The Lawwww.essex.police.uk October 2009

ACPO recognition for initiative to fund 600 extra police officers

APEX WINS AWARDIN ITS FIRST YEAR

AGAINST strong compet -ition from police forcesacross the UK, OperationAPEX has won an ACPOExcellence in PolicingAward.

The force’s innovative and cost-effective approach to policing was oneof four projects short-listed for pres-entation at the ACPO Excellence inPolicing Awards ceremony lastmonth.

The news came as Operation APEX –the ambition for policing in Essex – cele-brated its first year with the news that ithas put an extra 239 police officers on thestreets of Essex.

Investment on this scale would have cost thetaxpayer almost £11million but the force hasfound the money through cost savings, incomegeneration and partnership funding.

Operation APEX was launched inSeptember 2008 and aims to find £27millionthrough recurrent savings over the next threeto five years and put an extra 600 officers back

on the streets of Essex during that time.APEX programme manager Supt Alison

Newcomb said after last month’s awards cere-mony: “Winning an ACPO Excellence inPolicing Award for 2009 is wonderful recogni-tion for our ground-breaking initiative to findmassive savings in the force’s budget and rein-vest them in front-line policing.

“With ambitious targets and a difficult eco-nomic climate, many would have consideredthis project almost impossible. It just showswhat you can accomplish if you put your mindto it.

“I am very proud of what we have achieved.At the very core of Operation APEX are valueswhich I think every force should adopt.”

The awards conference was attended bypolicing professionals, including delegatesfrom the Home Office, ACPO and the NationalPolicing Improvement Agency (NPIA).

In line with public demand, the force hasincreased the number of its police officersnumbers by more than 500 in the past fiveyears, taking our current police officerstrength to just over 3,600 – a rise of 16 percent.

During the same period, nationally, thenumber of police officers has grown by just 2.7per cent, with 16 forces reducing officer num-bers.

Essex’s growth is the highest proportionateincrease of all 43 police forces in England andWales.

Finding the funding for an extra 239 policeofficers – 189 constables, 36 sergeants, teninspectors, three chief inspectors and onesuperintendent – in just 12 months meansthat Operation APEX is a major contributor tothis “fantastic 500” growth.

The new officer posts have been distributedacross key areas of Neighbourhood Policing aswell as specialist Protective Services, includ-ing counter-terrorism, child protection, publicprotection and the automatic number platerecognition (ANPR) team.

Deputy Chief Constable Andy Bliss said:“Operation APEX aims to grow police officernumbers by 600 over a three to five year peri-od in order to achieve a total of more than4,000 police officers, particularly on foot andbike.

“By investing approximately £1.5million ineach of the five territorial policing divisions,we have already increased the number ofneighbourhood police officers by 153 – everydivision has received between 30 and 33 extraofficers.

“Essex Police has continued to demonstrateits commitment to giving the public what theywant by putting more officers back on thebeat.”

Essex Police Authority chairman RobertChambers added: “As the flagship change pro-gramme for Essex Police and Essex PoliceAuthority for the next three to five years, I amextremely pleased to see the successOperation APEX has had in the first year.

“By making savings in a number of areas, ithas been possible to strengthen front-lineservices, increasing visibility and reassurancethroughout our communities.”

Operation APEX has introduced almost 60new APEX recruits to Essex Police Collegesince April.

by Claire Elliott & Morwenna Holland

Ambition for policing in EssexAmbition for policing in Essex

RECENT force successes areoutlined by Operation APEXprogramme director RickTazzini.

Recorded crime in Essex hasdropped by almost 22,000 inci-dents since 2004/05, and inci-dents of anti-social behaviourhave fallen by 27,000 since2006/07, while the force’ssanctioned detection rate hasrisen to approx 35 per cent.

We take pride in doing busi-ness differently. We were thefirst force in the country tolaunch the Policing Pledge, wereintroduced the MountedUnit and Operation Velo hasseen police officers and PCSOscycle more than 30,000 miles.

A raid on a house inBardfield Saling led to thediscovery of both a gun and a

cannabis factory – the trialwas due to finish as The Lawwent to print – and PeterTobin is due to go on trial inDecember, charged with themurder of Tillingham teenag-er Dinah McNicol in 1991, following a major crimereview of the case.

Operation APEX – theAmbition for Policing in Essex– has found the cash to put anextra 239 uniformed policeofficers on the streets of Essexin its first year – a move thatwill help to improve public

confidence. After landing atStansted Airport for his visitto the G20 summit in London,US President Barack Obamahas said he will always usethe airport in future, soimpressed was he by ourpolicing operation.

And we are now the leadforce for counter-terrorism inthe region – all staff at theEastern Region Counter-Terrorism Intelligence Unit(CTIU) are now employed byEssex Police.

The future brings the forcemore challenges, not least the2012 Olympic Games.

As well as well as the coun-ty hosting the mountain bikeevents – at Hadleigh Farm –Essex is the gateway to theOlympic site at Stratford.

Chief Constable’s roadshow2 The Law, October 2009

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Forward together“ALL that we do must be inthe best interests of the people of Essex,” Mr Barker-McCardle tells those attend-ing his roadshows.

“And my intention is to make Essexthe safest place in the country, withthe best policing.”

As the 11th chief constable of Essex, hesays he is in the “envious position of inheriting a very strong ship but touches onthe tiller are required without disruptingthose things which we are doing well”.

“There is only one way to travel and that is forward,” he says. “There is only one way togo forward and that is together.”

“We have made a significant contrib utionto the success of policing nationally and weare not infrequent contributors to mutualaid for other forces.

“We must continue to set out what successlooks like and I think we should be boldabout it. And when we have signif icant success then we should celebrate it.”

Mr Barker-McCardle says that the forcewill know when it has achieved his vision ofmaking Essex the safest place in the countrybecause:� The people of Essex will tell us that,when they have contact with us, we arepolite and prompt, we do what we say we’lldo and we are accessible and visible� Those who have had no direct contactwith us will say that, based on what theysee and hear, they trust us�Confidence and satisfaction will continueto rise while reported crime and anti-social behaviour will keep falling� Those who hold elected office and all members of Essex Police Authority will be

confident that we understand and demonstrate accountability to the people ofEssex and that Essex is an increasinglysafe place� Our partners will say we provide leadership, innovation, good problem-solving and results� We will be regarded as an innovativeforce within the policing family, with ambitious plans which produce consistentlyhigh levels of performance right across thepolicing landscape� We will secure top-quartile and top-performer status in those areas weagree matter most�We will be known to network extensively inthe pursuit of good practice and contributeactively to national thinking�Her Majesty’s Inspectorate ofConstabulary (HMIC) will say that the forceis doing a very good job in terms of localcrime and policing, increasing public confidence and satisfaction, delivering valuefor money and productivity, protecting peo-ple from serious harm and managing theorganisation� We will be praised as a learning organisation� Our police officers and staff will say theyare well-led, well-equipped, well-trained and proud to work for EssexPolice.

Mr Barker-McCardle emphasises the

essential contribution of NeighbourhoodPolicing in tackling local crime and anti-social behaviour and further improving public confidence.

He also stresses the importance of consistently and effectively tackling seriouscrime and offending, saying: “The threat,harm and risk from our more determinedoffenders, if left unchecked, would manifestitself in neighbourhoods in a way that wewould not tolerate.

“Safer and protected neighbourhoodsmust be our inspiration, with the wholeorganisation mobilising to make Essex andall our neighbourhoods ever safer.”

He makes plain his commitment to theAPEX programme as “entirely in the interests of the people of Essex” and underlines his determination to pursue collaboration with neighbouring forceswhere, through improved resilience, higherstandards or savings it will be in the interests of the people of Essex.

Mr Barker-McCardle ends by telling hisaudiences: “I care passionately about policing in Essex in particular. I’m veryproud to be part of Team Essex.

“We have a great foundation and manygood things are happening.

“We are still capable of much more and Ilook forward to working with you in theyears ahead.”

Taking pride in our success

Ambition for policing in EssexAmbition for policing in Essex

� Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle delivers his vision for the future, top, as police officers and staff listen intently, above Pictures by Duncan Gregory

Our principles�The constant and spontaneous demonstration of public servicevalues

� We are neighbourhood-inspired, citizen-focused and intelligence-led

�The relentless pursuit and capture of the lawless and disorderly

� Remarkable value for money

� Outstanding leadership at all levels, all the time

� We develop and cherish the best workforce in policing

� We respect, understand and enjoy diversity

� Top-quality contributions to partnership working

� Ground-breaking collaboration with other forces

�A passion for learning and continual improvement

Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle has pledged to meet as many police officersand staff as possible to gauge their views, while sharing his own vision andpriorities for the force.During his first month in the job, he embarked on a series of roadshows, encouraging officers and staff to speak out and tell him how they think the forcecan move forward in working to make Essex the safest place in the country

NewsThe Law, October 2009 3

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� Ruby Barberwith her parents DeeGoodwin andPc Dan Barber

Picture courtesyof the YellowAdvertiser

999 was an auspicious birth day for Ruby Barber – both herfather and grandfather are serving Essex police officers.Little Ruby was born at Southend University Hospital onWednesday, September 9 (09/09/09), and proud parents DeeGoodwin and Pc Dan Barber were delighted with their newarrival.Dan, 27, of Southend Central Neighbourhood PolicingTeam, has been a constable at Southend for four years.He said: “I am so pleased and proud, it has been a reallygreat day. With both my Dad and me being serving policeofficers, my little girl could hardly have a more appropriatebirthday – it’s an incredible coincidence. “I’d be happy for her to carry on the family tradition, but

really I’d be pleased whatever she does as long as she’shappy.” Ruby had been due on September 11 but was lying in abreech position so doctors decided that, as she could not beturned, she should be born by Caesarean section, two daysearly. Dan’s father Paul is a traffic law instructor at Essex PoliceCollege. He became a grandfather twice in two days asDan’s sister Laura gave birth on Monday, September 7. 9.9.9 is known as a palindromic date – it reads the same,forwards and backwards – and to many numerologists thedate has particular significance. It is associated with justiceand truth.

