Joe Edwards New Sussex Chief

Sussex Police Authority appointed 48-year-old Joe Edwards as the new Chief Constable of Sussex, succeeding Ken Jones who will shortly take up his appointment as president of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

Mr Edwards, who has been the Deputy Chief Constable of the force for three years, will take up the post in February next year.

Peter Jones, chairman of the Authority, said: ‘We have every confidence that Joe Edwards will provide the leadership that Sussex Police will need to implement any changes which arise from the Government’s review of police force structures. He has been fully engaged with Ken Jones and the Police Authority in delivering the improvements in performance and the high standards which have been seen in Sussex in recent years.

‘Mr Edwards will have the full support of the Force in working with our various partner agencies to build on the Police Authority's commitment to neighbourhood policing and the good work done across the Force.’

Mr Edwards said: ‘We face enormous change over the next few years. I am determined that our commitment to quality of service to communities across Sussex remains undiminished. I know I can rely on the support of the Authority, our staff and Sussex partners in the continued development of high performing neighbourhood policing, building on the success achieved under the exceptional leadership of Ken Jones.’

He will assume the role of Chief Constable on February 17th, 2006.

Ailsa Beaton New Head of ACPO IMBA

Ailsa Beaton, the Met’s Director of Information has been elected Head of the Association of Chief Police Officer’s Information Management Business Area (IMBA).

The role will involve working with the IMBA portfolio holders for Communications, the Police National Computer, Information Security, Data Protection & Freedom of Information, Futures, In-Service Systems, Emerging Systems and Criminal Justice IT, to develop national policing information management policy.

Miss Beaton was elected on a manifesto of working to affirm the crucial importance of Information Management in the business of policing, and IMBA’s role in building the national consensus needed to secure the shared standards and infrastructure for information, IT and communications, which can make information sharing and joined-up IT systems a reality.

Ms Beaton replaces Tom Lloyd, former Chief Constable of Cambridgeshire Constabulary as Head of ACPO Information Management Business Area.

Colin Langham-Fitt Deputy Chief of Suffolk

Colin Langham-Fitt has been promoted to deputy chief constable of Suffolk police after carrying out the role on a temporary basis since the summer.

As Deputy Chief Constable, he will have responsibility for the Constabulary’s Human Resources and Corporate Development departments, which oversee areas including training, professional standards, best value, media relations and consultation.

Mr Langham-Fitt, who joined Suffolk Constabulary in 2000 as Assistant Chief Constable, said: ‘I am delighted to have been appointed Deputy Chief Constable – and look forward to the challenges which come with my new role.

‘As people will know, the police service is facing some major changes. My priority now is to take a lead in ensuring that the people of Suffolk continue to receive a top quality policing service both now and in the future.’

Police Authority Chair Gulshan Kayembe said: ‘We are very pleased to have appointed Mr Langham-Fitt; he is an experienced officer who has demonstrated his commitment to community policing – and we are confident he will continue to make a major contribution to policing in Suffolk.’

New Head of ACPO Roads Policing Business Area

Meredydd Hughes, Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police, is the new head of the ACPO roads policing business area. ACPO has announced.

Mr Hughes' appointment takes effect from November 2005 and will run for up to three years. His appointment comes after his ACPO colleagues unanimously supported his nomination.

Mr Hughes said: ‘I am delighted to have been appointed as head of roads policing for the Association of Chief Police Officers.

‘Modern roads policing is much wider than just speed enforcement and speed cameras, it's about keeping the public safe, developing expertise in accident investigation and fighting crime both on the roads, and in the wider community.

Roads policing is an immensely important business area and I look forward to putting it at the heart of the policing agenda.'

New Assistant Chief Constable for Norfolk

Kevin Wilkins has been appointed assistant chief constable of Norfolk constabulary.

Mr Wilkins, who joined the Force in 1976, has been Acting Assistant for the past 11 months. His appointment followed on from open advertisement and an intensive programme of interviews and assessments.

Stephen Bett, Chairman of the Norfolk Police Authority, said: ‘Kevin's appointment is well deserved. In my 10+ years on the Police Authority, I have seen him grow and develop into a well rounded officer who is very capable in all facets of the job now expected at this senior rank. He knows Norfolk well and has the capability of taking us forward at this crucial time of potential structural change.’

Carole Howlett, Norfolk Constabulary's Chief Constable, said: ‘I am absolutely delighted with Kevin's appointment. He was a very impressive candidate who demonstrated the skills and experience to build upon the performance successes the Constabulary has enjoyed as well as deliver a quality service for Norfolk.’

