘Dream Policing Support is proud to sponsor award ceremonies for
officers whose efforts delivering an incredible service are largely unknown
by the public. We congratulate Catherine on her excellent achievement
- her experience of FLO work is phenomenal.’
Source:
Police Oracle
New
Assistant Chief Constable for Suffolk
Suffolk
Constabulary has a new Assistant Chief Constable. Jacqui Cheer
was appointed as Suffolk's new Assistant Chief Constable on Friday 16th
June, following a two-day selection process.
Mrs
Cheer has recently worked within the Home Office's Reform Unit looking
at ways to reduce the bureaucracy for frontline staff.
She has recently led the policing at Stansted Airport, managed the Professional
Standards Department and was the BCU (Basic Command Unit) Commander responsible
for the policing at Southend-On-Sea.
During her 22 years of service, all within Essex Police, Mrs Cheer has
also gained operational experience of counter-terrorist policing, policing
large public events (such as the Southend Air Show) and working with a
range of partners and communities to reduce crime, detect more offences
and minimise anti-social behaviour.
She also has an M.B.A. and a first-class degree in English Literature
and Fine Art. She is married and currently lives in North Essex.
Mrs Cheer will be taking up her new role on 24th July 2006, replacing
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Peter Worobec, who retires from Suffolk
Constabulary on 30th July 2006.
‘Suffolk Constabulary has a proud record, policing one of the safest
counties in the country. I will be working to ensure that we maintain
this position, making improvements where necessary and ensuring that our
current commitment to enhancing neighbourhood policing continues,’
said Mrs Cheer.
‘I am looking forward to taking up my new post as soon as possible
and working with the staff and communities in Suffolk to build on the
current successes of the Constabulary.’
Gulshan Kayembe, Chair of the Suffolk Police Authority responsible for
appointing the Assistant Chief Constable, said: ‘We were tremendously
privileged to interview a set of candidates of such high calibre. However,
Jacqui Cheer emerged as the one most suited to the role of Assistant Chief
Constable in Suffolk. We're delighted to have appointed her and are looking
forward to working with her.’
New
Chief Executive for Centrex
Centrex
has announced the appointment of Carol Bernard CBE as its new Chief Executive.
Ms Bernard's appointment follows the departure of Sir Norman Bettison,
who is joining ACPO to coordinate its restructure and reform programme.
Ms Bernard is currently Director of the National Offender Management Service
in Wales, which was created in 2004 to bring together the work of correctional
services. She will lead Centrex in its migration into the new National
Policing Improvement Agency, which launches in April 2007.
Peter Neyroud, Chief Executive Designate of the National Policing Improvement
Agency, said: ‘With her background of successfully delivering change
management in large and complex public sector organisations, Carol is
well placed to guide Centrex during the transition to the NPIA. I am looking
forward to working with her.’
Ken Jones, President of the Association of Chief Police Officers, said:
‘Carol brings to Centrex wide experience of the criminal justice
system and working with the police service, which will enable her to engage
quickly and effectively with Centrex's customers and stakeholders’.
Carol Bernard joins Centrex on Wednesday 5th July.
Source:
Police Oracle
Dr
Moira Hamlin has been re-elected as Chair of the Avon and Somerset
Police Authority to serve for another year.
Dr Hamlin was given the vote of support at the authority's annual meeting
held last week at police headquarters in Portishead. Dr Hamlin is also
deputy chairman of the Association of Police Authorities.
Tony Rush, an independent member, was elected deputy chair of the Avon
and
Somerset Police Authority.
Dr Hamlin, who is a magistrate member of the authority, said: ‘I
am honoured to be offered the chance to continue as Chair of Avon and
Somerset Police Authority at what is both an exciting and challenging
time.
New
CRM for Rushcliffe in Nottinghamshire Police
Robert
Vaughan-Newton has been appointed the Crime Reduction Manager (CRM) for
Rushcliffe in Nottinghamshire police
He began his role last month (Monday 22nd May 2006) and will initially
work from West Bridgford Police Station before moving to a permanent base
at Bingham Police Station.
Mr Vaughan-Newton, who previously worked as the Neighbourhood Watch support
worker for Gedling, says: ‘Rushcliffe has low crime levels and I
look forward to working with partner agencies and local communities to
keep it this way.
‘Over the coming months I will endeavour to meet as many different
groups with an interest in security and crime reduction as possible.’
New
Inspector Joins GMP's Gorton and Levenshulme Policing Team
A
new Inspector has joined GMP's Gorton and Levenshulme Policing
Team and has pledged to continue fighting crime and protecting people
in these communities.
Inspector Alec McMurchy took up his post on Monday 22nd May 2006 and will
be responsible for community policing issues and leading a team of police
officers, community support officers and special constables dedicated
to reducing and detecting crime and improving the quality of life for
residents.
He has served in Greater Manchester Police for 20 years. He first joined
the North Manchester Division in 1986, having worked for the Thames Valley
Police Force for the previous three years. He has since gained experience
in a range of front line policing roles across the city. In 2004 he moved
to the Metropolitan Division when he was promoted to Inspector. During
his time on the Division he has worked in the Response Policing Team,
the Custody Central Detention Centre and most recently, the Operational
Policing Unit. He takes over from Inspector Mark Kenny who has led the
Area Policing Team for the past 15 months.