Crash reduction work:Minister is ‘impressed’

Crimewatch features Abridge murder appeal

TRANSPORT Secretary LordAdonis visited Essex to seefor himself the work theforce and the county councilis doing to reduce casualtieson our roads.

And he also saw the work of theA12 Alliance patrols, launched lastmonth in a ground-breaking part-nership between the force and thecouncil and which aims to reducedelays on Essex’s busiest road.

Lord Adonis was briefed on Essex’soverall casualty reduction strategy –implemented by the Essex CasualtyReduction Board (ECRB) in July 2007 –which has seen 339 serious fewer casualties occurring annually in thecounty, a fall of 34 per cent.

Afterwards, he said: “Essex is reallytaking a lead in driving down road acci-

dents and I am very impressed by theirwork.

“By bringing their individual effortstogether, the partners have been able tohave a much greater impact in makingthe roads safer for Essex residents andvisitors.

“I am also impressed by the recentlylaunched A12 patrols, which are doinggood work to improve safety and reducedelays on one of Essex’s busiest roadsand I commend Essex Police and EssexCounty Council on their efforts.”

ACC Derek Benson said: “The workthat Essex Police has undertaken withour partners has led to a significantdecrease in the number of people killedand seriously injured on the roads ofEssex.

“The formation of the A12 Alliancepatrols is another initiative to furtherreduce those figures and to improve thedriving experience of those using the

A12,” added Mr Benson.The ECRB – a partnership involving

the force and Essex County Council –has mounted hard-hitting publicity cam-paigns, stepped up intervention andenforcement and provided road safetyadvice to tens of thousands of people atevents and in schools across the county.

Enforcement action has included theissue of 7,456 fixed penalty tickets, theseizure of 316 vehicles and 153 arrests,mostly relating to various motoringoffences..

And last month, the A12 Alliance wasformed with a county council grant of£1.5million, which funded a patrol unitconsisting of 18 police officers based atMobile Support Division in Boreham.

Since the patrols began, officers havedealt with hundreds of incidents, rang-ing from dealing with major accidents tohelping motorists who have run out ofpetrol.

POLICE officers and PCSOsare being invited to a seriesof Airwave roadshows aimedat maximising their use ofthe radios.

Since Airwave was intro-duced in 2004, a number ofenhancements have beenmade to the service and thesets themselves.

Now the National PolicingImprovement Agency (NPIA)and Airwave Solutions arehosting a series of drop-insessions during October toenable Airwave-users thechance to refresh their skillsand knowledge.

ACC Sue Harrison said:“Improved use of communica-tions will provide a moreeffective and efficient serviceto the community that weserve.

“Senior managers are toensure that all available offi-cers attend.”� For a list of dates and ven-ues, visit the AirwaveSupport intranet site – listedunder Divisions &Departments – and scrolldown to Airwave Roadshows

A NEW CID course for detec-tive constables has beenlaunched and officers arebeing encouraged to attend.

The Initial Crime Investig-ators Development Prog-ramme (ICIDP) has been re-written – using new materialto make it a more dynamicand relevant learning pro-gramme for potential CIDofficers – by the crime train-ing team at Essex PoliceCollege and approved by theNational Policing Improve-ment Agency (NPIA).

Other forces, including theMetropolitan Police andKent, have requested copiesof the course pack and teach-ing material to better informtheir own ICIDP internalreviews.

Students will now take anexam on their first day, basedon pre-reading the CoreInvestigation Doctrine, andon successful completion,undertake a four-week courseat Essex Police College.

The course has been reducedby a week to and minimiseabstractions from divisions,which has also reduced its cost.

It is based on the investig -ation of a rape, from initialscene management throughto presenting the results ofthe investigations to a panelof senior detectives.

This exercise directly linksto the force’s desire toimprove its performancearound rape investigations.

The ICIDP course will nowbe subject of a six-monthlyreview in order to ensure itsvalidity and relevance� Contact DI Stuart Hooperon ext 55292 for details

FOR the first time, Essexofficers have used an Alco-Blow device to help combatanti-social behaviour.

Operation Prescott, run inCastle Point during Augustand September, was the startof ten targeted operationsunder the Operation Impactbanner, which are beingfunded by Essex CountyCouncil to help make Essexthe safest county in the country.

Regular officers, backed upby their Special colleaguesundertook patrols at key timesat key locations in a bid toreduce anti-social behaviour.

District commander ChiefInsp Keith Davies said hewas grateful for the countycouncil’s support.

He explained that local res-idents were surveyed beforeand after the five-week oper-ation to find out how they feltabout the police, crime andanti-social behaviour.

“This will allow us to fur-ther prioritise police andlocal partnership activity inkey areas of need to maintainthe anti-social behaviourreduction initiative,” saidChief Insp Davies.

Police and district councillicensing and enforcementofficers visited licensedpremises in the key areasand young people suspectedof under-age drinking hadtheir breath tested with theAlco-Blow device.

Knife safety arches weredeployed along with passivedrug dogs, from the Dog Unit,and Ion Track drug testingequipment.

As a result, 103 on- and off-licensed premises were visit-ed, 384 people were stopchecked, there were 73seizures of alcohol and sevenof tobacco and 19 arrests, foroffences ranging from arsonand possession of an offen-sive weapon to being drunkand disorderly and posses-sion of cannabis.

New devicehelps officerscombat ASB

New updatedcollege coursefor detectives

OFFICERS investigating the murder ofa man from Abridge last year werepleased with the response from membersof the public following an appeal on theBBC’s Crimewatch.

Brentwood Major Investigation Teamnow has a number of new leads followinginformation given.

A reconstruction and appeal in relationto the murder of Clive Enkel, 53 – who

was attacked at his home in AlderwoodDrive on September 25, 2008 – wasbroadcast on the programme late lastmonth.

Following the appeal, the showreceived 78 calls while another four werereceived by Essex Police. In addition, 17text messages and two emails werereceived.

DI Anne Cameron said: “I am really

pleased with the response we have had.“I would still like to encourage people

to phone us and give us any informationyou have as it may be crucial in helpingus find the people responsible for thisman’s death.”� Call Essex Police with information on0300 333 4444 ext 75229 orCrimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800555 111

Little gem carries on policing tradition

Sharing and caring in Great Parndon Driving down crime in Thorpe BayGREAT Parndon Residents’ Association in Harlow has agreedto share its website with the Great Parndon NeighbourhoodAction Panel.

It will provide locals with an extra channel of communi -cation, with up-to-date news of current actions and concerns.

POLICE in Thorpe Bay are actively engaging driving schoolsas part of a new Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

Driving School Watch, an extension of the neighbourhoodaction panel, encourages driving instructors to report suspi-cious activity to the police.

Get up to datewith Airwave

Chief: job losseswould only be‘a last resort’CHIEF Constable JimBarker-McCardle has res-ponded to a local newspaperarticle which claims back-office police staff could faceunemployment under theAPEX and collaboration programmes.

Mr Barker-McCardle saidthat business cases for work-ing more closely with neigh-bouring forces over a numberof support functions would becarefully considered in thecoming weeks and months.

“No decisions have beenmade concerning staffing anda full consultation processwill be undertaken with staffassociations before any deci-sions are made,” he said.

“The top priority of anywork undertaken will be toconsider the advantages tothe public we serve,” headded.

Priority would be given tonot filling some alreadyvacant positions and to rede-ploying police staff to fillother vacant positions tomaintain our operationaleffectiveness.

He stressed that compuls -ory redundancies would beavoided as far as possible butmay be necessary if back-office functions are merged,so that more officers can beput on to the streets of Essex.

Staff associations

National updatesLondon and South East regionalallowances AT the Police Negotiating Board (PNB) meet-ing on July 23, the Police Federation acceptedin principle the Government’s offer to up ratethe South East allowance by giving forces currently paying the South East allowanceflexibility to pay up an increase of £1,000.

The criteria for payment would be based onrecruitment and retention considerations.

The Government’s offer will protect pay-ments currently made to officers in receipt ofthe South East allowance.

Two further issues will also need to beaddressed through the ‘no detriment’ provi-sions before an agreement can be finalised.

The first issue only concerns officers in thoseforces which currently pay £1,000 South Eastallowance – this doesn’t include Essex.

The second issue relates to a situation whererent and housing allowance is payable perproperty with co-habiting officers sharing thetotal allowance between them.

The South East allowance is a personalallowance, so two South East allowanceswould frequently be in excess of a single rentor housing allowance.

The solution would be a ‘no detriment’clause with forces paying an additionalallowance to those in receipt of rent/ housingallowance to bring them up to the new levelsof South East allowance.

The Police Federation wrote to theGovernment on July 30, setting out bothissues. A response is still awaited. Difficult times aheadWe can see difficult times approaching on thehorizon post-General Election.

If there is a change of government, it willbring with it the promise of directly-electedsheriffs to replace police authorities, a desireto abolish the PNB and replace it with a payreview body and a well-publicised reduction inpublic sector spending to name but a few ofthe challenges ahead of us.

The on-going review into Policepensions is due to report in 2011 and, while it’searly days, it’s unlikely to make happy reading.

There has been considerable media coveragerecently regarding public sector pensionschemes and their cost to the tax-payer.