Mr Wilkins has served his entire police career in Norfolk and has worked in all parts of the county in uniform and specialist roles. He has previously been Commander of the Southern Division based at Thetford and Area Commander for Eastern Area based in Great Yarmouth. He was responsible for the Force Service Delivery Review in 2000 which established the current policing structure for Norfolk.

He will have overall responsibility for organisational support including Human Resources, ICT, Corporate Development, Legal Services and Professional Standards. He will take up his new position with immediate effect.

Cheshire Officers Nominated for Diversity Award

Cheshire police's Insp Mark Watson and Pc Pete Jones have been nominated for an award in recognition of their diversity work.

The twosome, who are based at Northwich Police Station's Partnership Development Unit, are finalists in the ‘Outstanding Commitment to Diversity’ category in the 2005 Justice Awards.

Earlier this year they discovered their work, which is primarily focused on Gypsy Traveller issues, has also earned them a nomination for a Jane's Police Review Gala Award.

Insp Watson said: ‘Our team was the first in the whole Force to have a dedicated Gypsy Traveller Liaison Officer. Since then, the way we deal with Traveller issues has developed and improved significantly. The fact that all this work has been recognised in this way is a real result.’

Pc Pete Jones, Cheshire's first ever Gypsy Traveller Liaison Officer, said: ‘When I first started this role, there was no other role to compare it to and this meant the future of it depended on how successful my work was.

‘I think the way relations between settled communities, the police and Gypsy Travellers have improved in Vale Royal shows there was definitely a need for this post and I'm glad other people seem to think so too.’

The bobbies find out if they've beaten off opposition from other diversity officers around the country at an awards ceremony in the capital on November 2nd.

Ministers and other senior officials are judging the awards which include categories such as Outstanding Achievement in Caring for Witnesses and Victims and Outstanding Contribution to Tackling Youth Crime.

Chief Supt Tim Jackson, who heads up policing in the Western Area nominated the officers for the award. He said: ‘I'm extremely proud of these officers. They have done innovative work in what is widely recognised as one of the most difficult areas of the diversity field.

‘They have initiated new procedures for dealing with unauthorised encampments and informed a review of Force policy. They are now involved in both training and advising other Forces and agencies and are recognised as experts in this area of work. I wish them the best of luck for the awards.’

Cozart Director of International Operations

Paul Francis Kennedy has been appointed Director of International Operations for Cozart, the medical diagnostics company.

Paul Kennedy, 60, who is British and based in Paris, has worked with Cozart since October 2004 on a consultancy basis.

He worked with the company on the recent acquisition of the Spanish medical diagnostics company, Spinreact SA, announced 30th September 2005, and the acquisition of Medib Scandinavien in June 2005.

Previously President of Novo Nordisk France and Marketing Director for Abbott France, Mr Kennedy has considerable experience of acquisitions and mergers in the sector and running international operations thus augmenting Cozart’s strategy of international expansion.

He has 30 years experience in the European pharmaceutical and medical technology industry and is fluent in French and Spanish.

Julia Hodson New DCC for West Yorkshire

Julia Hodson is set to become the new Deputy Chief Constable for West Yorkshire when she takes over from Philip Brear who becomes director of operations for the new Gambling Commission next month.

Councillor Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire Police Authority chair, said: ‘As might be expected with one of the largest and busiest Forces in the country, the quality of candidates was excellent, making the decision a difficult one.

‘We’re confident that we have appointed the right person to continue rolling out Neighbourhood Policing in West Yorkshire whilst at the same time sustaining the Force’s excellent performance on crime reduction’

Ms Hodson joined the Merseyside Police in 1982 and spent time in Uniformed Policing, Personnel, Road Traffic, Complaints and Discipline and the Control Room.

She transferred to Greater Manchester Police in June 1995 as a Superintendent working in the Development and Inspectorate Branch and Uniform Operations and as Commander at Wigan Division.

She then moved to Lancashire Constabulary taking up the post of Assistant Chief Constable with responsibility for Human Resources and Training and subsequently became ACC Operations. She is currently Acting Deputy Chief Constable.

Ms Hodson said: ‘I am looking forward to joining West Yorkshire Police and serving the people of the county. My job will be to continue the good work already done in reducing crime as well as improving the quality of the policing service received by members of the public. I am also very much looking forward to working with the Chief Constable, Colin Cramphorn and members of the Force.’

Joe Grant New General Secretary of SPF

The Scottish Police Federation has appointed Joe Grant as the new general secretary to replace Doug Keil who retired from the police after reaching 30 years service.