Inspector Alec McMurchy said: ‘I am committed to making a positive
difference to people's lives in Gorton and Levenshulme and look forward
to working with my police team and partners to make a real impact. I believe
that everyone has the right to live in a peaceful environment, without
the fear of becoming a victim of crime or the nuisance caused by anti-social
behaviour. Anyone who doesn't respect this right and causes misery to
local residents by committing crimes can expect a firm and swift response
from my officers. There is already a lot of good work happening on the
Division, with sanctioned detections up by 68 per cent, when compared
with the same period last year, which means more offenders are being brought
to justice. I am determined to build on this and other areas even further.
‘We need the cooperation and support of local people and I want to
urge anyone in the area who has any information that will help us to fight
crime, to get in touch with my team in confidence.’
Northern
Area Officers Training for World Police Indoor Soccer Tournament
Forget
the World Cup, a team of Cheshire detectives and neighbourhood
bobbies from Warrington and Halton have begun training in preparation
for the biggest police football competition in the world - the World Police
Indoor Soccer Tournament.
The competition is just four months away and will see more than 100 teams
of police officers from across the globe taking part including such countries
as Aruba, Australia, Iceland, Qatar and Switzerland.
Ten Northern Area police officers in total will make up a squad for the
five-a side-competition which is being held in The Netherlands on 9th-13th
October, 06.
Whilst they spend their shifts investigating serious crimes and responding
to emergency incidents, they're spending their spare time on the pitch
perfecting their football skills.
But there's a slight problem for 'NBC United'*- the players don't have
a kit to wear!
PC Drew Burrows is part of the Warrington Central NPU Investigation Team
(IT) and the NBC United squad. He said: ‘We are looking for local
businesses in Warrington and Halton to support the team by sponsoring
a kit for all 10 players.
‘This would be a fantastic opportunity to advertise your business
and you would be helping us to compete in this prestigious competition.’
All matches will be played according to UEFA futsal rules and regulations
at two locations in The Netherlands - Pickerhall in Eibergen and The Elshof
in Groenlo.
NBC United is also planning to compete in next month's Moss Farm seven-a-side
competition being held at Barnton in Warrington on Saturday 22nd July,
06.
Established in the 1980s this annual event will see 100 teams taking part.
Anyone interested in sponsoring NBC United can contact DC Drew Burrows
on: 01244 613864.
*The name 'NBC United' was chosen to represent the Northern Area BCU which
covers Warrington and Halton where the officers police.
The World Police Indoor Soccer Tournament was established 24 years ago.
Chief
Superintendent Kevin Lambert Heads South Tyneside Area Command
South
Tyneside Area Command has a new boss, Chief Superintendent Kevin Lambert,
who has just moved to Northumbria Police from Gloucestershire.
Chief Supt Lambert, 41, worked for Gloucestershire Constabulary for 20
years before deciding to head north to South Tyneside.
He said: ‘ I've thoroughly enjoyed my time in Gloucester but I'm
ready for a new challenge. I'm very pleased to be able to have the opportunity
to work in South Tyneside and when I saw the vacancy I was immediately
drawn to this beautiful part of the country.
‘As a child I spent a holiday up here and I vividly remember getting
off the train at Newcastle Central and walking along Hadrian's Wall towards
Carlisle. I'm definitely going to make a return journey.
‘I'm really looking forward to getting out and about and speaking
to local people to find out what their policing priorities are. I know
this part of the country has a great reputation and Northumbria Police
is one of the best performing forces and I'm very pleased now to be part
of it.’
Chief Supt Lambert joined Gloucestershire at 16 as a cadet and spent a
few years as a constable and detective before leaving to work in the world
of finance. He rejoined the force in 1991 and quickly rose through the
ranks in a variety of departments.
He was responsible for the high profile policing of protesters outside
the US airbase at Fairford, Gloucestershire. He recently received a MBE
for services to policing from Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace.
He worked as area commander at Cheltenham and Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire
for three years, as a superintendent he was responsible for business change
and community partnership and last year was an acting assistant chief
constable in Gloucestershire.
Chief Supt Lambert is married and his family including two teenagers will
be joining him in the summer.
Tyneside, Wearside and Northumberland are amongst the safest places in
the country to live. Crime fell by 7% last year and has dropped 37% since
the early 90s.
Christine
Weston Appointed New Chairman of Thames Valley Police Authority
Berkshire
magistrate Christine Weston has been appointed as the new Chairman
of Thames Valley Police Authority.
Mrs
Weston, who has been a magistrate member of the Authority since 1999,
and Vice Chairman for the last two years, was elected as the new Chairman
at the Authority's meeting last week.
She replaces Sally Hannon who has served as Chairman since 2004.
Mrs Weston has been a magistrate for 26 years, her interest stemming from
a career in the court service prior to her starting a family.
She initially joined the Forest Bench where she became the Chairman of
the Licensing committee and subsequently the Bench Chairman prior to the
amalgamation with other benches to become the East Berkshire Bench.
She was also a Vice Chairman of the new Bench before taking up her role
on the Police Authority in 1999.
Mrs Weston, who has a keen interest in the work of the criminal justice
system, has represented the Police Authority for the past two years on
the local Criminal Justice Board.
Mrs Weston said she was very mindful of the 'excellent achievements' of
the previous Chairman Mrs Hannon, and that she was delighted to have worked
alongside her as Vice Chairman for the past two years.
She added: 'The year ahead is one of the most challenging the Authority
has had to face and I'm sure there will be some very difficult decisions
to make.'
The new Vice Chairman of the Authority is Wendy Coates, who has been an
independent member of the Authority for seven years.