We certainly anticipate an increase in thepercentage of our pension contribution but,given the enthusiasm of a number of politicians to support comments made by theConfederation of British Industry (CBI), therehas to be real concern for the future of ourpension schemes.

And the future of the 30+ scheme alsoremains up in the air following a recom -mendation by the National PoliceImprovement Agency (NPIA) that the schemeshould conclude next year.

The NPIA had arrived at this decision with-out consulting the Police Federation, ACPO orthe Association of Chief Officers.

We have expressed concern at this recom-mendation and stated the need to maintainthe scheme until at least the Olympic Gamesin 2012. It now seems it will be replaced witha new scheme called 30 Not Out.

Changes would only affect new membersand not those already on the 30+ scheme.

Any changes will, of course, not be as attrac-tive as the new scheme will have to cost less torun. Initial information suggests officers willbe limited to a maximum of four years and willbe treated as new recruits regardingallowances and annual leave.PayThe second part of the three-year deal has nowhit your pay packets – a rise of 2.6 per cent.

The Retail Price Index (RPI) rate of inflationwas at -1.4 per cent, so, in real terms we havereceived a four per cent increase in wages overthe RPI rate of inflation.

The third part of the deal is due to be imple-mented next September.

Both Conservatives and Labour have committed themselves to honouring the three-year deal in full.

We are still waiting to hear how the on-callallowance will be implemented.

“Cops on the cheap”UNISON doesn’t think so and we do thinkthat police community support officers havethe right to be referred to as PCSOs withoutexception, as opposed to any truncated form ofaddress from any quarter!

Apart from simple good manners andrespect for colleagues, the Dignity At Workpolicy covers this and Unison will supportmembers who feel aggrieved.

As for the Channel 4 Dispatches broadcaston September 21, Unison national officer BenPriestly was interviewed for the programme.Championing the work of PCSOs, he high-lighted the five-year campaign to get PCSOcolleagues what they need to do the job thepublic expects of them.

Unison assisted the programme-makers byproviding a link to a questionnaire for PCSOmembers nationwide.

Seventy-four per cent of respondents indicated they do not feel they have the powers they need to do their jobs properly.

If they have different powers in differentforces, it’s not surprising if the public are con-fused and relations with warranted colleaguescan be strained. There need be no such issuesin Essex, however.

Essex PCSOs are a big success and there isno evidence to the contrary.

The public like them and they have trans-formed Neighbourhood Policing, as well asfreeing up their police colleagues to meet theirown responsibilities.

ACC Jerry Kirkby – the ACPO lead onPCSOs – agrees and so does David Hanson, ofthe Home Office, who says: “PCSOs are a vitalpart of the policing family. I have seen andheard how they are valued by the public andpolice officers alike.”

PCSOs work anti-social shifts, exposed to allweathers as well as to the less than savourybehaviours of some members of the public.

“Cops on the Cheap” – Unison doesn’t thinkso – and neither do the majority of Essexpolice officers who are supported by them!� See Letters on Page 9Sharing our servicesEssex and Kent – sharing our services, readthe intranet front page.

At the same time, the Chief Constable’s Bloghighlighted just how busy he has been in his

first three weeks. With roadshows throughout the county and

meetings with various senior colleagues to discuss the future of working together, JimBarker-McCardle has set about his new rolewith enthusiasm and vigour.

“In the next few weeks we will have to confirm with the Essex Police Authority exactly where the future of collaboration restsand have some very clear plans,” he writes inhis blog.

He also undertakes to “make sure that theseplans and the reasons behind them are wellcommunicated within Essex Police”.

One such communication announces theintention to “explore the business benefits” ofcreating a shared specialist crime commandand shared support services in areas such asHR and training, finance, transport and property services.

Also under “positive consideration” is a“shared IT department under a joint directorof Information Technology”, who could well beat Chief Officer level and perhaps work fromKent?

Mr Barker-McCardle says “no decisions havebeen made concerning staffing” and that“detailed consultations will be undertakenwith staff associations”.

And he makes the point at his roadshowsthat some of his decisions “may not be popular”.

Unison is the police staff negotiation body.We will be actively and positively engaged inall such “consultations”, as the intentions ofMr Barker-McCardle and the police authoritybecome clear and as decisions are made aboutthe future of the force and its employees.

We will proactively and positively representthe interests of every member of Essex policestaff, whether they are members or not.

However, colleagues should understand thatwe can only represent the personal concerns ofour fast growing membership.

If you find your own job ‘at risk’ and you arenot a member, Unison will not be able to helpyou as an individual.

If you are contemplating Unison member-ship and participating in the many benefitsavailable, all you need do is contact your localsteward, look on the force intranet or, betterstill, visit our website atwww.essexpoliceunison.org

Federation news by Roy Scanes

Unison news by Mike Frost

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Loans subject to status, conditions andcredit checks to members aged 18 or over.The Police Credit Union is authorised and

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VICTIMS of crime in Basildon aregetting a better deal, thanks to a newinitiative.

Operation Fearless has been set up to make victimsfeel safer and supported after suffering the effects ofcrime.

Officers from neighbourhood policing teams (NPTs) identifykey victims of crime and arrange to visit them two monthsafter the incident.

During these visits, they ensure that the victims have beenupdated about the investigation and check whether they aresatisfied with the outcome.

Acting Insp Scott Cannon, the brains behind the scheme,said: “We visit them two months after they become a victim sothey do not feel forgotten about.

“When a crime initially happens, there is a lot for the victimto take in and they may not realise what support they needuntil a few months later, when they try to get some normal ityback into their lives.”

The victim is given contact details for their local NPT andany partner agencies they could benefit from contacting. Ifthey express an interest in a particular agency, the officermakes note of this and makes a partnership referral to ensurethe correct support is given.

Operation Fearless also measures how much safer residentsfeel after the visits. Once support and guidance has beengiven, officers ask the victim if their fear of crime hasreduced.

It is this aspect that is key to the victim/police relationship.Acting Insp Cannon explains: “Once you become a victim ofcrime, your sense of safety usually diminishes, which is anawful way to live. Knowing that the police are supporting youcan go some way to making you feel safe again.

“We also provide a true reflection of crime to the victims sothey know that, having been a victim, their perception ofcrime is not a reflection of true crime figures.

“Basildon is a relatively safe place to live and we don’t wantcriminals making residents feel like prisoners in their ownhomes.”

Operation Fearless was piloted in Basildon wards in Apriland enjoyed some initial success, with more than 300 visitscarried out.

More than one-third of all victims said the support andadvice from officers had reduced their fear of crime.

Since the success in Basildon itself, Operation Fearless hasbeen rolled out across the whole of the Basildon district.

Officers also advise victims of ways that they can activelyhelp fight crime in their area through Neighbourhood Watchschemes, KINs – key members who represent the communityat meetings such as neighbourhood action panels – and byjoining Essex Police Special Constabulary.

Acting Insp Cannon says: “Victims usually do not want tofeel victimised and the experience sometimes makes themwant to contribute actively to reduce and tackle crime, so weadvise them on how they can play such a role.”

Thanks to the visits, 69 people have expressed interest insigning up to Neighbourhood Watch already.

On a district level, 861 visits were carried out between Mayand August and 25 per cent of people visited said they feltsafer as a result.

It is hoped that the initiative will indirectly help to reducecrime, as victims and vulnerable people identified through thevisits are given crime prevention advice to reduce theirchances of becoming a repeat victim and tips on being morevigilant around their own neighbourhood.

Acting Insp Cannon is so enthusiastic about the scheme’spotential that he is already thinking of expanding it.

“I am looking at developing Fearless to incorporate the keypartnership agencies, instead of officers referring victims tothem.

“By having this joined up approach, we can give victims thebest service and, if we manage to make just one victim feelpermanently safe again, then we have done our job.”

Acting Insp Cannon also developed the 3VP scheme – vulnerable persons, property and premises – where police officers and PCSOs issue crime prevention advice to peoplewhose cars and homes or offices are found to be insecure andtherefore could be a potential target for criminals.

A PITSEA officer will complete theBrentwood Blood Bank TEN challengethis month when he donates his tenth setof platelets in as many months.

Pc Nick Smith donates blood plateletsregularly and classes himself as ‘one ofthe lucky ones’ as his platelet count is sohigh he can donate up to three times inone go.

After he completes the challenge thismonth, he will have made the equivalentof more than 30 donations.

Nick was motivated to donate after hisuncle died of a rare form of leukaemia –sufferers rely on donated platelets aspart of their treatment.

Nick said: “I have my personal reasonsfor starting the donations and get a realbuzz thinking that I could be helping people.

“Completing the challenge is a greatpersonal achievement for me.

“I found out I was on the donor list forthe paediatric unit and that has motivated me to keep doing it – knowingthat young children and babies are beingsaved as a result of donations.”

Most platelet donations are given topatients whose bone marrow is unable tomake enough platelets, eg cancerpatients may have too few platelets asthe result of their disease or treatment.

Patients may also need platelet trans-fusions after some major surgery orextensive injury, to replace those lostthrough bleeding.

Nick discovered recently that plateletsare shipped from Brentwood via RAFBrize Norton to Afghanistan and Iraq forArmed Forces’ use.

He is keen to get more people donatingfor, unlike blood donations, platelets canonly be stored for a few days so regularand frequent donors are in greatdemand.