After a 24 year career as a Federation representative, 14 years as the General Secretary, Doug said:

‘I have been hugely privileged to work for the members of the Scottish Police Federation. I am delighted Joe has been elected my successor as he has a firm grasp of the important issues and all the attributes needed to take this job on.

My baptism was the Sheehy Inquiry, Joe is facing another round of reforms no less challenging but he has a good team of representatives around him and I am sure he will do a great job.’

Joe Grant joined Strathclyde Police in 1981 from the cadets. He was elected to the Federation in 1991 and for the last 6 years he has been the Secretary of the Strathclyde Branch. In July of this year he was elected to replace Doug as the Deputy Staff Side Secretary of the PNB. Joe said:

‘I am looking forward to the many challenges ahead. It seems the Government is determined to implement further changes to pay and conditions and virtually every other aspect of the job is under review of some sort.

‘It is important to me that everyone who wants to change things remembers the officers of the Federated ranks. They do the job, they know what is required and they must be listened to. Doug Keil's service to the Federation and the police has been immense; I wish him every happiness and success in his retirement.’

Sir Anthony Burden Joins Reliance

Sir Anthony Burden, former president of ACPO and chief constable of South Wales has become deputy chairman of Reliance Security Services Limited and Reliance Secure Task Management Ltd.

Commenting on his appointment, Brian Kingham, Reliance Security Group chairman, said: ‘Sir Anthony will be an inspiration to helping us develop high value-added technology and support service solutions that will assist the police and other agencies in achieving the demanding targets that lie ahead.

‘His experience in working with private sector partners in developing crime prevention solutions will help us contribute as active members of the wider policing family.’

Web: http://www.reliancesecurity.co.uk

First Female Police Officer Posted to Air Support Group

Pauline 'Best Call Centre Manager in Europe'

The title of best call centre manager in Europe has gone to a Staffordshire police staff member.

Pauline Smith clinched the title at the European Call Centre of the Year awards beating nominees from 500 organisations.

Pauline who narrowly missed the title in 2003, said she was overwhelmed by the award. ‘Much hard work has been undertaken to achieve our current call handling standards and I am indebted to our teams which carry out work which can be very challenging on daily basis.’

Pauline is currently seconded to HMIC thematic inspection on national call handling practice, but is expected to return to force in November.

The force was also short-listed for an award and came sixth for the implementation of Siemen’s Hi Path ProCenter to integrate 999 and non-emergency call handling.

Sir Geoffrey Dear OmniPerception Chairman

Sir Geoffrey Dear, a former HM Inspector of Constabulary, has been appointed chairman of the board at OmniPerception Ltd, the leading facial biometrics and computer vision company, it has been announced.

Sir Geoffrey will help the company realise its full potential in the ever expanding market place of computer vision.

Sir Geoffrey said he was ‘thrilled’ to be joining the company at such time.

‘The UK’s experience in tackling domestic terrorism and urban crime, supported by innovative academic research and well-placed commercial investment, ideally positions OmniPerception to become the world leader in surveillance and identity screening technology.’

Sir Geoffrey is the former chief constable of West Midlands police.

http://www.omniperception.com

Memex Appoints New Sales Director

Memex, the intelligence management software company, has appointed a new sales director to spearhead UK and European growth.

Mark Gibson will take over the role in a bid to boost the company's sales in UK and European markets.

Mr Gibson has over 12 years experience in the European IT and media space.

Commenting on his appointment, David Carrick, Memex's managing director, said: ‘Law enforcement agencies and businesses are demanding increasingly sophisticated tools to effectively manage and share intelligence in the fight against crime.’

A third of UK forces use Memex technology. The Bichard inquiry and global crackdown on terror has led to an increase demand for national and international solutions for intelligence-led policing, says the company.

http://www.memex.com/

Sapphire's Director of Security is Expert Witness

Keith Foggon, Director of security for Sapphire has successfully passed the extensive validation processes to be listed on the UK Register of Expert Witnesses.

The website thoroughly vets all the individuals listed and is used extensively by professionals in the legal sector as an information service. This enables law firms to appoint trained professionals within specific areas of expertise. This rigorous validation process ensures patrons of the website receive a thorough and high level of service from the Expert Witnesses they approach.

Keith specialises in a range of subjects; computer forensics and incident response, mobile phone & SIM card examinations, computer/computing-related crimes and Computer Misuse Act, including fraud, forgery & indecent images and recovery of deleted text messages to name but a few.