“A single donation can give as many as12 babies a dose of platelets, which iswell worth doing,” he said.� To find out more about donatingblood, platelets and bone marrow, visitwww.giveblood.co.uk Type in your postcode to find blood donation sessionsnear you

IT has been more thana month since our new

Chief Constable, Jim Barker-McCardle,joined Essex Police. It is obvious that he has settled into the EssexPolice family extremelywell. I accompanied him to themany roadshows he attended during that time. Mr Barker-McCardle wanted to listen to peoplewho work for Essex Police,and these roadshows haveproved the perfect way todo so.The roadshows took placethroughout the county andMr Barker-McCardle hasmet more than 700 policeofficers and staff, introducing himself andanswering a number ofinteresting questions. One question that I foundparticularly interestingwas ‘If you were not apolice officer what wouldyou like to be?’ to which heanswered ‘Either an adventurer or a farmer’.These roadshows will proveextremely beneficial to theforce as many police officers and staff have nowhad the opportunity tointeract with our newleader and find out whathis vision is. I am also finding theChief ’s Blog on theintranet useful and interesting.I am sure Mr Barker-McCardle’s fantastic start is a sign of further good things tocome and I am looking forward to working withhim in the future to continue to make EssexPolice the best police forcein the country.

NewsThe Law, October 2009 5

Corner thechairman

� Essex Police Authoritychairman

Robert Chambers

“

”

Chief settingout his visionfor our force

� Acting Insp Scott Cannon and PCSO Paul Hogben talking to Laindon resident Jean Cleland

Picture by Laura Anderson

Visits are reducingthe fear of crime

� Neighbourhood specialist officer Pc Nick Smith is keen toencourage others to donate blood platelets

Picture by Laura Anderson

Making a difference

by Laura Anderson

New packsto discourageburglaries

FOUR officers from Basildonand Thurrock cycled 59 milesfrom London to Southend toraise money for the BritishHeart Foundation.

Pcs Charlotte Morgan, JoshAnderson and Lisa Cookejoined scenes of crime officer,Dc Jeremy Spencer to raise£300.

Unfortunately, Dc Spencerfell off his bike during thefirst stage of the ride but hesaid: “I have lots of bruisesand grazes as a souvenir ofour journey. Despite my trauma, it was still great toraise money for charity.”

Taking heart

MORE than 8,800 crimereduction packs have beendistributed to ‘vulnerable’residents throughout Essexin a bid to reduce burglary.

The Home Office SecureYour Home packs includevaluable crime reductioninformation and handy discount vouchers which canbe used in local stores to buysecurity goods to protect ahome.

The packs will be distrib-uted by crime reduction officers in localised campaigns to homes identi-fied as vulnerable; they willgive useful ideas and pract -ical tools to get the rightsecurity messages across.

Most burglaries are carriedout by opportunist thieves.Nationally, three in ten burglars get in through anopen door or window, orthrough uPVC doors whichhave not been double-locked.An added bonus is findingkeys to expensive vehiclesleft in obvious places.

Leading the burglaryawareness campaign iscrime reduction sergeantNathalie Carr. She said:“Burglary is a national issuebut some cases could havebeen avoided.

“The Secure Your Homepacks give people the toolsnecessary to protect theirhomes at reasonable prices.

“The force is taking actionagainst burglary by raisingawareness and placing thepower back into people’shands.”

A NEW exhibition has beenunveiled at the Essex PoliceMuseum about The Great War.

The exhibition – The GreatWar: Home Life and Serviceduring 1914-18 – runs untilNovember 7.

It features stories of localpolicemen including InspArthur Morrison, who has beencredited with making the phonecall to warn of the first Zeppelinraid over London.

It also looks at the role ofwomen in wartime and tellsstories of those who enlisted andfought in the trenches.

Museum news

NEIGHBOURHOOD policingteams in South Western Divisioncycled the greatest total distanceduring Operation Velo.

The pedal-powered initiative saw 300police officers, PCSOs and special consta-bles out on bicycle patrol in July andAugust.

Thurrock officers clocked up a remarkable4,902 miles. Basildon came a close second afterofficers pedalled 4,752 miles during the two-month operation – a total of 9,654 miles for thedivision.

South Western police officers and PCSOs alsoachieved the highest number of arrests andassisted arrests whilst out on bike patrol, with55 people being detained for various offences.

As Operation Velo ended, divisional command-er Chief Supt Jed Stopher said: “Cycle patrolswill still continue in the division and we willstill have a daily presence in the community. Iam immensely proud of all my officers for thededication they have to serving this area.”

Over in Eastern – where officers pedalled6,520.1 miles – divisional commander ChiefSupt Tim Newcomb, said Operation Velo wouldleave a lasting legacy.

His officers on bikes made or assisted with 30arrests during the operation and carried out themost stop searches in the force, stopping 446people.

Chief Supt Newcomb said: “Officers will con-tinue to use the bikes to patrol our streets andwill pay particular attention to areas where weknow have had problems in the past. This willenable us to prevent incidents before they hap-pen.

“The bikes allow us to respond more quickly toincidents than if we were on foot as well as pro-viding us with an excellent way of supportingour colleagues. Operation Velo may have offi-cially finished, but it will have a lasting legacyin Colchester and Tendring,” he added.

One officer who will certainly be fitter afterOperation Velo is Chadwell PCSO BenFreeman. He clocked up the most amount ofmiles for an individual officer out of the whole ofEssex, travelling 605 miles whilst out on patrol.

PCSO Freeman said: “Being on the bikes hashad a real positive impact. Not only have webeen able to access areas that we may not havebeen able to get to in a car or get to incidentsquicker than being on foot, there has been agreat response from the local people.

“As we cycle around people are able to stop us

and talk to us, something that they couldn’t doif we were in cars. It has really helped us tobuild on our valuable links with our commun -ities.”

The force launched Operation Velo on July 1 –traditional policing with a modern edge.

Silver Commander Supt Ewen Wilson, head ofTerritorial Policing, said; “The operation hasprovided greater police visibility throughoutEssex, which has in turn increased publicengagement.

“Local officers were out in the centre of theircommunities, addressing needs and concerns.

“We have also had a great deal of positive feed-back from members of the public who have beenimpressed with seeing more local officers on thebeat in their area.”

Supt Wilson added: “There was a tremendouseffort by staff during this operation. Officersreally embraced the bicycles and clocked upmore than 30,000 miles, which is such anachievement.”

Operation Velo was the brainchild of DCCAndy Bliss, a keen cyclist. He said: “We con-stantly ask the people of Essex what they wantand they always tell us that they want to seemore police officers on the beat.

“The increase in bike patrols has been signifi-cant in helping to combat crime and disorder.When I have been out on patrol myself I haveseen at first hand the delight of the public atseeing us out on bikes.

“I have no doubt that this will boost publicconfidence. The fact that bikes are green,

inexpensive and help us to keep fit, is an addedbonus.”

The end of Operation Velo does not mean adecrease in bike patrols.

DCC Bliss said: “The results speak for them-selves as does the positive feedback we arereceiving from the people of Essex. The bikeswill continue to be used as part of daily patrolsand we will increase the numbers again in the

NewsThe Law, October 2009 7

News6 The Law, October 2009

With 3,000 hand-held computers or personal digital assistants (PDAs) due to have been issued by the end of thisyear, internal communications officer Heather Turner finds out how they canhelp police officers and PCSOs increasetheir time spent out on patrol.

THE benefits of using PDAs out onthe beat are huge, according tomobile data project managerStacey Pollard.

The public’s top priority is to see moreofficers and PCSOs out on the streets ofEssex – on foot, on bicycles, on motorbikes,in vehicles and on horseback – a view reinforced by the results of Essex PoliceAuthority’s All I Want For Christmas consultation campaign last year.

And using your PDA means you can spendmore time out on patrol – whatever your role –helping the public and gathering local intel -ligence for the force to use in its fight againstcrime.

This in turn helps to increase public conf -idence and reduce the fear of crime.

First and foremost, PDAs limit the number oftimes a police officer or PCSO has to return totheir station while on shift because they arenow able to perform many routine checks on thespot.

Ultimately, this means they can spend moretime on front-line policing duties, thus increasing the force’s visibility on the streetsand providing public reassurance.

“Increased access to timely, accurate andupdated information will enable police officersand PCSOs to make better-informed operationaldecisions,” said Stacey.

“Without them even realising it, any officerusing their hand-held computer will be improving public confidence by being able toaccess much more information on the spot andresponding that much more quickly to an incident.

“And members of our neighbourhood policingteams are also better able to fulfil our PolicingPledge commitment for them to spend at least80 per cent of their time out on visible patrol.”

An increasing number of applications areaccessible via the hand-held computers:� WebSTORM – which provides access to theforce’s command and control system� PNC (Police National Computer) – time canbe saved because officers no longer need toradio in to request checks on people, vehiclesand driving licences

� Intelligence – CID61 forms input only� local authority voters’ registers � legal databases – Hughes Traffic andCriminal Law guides and the Police VisualHandbook� Hazchem – Ericards� Innkeeper – for premises licensing queries� Promis Web – soon to be replaced by accessto HR ORIGIN Self-Service – so users can viewtheir own and colleagues’ duties as well as useother functions� Essex Police intranet and email access

Still to come are:� CRASH – a pilot application for road colli-sion reporting� Hand-e-pix – a digital imaging functionwhich means photographs taken on the PDAare automatically date + time-stamped. Theofficer simply has to give it a ‘tag’ and the pic-ture can be used as admissible evidence incourt� ANPR Back-Office (BOF) mobile� Crime report inputting� DMS (Duty Management System) mobile� fixed penalty Notices – enabling details tobe input and tickets issued� STOPS – stop and search forms� mapping� and limited access to the internet, theForensic Allocation System (FAS) and theSWARM warrants database

At the end of August, 2,443 hand-held computers had been issued across the force:2,110 to police officers, 271 to PCSOs and 62 topolice staff.

So, by the end of this year, all 3,000 hand-heldcomputers – half of which were funded by theHome Office – will have been issued and initialtraining completed.

Then Stacey and her team will turn theirattention to a refurbishment and replacementprogramme as some PDAs will then be twoyears old.

They are offering anyone who requests it one-to-one refresher training to enable them to getthe best use out of their mobile device.

ACC Sue Harrison said: “Using a PDA provides fantastic benefits for staff and officers,the force and the public we serve.

“The time-savings can be enormous as PDAscan be used to send and receive informationwhile you are out on patrol and they cut downon duplication as there is less need to writedown some information in your notebook andthen transfer it on to a paper form or your com-puter when you return to your station. I lookforward to seeing you all use your PDAs to theirfull potential. Stacey said another benefit of

police officers and PCSOs using their hand-heldcomputers more was a reduction in Airwave‘traffic’, which would free up Airwave talkgroups for emergencies and other operationalpurposes, as well as reducing costs. Sheacknowledged that the Mobile Data Project hadnot been without its challenges but said regularPDA user groups were held to obtain direct feed-back from police officers, PCSOs and police staffwho routinely use their PDAs.

“We have taken on board and actioned some oftheir requests,” she said.

“A lot of the STORM enhancements and theplanned access to SWARM have happenedbecause of feedback from officers, while the

Promis webpage was made accessible as peoplewanted to view their duties on their PDAs.

“We also exchange information and exper -iences with other forces, to take advantage ofbest practice from around the country.”� If you require one-to-one refresher training,email pdafeedback@essex.pnn.police.uk and putREFRESHER TRAINING in the subject line� Technical information is listed on the ITDepartment’s ASK BILL intranet site – click onP for PDA on the A-Z under the Five-Step Guide� If you have feedback or ideas for the MobileData Project team about your PDA and its use,email pdafeedback@essex.pnn.police.uk

Fingertip technology

Tournament raises £1,131

The right people with the right information in the right place at the right time

Going the distance

� Lakeside PCSOs Mark Roddy andSamantha Cooper with a Lakeside securityofficer, centre Picture by Laura Anderson

� DCC Andy Bliss presents PCSO Ben Freeman with a certificate for

being the person to cycle the furthest duringOperation Velo

Operation Velo at a glance:� police officers and PCSOs, collectively,cycled 31,148 miles � South Western police officers andPCSOs went to the greatest lengths,cycling a total of 9,654 miles� PCSO Ben Freeman, of ChadwellNeighbourhood Policing Team, clocked upthe greatest amount of miles for an individual – 605� 1,198 people were stopped by policeofficers and PCSOs on bikes� police officers and PCSOs on bikesmade and assisted in 118 arrests� 50 crimes were detected

� Pc Rob Barlow, above, of the new TerritorialSupport Team at Boreham, says his PDA (inset) is“the best bit of personal issue kit I have ever beengiven”. “I get results immediately,” he said. “As ateam with Pc Andy Donaghy, we have located hundreds of stolen vehicles and got so many othergood results through using our PDAs.”

� Pc Mark Webster, right, carries out a stop check, using his PDA

Pictures by Heather Turner and Sophie Bray

� Pc Arron Williams and his dog Scoobie take in a footballmatch during the tournament Picture by Laura Anderson

POLICE took a little time away from thebeat and ran on to the football pitchinstead for the annual Arron WilliamsTrust Fund football tournament.

Organisers this year made it into afamily fun-day so police staff and theirfamilies could also have fun while raisingmoney – £1,131.81 – last month at HQ.

Now in its third year, the tournamentbegan in 2007 to raise money for PitseaPc Arron Williams, who was left paral-ysed after breaking his neck in a rugbyaccident.

Pc Williams’ determination has seen himrecover enough to return to work, as part ofBasildon Crime Management Team.

Bouncy castles, an ANPR Intercept carand a barbecue provided some off-the-pitch entertainment for spectators. Theforce helicopter also landed, and had asiren sound-off with the Intercept car,much to the amusement of the spectators.

This year the money raised – £1,000 –is to be split between the Arron WilliamsTrust Fund, the national Child Victims ofCrime charity, another sufferer of para -lysis and St John Ambulance.

Pc Williams said he was overwhelmedby his colleagues’ continued support andthanked organisers Pc Colin Ellis and PcGary Barrett.

He said: “Everyone had a brilliant timeand I am pleased that this year themoney is going to more worthy causes. I

must also say big thank you to everyonewho came along to help support the dayand who continues to support me.”

Tournament winners were Westlife, ateam of police staff from Loughton. Theybeat DV Wonderers, from Tilbury, in thefinal.� The Child Victims of Crime charity(CVOC) is the only national police charity providing material support forany child who has been a victim of, ortraumatised by, any criminal offencecommitted in the UK.The force’s CVOC representative is PcDiane Murphy, who can be contacted viaemail or on ext 384144. Or you can visitthe website www.cvoc.org.uk� MORE money was raised for the ArronWilliams Trust Fund thanks to a localcompany holding a Party On The Pitch atBasildon Rugby Club.

Four bands entertained more than1,000 people and there were bouncy castles, a hog roast and rugby workshops.

Local sportsman Dean Macey, thereigning Commonwealth Gamesdecathlon champion, spent all day sign-ing autographs and chatting to visitors.

A coconut-shy scooped £100 and rugbyshirts bearing the trust fund’s logo wereon sale. Profits were shared with theHelp for Heroes charity.

The event was organised bySponsorPack. Pc Williams, who has taken

up wheelchair rugby since his accident,said: “SponsorPack did a great job inorganising the event and Basildon Rugbyclub is lucky to have them on board. Itwas a great day for the club.”

SponsorPack director Diane Birchadded: “The support the club and policehave given Arron is fantastic. His attitude to life is inspiring.” � FIVE Chelmsford officers took part inthe Farleigh Hospice Cycle for Life lastmonth.

Sgt Jan Bloomfield and PCSOs JonMcDonald, Ian Hilton, Chris Joslin andMatt Sherwood, are all based with neigh-bourhood policing teams aroundChelmsford and hope to raise about £450.

PCSO McDonald said: “I have had fam-ily cared for by the Farleigh Hospice teamat Chelmsford so I have first-hand knowledge of the great work they do. Ialso know how much they value the support of the community. Our teamcompleted the 50km route in three and ahalf hours.”� A WALK in memory of Southendteenager Matthew Dear – who died aftertaking what was believed to be anabolicsteroids – has raised £3,156.

Insp Kevin Whipps, of the Children andYoung People’s Policing Team, said: “Themoney will be used to help Essex Policeand its partners inform young people aboutdrugs through the 2SMART project.”

Use of a PDA at the roadside on the M11 resulted in

the arrest of a wanted female. She had broken down

and, whilst organising recovery for her, a check was

run through the PDA which showed a discrepancy in

her details. Further investigation of PNC using the PDA

confirmed her correct details and resulted in an arrest

for theft of jewellery to value of £1,200 and further

reports for driving otherwise than in accordance with

a licence and with no insurance.

I’m able to email the Crown Prosecution Servicedirect regarding injuries for domestic incidents. Awoman threw boiling water at her partner, causingserious injuries. The man was not prepared to go tohospital or have his injuries photographed. But Iwas able to record his injuries and send them to theCPS to show how serious they were. The CPS wasprepared and authorised a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. This would neverhave happened without the pictures being available for them to see.

I have been able to confirm the identity of

suspects on my PDA before arrests are

made. I PNC far more people during a stop

check than I would if I had to wait for a

gap in the PNC Channel. I am also finding

STORM and email access very handy,

meaning that I can keep on top of what is

happening without having to be sitting at

a desk. I look forward to further features.

As an on-call DI, I was able to monitor the

early stages of a stranger rape allegation,

which meant I was briefed and ahead of the

game – and in the car on the way in – when

I was called by the late-turn Dc. My PDA is a

decent and worthwhile bit of equipment.

As a firearms officer, I havefound my PDA excellent forupdates when on containment. Having photographs of suspects emailed to us hasproved very useful.

Using ANPR Back Office, Ihave had numerous resultsnow, including two arrestsfor cash in transit robberies during which a firearm and

ammo was recovered.

Letters of appreciation

TO Chief Supt Tim Newcomb:I am writing to commend PcDave Hirst and Pc Tom Walkerfor their professionalism andsense of public service.

An 80-year-old womanwalked in to our offices, con-fused and distressed. Shesaid she could not return toher home – which she saidhad been smashed up – andhad been sleeping rough.

We spent two hours on thetelephone trying to persuadesocial services that sheshould receive immediateattention and assistance.

In desperation we called thepolice. Pc Hirst and PcWalker responded and did amagnificent job. They sum-moned a paramedic to ensureshe was physically okay.

They then did some marvel-lous investigative work andeventually located a familymember who agreed to collecther, albeit somewhat reluc-tantly.

My colleagues and I feltthat the level of serviceoffered by these officers wasexemplary and very muchworthy of praise.

Advice service managerAge Concern Colchester

TO Chief Insp Glen Westley:I had the unfortunate experi-ence of colliding with a youngcyclist.

The child was badly grazedand quite shaken. A youngman appeared and asked if Ineeded any help, introducinghimself as Pc Craig Pledger,an off-duty police officerbased at Southend.

I didn’t know what proce-dures I needed to take and headvised me what he thought Ishould do. I didn’t have aphone so he kindly rang thetraffic police and waited withme until they arrived. He wasa nice young man and a realcalming influence on me afterthe collision.

Please pass on my sincerethanks for helping at whatwas a really difficult time.His presence and actionsshowed maturity which was acredit to both him and yourforce.