To have an informal chat about computer forensics with Keith Foggon, Forensic Investigator and Expert Witness in information technology & communications, please email mailto:forensics@sapphire.net

Award for Deputy Chief Constable

Norfolk Constabulary's Deputy Chief Constable Simon Taylor (pictured) has received the President's Recognition Award for Outstanding Service to Women in Policing from the International Association of Women Police (IAWP).

The award is given to leaders and officers who have made a significant contribution and commitment to the recruitment and advancement of women in policing. Mr Taylor's nomination was based upon a letter written by Superintendent Sarah Francis from the Norfolk Constabulary and sent to IAWP.

President of IAWP, Terrie Swann, said: ‘Deputy Chief Constable Simon Taylor's commitment to the instruction, mentoring and advancement of women in policing is inspiring and exceeds all criteria for special recognition. It's our honour to recognise Mr Taylor for his consistent, unwavering and continuing support of women in policing.’

Simon Taylor said: ‘I'm very grateful to accept this award, but this success is also about the achievements of many unsung heroes. It's a celebration of our accomplishments that we've made together.

‘We still have a journey to travel with many challenges ahead and if we continue to keep our aim straight and our focus clear we shall continue to make that difference.’

Chairman of the Norfolk Police Authority, Stephen Bett, said: ‘We offer Simon Taylor our sincere congratulations on receiving his award. It's a proud moment for not just him, but also the officers and staff who have helped make a contribution.

The Authority would also like to pass on its gratitude for the efforts Simon and his team have made in terms of the recruitment and advancement of women in policing in Norfolk.’

Ken Jones Next President of ACPO

Ken Jones, chief constable of Sussex police, has been announced as the next president of the Association of Chief Police Officers following a ballot of all ACPO members.

Mr Jones will take over from current holder Chris Fox next April who welcomed the appointment.

‘Ken will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to ACPO.’

Mr Jones said he intended to 'champion' modernisation and much needed change in way which 'acknowledge our traditions, values and ethos.'

Mr Jones was appointed chief constable in 2001.

New Position for David Mulhern

David Mulhern, former deputy chief constable of Central Scotland police, has become the interim senior strategic officer for the new Scottish Police Services Authority, announced by the Executive in August.

The Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA) will ultimately assume responsibility for range of policing services currently provided by Scottish Police College, Scottish Criminal Record Office and Scottish Police Information Strategy, as well as developing and providing a new national forensic science service.

It will also maintain the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (formerly the SDEA).

Mr Mulhern's successor is expected to be in place by the end of November. Until then Norma Graham, the assistant chief constable, will carry out the role with chief superintendent Colin Mather taking over as temporary assistant chief constable.

Central Scotland police chief constable Andrew Cameron said: ‘I am sure everyone would wish to recognise the contribution made by Mr Mulhern over the past 18 months and I wish him well in his new position.’

Sarah Scoops Prize

A North Wales police call-handling supervisor has scooped the runners-up prize at the annual Call Centre Managers Association's awards in London.

Sarah Portlock was named second in the 'Team manager of the Year' category after being short-listed for the award from sixty nominations from the public and commercial sector. She was the only nominee from a police force.

Sarah, who has worked for the North Wales police for nine years said: ‘The call industry is an industry within its own right and it was a great honour to be recommended.’

Judges commended Sarah for her organisational skills and her calm manner.

Lord Stevens who retired this year from the service, will be a non-executive Director of LGC. His appointment reflects the close interest he took in the development of forensic science during his distinguished service.

Ian Kent, Chairman of LGC, said:

'We are delighted that Lord Stevens will be joining us at a time when we are planning to expand our forensic services both in the UK and in Europe.

'We believe that he will have an important role in enabling the company to identify and develop areas in which LGC´s strong technology base can contribute analytical expertise to the criminal justice system.'

LGC supplies forensic services to law enforcement agencies, government departments and coroners.

In addition to its traditional forensic activities, such as document examination, toxicology and the analysis of controlled drugs, LGC has been at the forefront of the use of DNA technology, and the investigation of digital crime.

Bob Jones is new APA Chairman

Bob Jones has been elected as the new Chairman of the Association of Police Authorities at the APA's Annual General Meeting.

Mr Jones has been Deputy Chairman of the APA since 2004 and is a member of the West Midlands Police Authority.

Commenting on his election, Bob said:

'I am honoured to have been elected by my police authority colleagues as chair of the APA and to have the opportunity to lead the organisation at this important and challenging time.'

The APA AGM also commended the exemplary work of their chief officers and police forces for their outstanding response to the events of last week. The leaders of all police authorities united in

The APA also urged all police authorities to monitor closely any local tensions and take steps to work with all their communities to reassure and bind them together in these difficult times.

Web: http://www.apa.police.uk

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