MC Danbury

TO Pc Andy Bullock:WE wanted to write to thankyou for all your help recentlyin finding my mother whowent missing in Southend.

She was eventually pickedup by police in Brentwoodafter a member of the publicreported seeing her in theearly hours.

She had somehow managedto get on to a bus in Southendand get herself to Shenfield.What she was doing for the12 hours or so she was missing I guess we will neverknow but when she wasreunited with us she was inremarkable good spirits andseemed to have quite enjoyedher adventure. We will nowbe taking measures to makefinding her easier should thishappen again.

I only briefly met you thatevening but my father tellsme you spent the entire after-noon driving him round in apolice car trying to find mymother and could not havebeen more helpful and consid-erate.

Later, in the early hours, wewere greatly helped by PcKaty Major and I have writ-ten to thank her too.

Most of us have little con-tact with the police in oureveryday lives and, unfortu-nately, it is all too often thenegative side of policing weget to hear about through themedia.

So it is very reassuring toknow when we do need theirservices they are as profes-sional, understanding andcaring as you and Pc Major.You are both a credit to theforce and we would be veryproud if our son, who at 15 isin the Havering Police Cadetsand hopes to join the force,achieves your high standards.

RCRomford

I WANT to send my sincerethanks and appreciation toEssex Police and all its officers.

When I have needed theassistance of the police forcethey have been nothing butprofessional – even when acall might have seemed trivial to them they havedealt with everything fault-lessly.

I just think that at a timewhen the media are trying topaint the force in a bad light,it is important you hear froma very grateful and apprecia-tive local. Many thanks.

MCvia the Essex Police website

TO the Chief Constable:I would like to thank the offi-cers at Great Yeldham policestation – Pc Neil Baker andPc Martin Van – for theirspeed of response, courtesyand competence when theycame out to a road traffic col-lision in Stambourne.

A vehicle being driven toofast hit our driveway gates. Iwould like to thank you forthe service you provide in thisquiet country area.

RD

Stambourne

THE East of EnglandAmbulance Service wascalled to a patient in LondonRoad, Leigh on Sea, who hadsuffered a cardiac arrest.

A paramedic in a rapidresponse car arrived prompt-ly and, while awaiting theambulance crew, was assistedin giving cardio-pulmonaryresuscitation (CPR) by PcTom Olley.

This enabled the paramedicto initiate advanced life sup-port. I am writing on behalf ofthe paramedic to say howmuch his assistance wasappreciated.

Pc Olley’s CPR was effec-tive and he was very helpfulin general.

Duty operation managerSouth Essex Division

East of England AmbulanceService NHS Trust

TO Pc Tom Olley:I was given your name by myuncle’s solicitor as the officerwho aided my uncle followinghis collapse as he was board-ing a bus.

I am one of his nieces.Sadly, my uncle later passedaway but I want to give aheart-felt thank you for helping him at his time ofgreatest need.

I know you may feel this is‘just your job’ but for familiesof people who have been hurt,injured or who have died, youand your colleagues do a wonderful job.

You all have loved ones and

the same emotions as thepublic, yet you have to con-stantly face sad and distress-ing sights and circumstanceson a regular basis.

I can never repay yourkindness but it is great com-fort to know that you werethere to help when we couldnot – and it is very importantthat you know how much weappreciate all you did.

I don’t know if you believein angels but I do and thatday, to me, you were one ofthem.

JD TasmaniaAustralia

I HAVE just got to thankevery one so much for a fan-tastic day out at the EssexPolice Museum family funday.

Everyone must haveworked so hard to put this on.

It was wonderful to see thedogs and handlers enjoyingtheir work so much.

We are so lucky to havethem.

DC

Saffron Walden

I ATTENDED the EssexPolice Museum family funday and I must say the wholeday seemed a complete success.

I certainly know from myvisit to the museum that itwas an extremely popularevent which was very inform-ative and interesting.

RMLondon

TO Ian Debbage:Thank you very much foryour email and for faxing theletter to the insurance company.

Hopefully this letter will dothe trick and we’ll get at leastsome money to put towardsanother car.

I can’t thank you enough foryour help with this matter.You have been very kind andpatient when I’m sure, likethe rest of the world, your in-tray is overflowing and youjust need to move on to thenext item.

LKGeneva

COGGESHALL CarnivalAssociation would like to sayhow much we appreciated thehelp and effort given to us oncarnival day by PCSOGraham Heseltine.

Most people do not realisehow much work is involved instaging a carnival and fete.

We should like you thankPCSO Heseltine and theother officers involved – ScSimon Culling, PCSO DannySpence, Pc Jerry White, ScArlen Francke and SSgt JoVan Zanten.

Coggeshall Carnival Association

I WOULD like to commend PcGareth Hennessy, of Halsteadpolice station, for the professional and efficientmanner in which he respond-ed and attended to my complaint about maliciousdamage to by vehicle.

I realise malicious pettycrime is difficult to detect butthis did not deter him and hemade the necessary enquiriesspeedily and professionally.

His continued follow-up andkeeping me informed of theprogress and result is greatlyappreciated.

As an ex-police officer, Iwould like to record my appre-ciation of the manner in whichmy complaint was handled.

RRCastle Hedingham

A selection of letterssent to our divisionsand departments,thanking us for a jobwell done.

Christmas stocking-fillers

The Essex Police Museum has a range of gifts to fill your Christmas stockings

– for children and adults

Children’s handcuffs£2

Crime scene tape£1.50

Essex Police Museum tie-pin £3

Policeman fridge magnet£1

Pewter handcuffs thimble £2

Pewter handcuffs keyring £1

All items can be purchased directly from Essex Police Museum atEssex Police HQ or order by post, telephone or email. Chequesshould be made payable to Essex Police Museum and sent to:

The Curator, Essex Police Museum, PO Box 2, Essex Police HQ, Springfield,Chelmsford, Essex CM2 6DA

telephone 01245 457150email museum@essex.pnn.police.uk

Essex Police Museum is open every Wednesday from 1pm to 4.30pm

and on the first Saturday of each month from 10.30am to 3pm

National CustomerService Week

What are we doing?

Institute of Customer Service 2 Castle Court St Peter’s Street Colchester Essex CO1 1EWT: 01206 571716 E: ncsw@icsmail.co.uk

6 - 12 October 2008

nationalcustomerserviceweek.com

First’ and ensuring we deliver the promisesset out in the policing pledge

We Will:

Contact members of the public to find out about their customer experience with Essex Police

Survey customer satisfaction with station visits

Increase mystery shopping to improve our response to dissatisfaction enquiries

Increase the way people can meet Essex Police by promoting partnership working eg Basildon, Chelmsford, Colchester One Stop shops

Any questions or for details of your Divisional SPOC contact Debbie Batey, Customer Services Manager Ext 52168

5- 11 October 2009

HAVE YOUR SAY: Write to Heather Turner, Law Letters, Internal Communications, Police HQ, PO Box 2, Springfield, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 6DA or email heather.turner@essex.pnn.police.ukLetters and emails must be no longer than 300 words and must include your full name and home town. The deadline is the 20th of each month.

We reserve the right to edit or omit letters. Please be aware The Law is reproduced on the internet and circulated to the media.

LettersThe Law, October 2009 9

Down Memory Lane ...

I AM writing in response tothe letter Blurring lines isjust not on! in last month’sissue of The Law.

I can’t help but feel that PCSOsare still being given negative feed-back within the force.

I understand we are not sworn officersbut we do a lot of work to help ‘coppers’catch and arrest people.

Recently, I chased two people, both ofwhom were caught and arrested. Onewas wanted for a theft.

The next day, I came across a man wasbehaving aggressively in the HighStreet. I got units to the location morequickly than if someone had calledthrough and, before it got out of hand,

the man was arrested on suspicion ofcausing actual bodily harm to a 14-year-old boy.

Obviously, it’s not just me who doessome very good work – all of my fellowPCSOs across the division will have sim-ilar success stories.

We are told that we need to carry outinitiatives in the local community – itdepends on the time of year as to whatthey involve.

These include beat surgeries or the lessinformal Cuppa with a Copper.

When local communities want to see a‘copper’ walking the street or if therearen’t any units available and if it’s notto serious, who gets sent to see them?PCSOs.

We are, whether police officers like it ornot, the ‘eyes and ears of the police’. We

are the ones who get the intelligencefrom our community because we are theones who are face-to-face with themevery day of our shift.

I understand that the ‘nicknames’ arefor regular officers but if regular officersaren’t seen as often as PCSOs – and bearin mind, of course, that the the P standsfor Police – most youngsters do call uspolice officers or copper, sometimes withderogatory remarks in front of them.

The dispute as to whether we shouldbe employed or not is neither here northere, the fact is we are Essex Police, weare a team and, if we all work as a team,then we should be able to be the bestforce in the country.

PCSO Dean Chesterman Vange NPT

THANKS to our readers, we now have plenty of information about the photographpublished in the July issue of The Law ofSgt Bert Turner and a team of officers picking up a new fleet of cars.

His wife Dee – who sent in the photo –thought the cars were being picked up fromChelmsford and taken back to Colchesterbut Pc Martin Spensley, of Laindon DogSection, was one of several who wrote in tosay the picture was actually taken in therear yard of South Ockendon police station.

“I can remember going to see the new carswith my father, ex-sergeant Peter Spensley,who could be the last man in the photo-graph nearly out of shot,” said Pc Spensley.

Former constable Paul Wilgress wrote tosay the Ford Anglias had been collectedfrom HQ and driven in convoy to Ockendonfor use in the new ‘panda’ car system forGrays Division.

He identifies himself as the officer with abeard in the photograph – the last in theshot – with Sgt Turner being the sergeantnearest to the camera, next to him is PcDerek Lee and he thinks the next officer isPc Colin (or Dave) Ross.

He recalls that light blue personal radioshad been issued, in two parts – one was thetransmitter with a pop-up aerial and theother was the receiver.

Ockendon was Mr Wilgress’s first postingafter training at Eynsham Hall inOxfordshire in 1966. He moved to thedetached beat at Hullbridge in 1969 andstayed there until retirement in 1995.

Roger Coleman was a young probationerunder the guidance of Sgt Turner inColchester from very early 1970.

He recalls Sgt Turner riding a very smallchild’s pedal cycle in a circuit around theoffices and back yard of Colchester police station, wearing a very large police helmet.

He said: “At one point Sgt Turner did notreappear once he had rounded the far end ofthe yard. A few minutes later Chief SuptDeighton appeared at my desk and exam-ined the occurrence book.

“He didn’t utter a word but when hereached his office he instructed me by tele-phone to get Sgt Turner up to his officewithout delay. I think Bert had ridden intohim just as he had parked his car and start-ed to walk to the back door.”

Once, while on duty, Sgt Turner offeredthe young Pc Coleman a sugary sweet androlled around with laughter when he ate it.

“He had earlier spotted the sweet on theground somewhere around St Botolph’s andhad skilfully kicked it all the way up toBank passage where he decided I wouldappreciate it,” said Mr Coleman.

John Wooffitt was stationed at SouthOckendon at the time the picture wastaken, just before the implementation ofUnit Beat Policing. He says Sgt Turner wassection sergeant at Aveley.

He said: “Unit Beat Policing was one ofthe biggest revolutions in policing whichtook place nationwide following a largeinjection of Government money to buy vehi-cles and radios for most officers on duty, aswell as other equipment.

“It was a great boost for morale and gavethe public greater service as, until then, wewalked or rode bicycles, had no personalradios and waited by various scheduledpublic telephone boxes every 45 minutes asa point of contact.”

The Ford Anglias were destined for GraysDivision. Mr Wooffitt identifies Sgt Turner,on the right of the photograph, next to himis Pc Derek Lee. Next but one may be PcDave ‘Dick’ Richards and next to him is PcDavid ‘Chalkie’ White, who now lives inSouth Africa.

I WOULD like to thank thosereaders who identified theplayers in the Essex Policefootball team photographtaken in the 1960s (DownMemory Lane, The Law, Julyand September 2009).

I can now put the names onthe back of the original photoand put it in the album withthe rest of my late husbandBob’s football career atColchester, his Army regi-ment, Sudbury and EssexPolice.

If it hadn’t been for theDown Memory Lane columnin The Law, I would neverhave known.

Miriam HydeRayleigh

I WOULD like to say a big thank you to the Essex Police DogUnit for again inviting us – on behalf of the Cystic FibrosisTrust – to sell refreshments at Essex Police Museum FamilyFun day on September 20.

Phil PassfieldWest Mersea

MY family were involved inan accident on February 28,1963, on or near theNevendon Crossroads on theA127.

We were travelling in a redMini, which my father wasdriving when he pulled outon to the A127 and we werehit by a car – we believe thismay have been a Ford Zodiacor Zephyr with two men in it.

There were no fatalities butserious injuries were causedto some of us.

Travelling in our car weremy father, Charles Smith,my mother Cathleen was inthe passenger seat with mysister Mandy, aged two, onher lap.

In the back were my twosisters, Brenda and Vivienne,and me. We were agedbetween 11 and 14.

My sister Brenda had glassembedded in her head fromthe collision.

We were taken to StAndrew’s Hospital atBillericay. Our family werefrom Clapham in London.

Contact from anyone whoattended this accident wouldbe welcomed by the family aswe have no recollection of it.

My father is no longer aliveand my mother suffers fromdementia – previously theydid not like to discuss theaccident.

I can be contacted on01753 889438 or via email atchalkycopper@googlemail.com

Charles SmithGerrards Cross

Buckinghamshire

I WRITE in response to the article thatappeared in the August issue of The Lawregarding the Bobby in the Lobby initiative (August 2009) and the apparent disappointment of Pc MickWest, of Essex Police Federation, in hisletter last month, titled Blurring lines isjust not on!

PCSOs are an important part of theEssex policing family and I can confirmthat PCSOs have indeed been used aspart of the Bobby in the Lobby andCuppa with a Copper campaigns.

I was surprised to read on last month’sLetters Page that their use in these greatinitiatives is seen as blurring the linesbetween police officers and PCSOs.

The PCSOs and police officers who

form part of the neighbourhood policingteams (NPTs) within South WesternDivision work really hard, as part of ateam, to ensure we give best service toour public.

These two initiatives have been under-taken by regular officers, Specials andPCSOs and the feedback I have receivedfrom the public and sworn officers hasbeen very positive – it is clear that thepublic are more than happy to engagewith PCSOs.

I am sure that anyone who has seenthese initiatives in action will form thesame view.

The policing family within SouthWestern Division is one of which we areproud and, from conversations I have

had with police officers within the NPTs,they certainly do not feel devalued bytheir PCSO colleagues undertakingthese duties.

The PCSOs carry out some fantasticwork, as was evidenced and recognisedat last month’s Essex Police AnnualAwards night, and we need to encouragea team ethos, ensuring all of our staff arevalued, rather than seek to put hurdlesin the way.

In order to see how successful theseinitiatives have been, I would urge any-one in doubt to come along and see forthemselves.

Chief Supt Jed Stopher Temporary South Western divisional

commander

I WOULD like to say howgrateful I was to be namedEssex Community PoliceOfficer Of The Year at lastmonth’s force annual awards.

But I would like to point outthat any achievements I havemanaged to gain are as aresult of working as part ofColchester Town Neighbour -hood Policing Team.

Policing is a team effort –we are no good on our own –and I’d like to thank my colleagues for all their helpand support.

I accepted my nominationon behalf of the entireteam.

Pc David Underwood

Colchester Town NPT

I HAVE been contacted byretired Pc Joe Kreyling, formerly of Southend on SeaCounty Borough Constab-ulary, who was stationed atEastwood police station fromthe day it opened in the early1970s.

A constable – nameunknown – did a painting ofthe opening, which was givento Pc Kreyling. He left it atthe station but would now liketo donate it to the museum.

The painting featured adinosaur coming over amountain and looking over toland where the police stationwas to be built. Pc Kreyling isin the painting too.

I would be very interested tohear from anyone who remem-bers the painting or its where-abouts. Please contact me on01245 457150 or via email atmuseum@essex.pnn.police.uk

Becky Wash Essex Police Museum curator

THE National Association ofRetired Police Officers(NARPO) and the SouthendBorough’s annual WhiteHelmet reunion is to be heldon Friday, December 11,2009, from midday atSouthend police station bar.

A ploughman’s lunch willbe provided. Please notify barmanager Pam Johnson ofyour lunch requirements byringing her on 0300 333 4444ext 30915 or by contacting meon 01702 545934 or via e-mailat peteryorke-wade@sky.com

Peter Yorke-WadeNARPO Southend branch secretary

‘We PCSOs are part ofthe Essex Police team’

PCSOs play an important role

Can anyonetell us aboutcar accident?

Do you knowof painting?

Nominationappreciation

Photo thanks

NARPO invite

� The Cystic Fibrosis Trust stall at the Essex PoliceMuseum Family Fun Day, back from left, Chloe Royce,Karen Royce, Karen Pryke,Julie Passfield and AimiePryke with Pc Elaine Michaels, of Stanway Dog Section,and police dog Taz

PeopleClassified10 The Law, October 2009

GITE in northern France, just threehours drive from Essex. Especiallyfor families and couples who want toescape to peace and tranquility inrural France.Ring 01375 483045 orvisit www.le-petit-hameau.comFLORIDA, Disney, four-bedroomvilla, three bathrooms. Private pool,air conditioning, cable TVs, DVD,CD, PlayStation, games room. Golffive mins, Disney 15 mins. RingKaren or Chris McAulay on 01625431373 or 07881 614045, or emailmcaulay60@hotmail.comFLORIDA, luxury, four-bed villa, pri-vate heated pool near Disney World,Xmas still available, free brochure,police discount 01702 586092 orvisit www.my-florida-villa.netFLORIDA, luxury villa 4 double-beds, private pool cable TV, free Wi-Fi, free UK calls, games room.Disney 10 mins. For informationcontact Mary on 01245 465690,07971 482022 or maryjane66@hotmail.co.ukFLORIDA villa, sleeps six, 15 min-utes from Disney, own pool with freeelectric heat. Backs on to woods,secluded location, WiFi. Visithardysfloridavilla.co.ukFRANCE Le Pas, converted stonebread oven with beams and woodburn-er, sleeps tow/ four. Five hours fromCalais, £175/wk call Emma 07711421579 or email matt.smith1973@btinternet.comLANZAROTE, Costa Teguise. Newtwo twin-bed, one-bath apartment.Kitchen, large dining room/lounge,large terrace. Ring Karen or ChrisMcAulay on 01625 431373 or 07881614045 or visit www.lanzarotesun.netMUNDESLEY, Norfolk, two-bed-room house, sleeps four to six, 400yards from beach. 20 per cent policediscount, from £165. Ring Paul on07983 888159 or visitwww.essex2norfolk.comPRIVATE villa, self-catering accom-modation, sleeps six – three bed-rooms, one en suite. Own pool, fan-tastic views, excellent holiday loca-tion. Southern Spain – MalagaAirport, Marbella coast 25 mins.Visit www.villapasatiempo.com oremail taylors@villapasatiempo.comSIDE, Turkey. Luxury ground-floortwo-bedroom, two-bathroom holidayapartments to rent on 5* complex.Indoor and outdoor pools, gym andtennis. Close to beach and localamenities. Contact Matt on 07957151820 or visit www.oasisturkey.netSKI apartment Bansko, Bulgaria.Great skiing at cheap prices, near

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BLOCK LETTERS PLEASE – ONE WORD PER BOX

Send to The Editor, The Law, Internal Communications, Essex Police HQ.� Advertisers should be aware that The Law is now published on the internet and anytelephone numbers given will be in the public domain. No internal or direct-dial workphone numbers should be given as contacts in the adverts.Only adverts from those directly connected to Essex Police (either serving or retired)will be accepted. Adverts should be restricted to a maximum of 24 words and repeatads should be re-submitted on a monthly basis. The deadline is the 20th of each month.The Law team reserves the right to edit or omit any advert.

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MBE Watch managerloses her cancer battle

AT his first commendation ceremony, Chief ConstableJim Barker-McCardle has commended nine police officersfor their efforts in saving lives.

Sgt Steven Scott-Haynes and Pi Peter Gartland, fromColchester, and Pcs Alex Nellist, from Clacton, MarkDundon, of Tiptree Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT),Hayley Debbage, of Christchurch Newtown NPT, and JeffWainman, of Copford NPT, were all presented with theircommendations last month for the part they played inevacuating a blazing block of flats.

The officers were praised for their courage and initiative during the fire in Colchester last November.

Believing that people were trapped inside the burningbuilding, each officer repeatedly entered it and, despitethick smoke and poor visibility, guided people to safety.

As a result of their actions, everyone was safely evac -uated.

Also commended were Sgt Daniel Barnes, fromSouthend, Pi Leon Pezzuolo, from Chalkwell Marine NPT,and Dc James Rafiq, from Laindon, for their professional-ism and timely response at the scene of a stabbing inSouthend on August 17, 2007.

The trio reacted quickly when they were called out toreports of a stabbing and found a man who had beenstabbed several times in his stomach and chest.

The victim was losing large amounts of blood and theofficers had to act quickly. They remained calm and kepthim alive until the paramedics arrived.

And, because of their actions, the man later made agood recovery in hospital.

CASTLE Point Neighbour-hood Watch administratorMaria Georgiou has lost herfight against cancer.

She died on September 29 atSouthend University Hospital.

Maria received an MBE in thisyear’s Queen’s Birthday HonoursList for her services toNeighbourhood Watch.

Due to her illness, the formal pres-entation was brought forward andMaria proudly received her MBEfrom the Queen’s representative inEssex, the Lord Lieutenant, LordPetre, at a ceremony in August,which was attended by more than250 people.

In addition to her Watch work,Maria worked tirelessly for numer-ous charities, donating wages fromextra part-time jobs.

RetirementsSergeant John Scott, 52, retiresfrom the force after 30 years’ servicethis month. He spent his career onEastern Division, finishing on WaltonNeighbourhood Policing Team.

Project support manager DaveKing, 65, retired last month, afterserving the force for almost 46 years.As a police officer, Dave served for 31years in uniform and CID atBillericay, Colchester, Saffron Walden,Leigh on Sea, Southend, Basildon,Laindon and at HQ.

He then spent 14 years as a memberof police staff in CorporateDevelopment’s Business DevelopmentUnit.

ObituaryFormer sergeant Charles Wood, ofHullbridge, has died, aged 88. Heleaves a widow, Catherine.

Mr Wood served Essex Police from1946 to 1976 at Grays, on Traffic andat HQ Driving School where he wasan instructor.

Donations may be made in hismemory to Help for Heroes and sentc/o A R Adams funeral directors, 117High Street, Rayleigh SS6 7QA.

AwardsThe following police officers andpolice staff at Essex Police Collegehave attained their Preparing toTeach in the Lifelong Learning

Sector (PTLLS) awards or theirCertificate to Teach in the LifelongLearning Sector (CTLLS).

These are qualifications which allteachers must gain before they canteach in schools – they are internallyverified before being awarded by Cityand Guilds.

PTLLS awards have been gainedby leadership and developmenttrainer Rachel Evans, crime trainerMark Anness and Initial PoliceLearning Development Programme(IPLDP) trainers Pi Jenny Bailey,Fraser Carroll, Pi Timothy Davis,Nichola Hurley, Pi DarrenPinchback, PCSO Jason Poole, PiLouise Taplin, Sharon Walker andNatalie Watkins.

CTLLS Level 4 awards have beenachieved by IPLDP trainers PiAidan Brick, PCSO Jason Pooleand Natalie Watkins.

Operation APEX managementaccountant Keith Ellis has receiveda Chartered Institute of PublicFinance and Accountancy (CIPFA)qualification from Anglia RuskinUniversity.

ESSEX Police motorcyclists and the Air Support Unit playedtheir part in the tenth Essex Air Ambulance motorcycle runfrom Ford at Dunton to Harwich.But one officer went beyond the call of duty.The officers from Mobile Support Division always help to policethe 4,000 riders taking part and ensure their journey is a safeone.Afterwards, at a family fun day, in Harwich, the officers –together with Essex Fire and Rescue Service, East of EnglandAmbulance Service and Essex County Council – helped tospread motorcycling safety messages.Sgt Mick Green, of Chelmsford Road Policing Unit, said: “This isthe first time that all four organisations have joined togetherworking in partnership at a motorcycle event and it workedreally well.”Organisers held a light-hearted Mr and Miss Bike Run competition.However, one of the male competitors failed to show and at thelast minute Pc Nick Galpin – who was on duty at the event –was, as he describes it, “volunteered to take part by Sgt Green”and won.In his defence, Sgt Green said: “Nick’s participation in thisevent was excellent, it showed that not only were we policingthe event, we were prepared to join in with the community andit helped to lower some of the barriers between motorcyclistsand the police that some riders still believe exist.“The motorcycle run passed without incident, due in part to thepolice motorcyclists involved.”

� ChiefConstable JimBarker-McCardlewith the latestofficers toreceive ChiefConstable’sCommendations

Picture by ChrisMorgan

� Pc Nick Galpin collects his trophy

For sale & wanted

Sports & socialThe Law, October 2009 11

� ChristianRobinsonext 58883

September lottery prize goes to ClactonTHE September force lottery draw sawClaire Quilter, of Clacton, win the£3,000 top prize.Hayley Jeffrey, of the Force InformationRoom (FIR), won £1,000 and Pc AlunCausaker, of Chelmsford SouthNeighbourhood Support Team, won£500.Winners of the £100 prizes were:Graham Forster, of Property Services;Dc Norman Stone, of Southend; DsAlison Finch, of Thorpe le Soken; SgtChris Hennessy, of Essex Police College;

Chief Insp Joe Wrigley, of GreatDunmow; Pc Diane Murphy, of Laindon;Glenda Winslade, of Crime Division;Mary Stopher, of HQ TerritorialPolicing; Sgt Mark Wilson, of WithamNeighbourhood Policing Team (NPT); Pc Stuart Smith, of Braintree SouthNPT; Deborah Smith, of FIR; and DINick Hale, of Crime Division.Winners of the £50 prizes were:Pc Jane Ball, of FIR; Peter Hamilton, ofCrime Division; Pc Sally Keeble, ofColchester; Peter Sawford, of Crime

Division; Lynda Campbell, of HarlowMajor Investigation Team; Cadet LukePitchford, of Ockendon; Pc MarkNeedham, of Clacton Dog Section; PcBarrie Kipps, of Basildon; RayStannard, of Chelmsford; Dc GrantHandley, of Hadleigh; Pc OliverAguiar, of Chelmsford; Sc ThomasMcSorley, of Basildon; Sgt IainMasheder, of Stanway Road PolicingUnit; Sue Ding, retired; DennisKitteridge, of the IT Department; andPc Alan Davey, of Writtle NPT.

Christmas shoppingideasI KNOW it is a littleearly to be thinkingabout Christmas but it’sprobably a good time tostart planning for thesilly season. The Essex Police SportsAssociation has variousbenefits which can saveour members money atthis time of year. The sports shop is stock-ing some new perfumeand attractive gift sets atcompetitive price. Wealso have some perfumeon sale, while stocks last.If you have any specificsports gifts in mind,please pop into the shopand ask Jo Baker to getyou a quote. Discounted tickets areusually popular, too.Two cinema tickets in aChristmas card make awelcome gift for mostpeople. The online shopping company Perkz alwayshas good ideas for giftsand its website is set upto make present huntingmore interesting.All this and more can befound on the EPSAintranet site – listedunder Divisions &Departments on the SiteDirectory

AS the season was drawingto a successful conclusion forthe Gents of Essex CIDCricket Club, they visitedStock CC.

On a pitch which providedlots of opportunity for thebowlers, the Gents battedfirst and began strongly.

Chris Sutherby continued agood season by pushing on toa fine 93 before departing to askied catch to mid-wicket.

At the other end after thequick loss of French,Couchman came to thecrease and hit a Gower-esque 77 with flowing shotsall over the ground.

Towards the end bothCallaghan – 34 off 16 balls –and Griffiths – 28 off eight –got the Gents to a season-high score of 269-5.

Taking to the field andmindful of approaching rain,the Gents had an earlybreakthrough when Parishstruck early.

When the second-wicketpartnership of Stock withLongden – 54 runs – andLewis – 77 – was broken, theGents went for the win.

With advice to change hisangle of attack to around thewicket Bob Miller produceda fantastic bowling displayand a procession of Stockbatsmen came and went ashe cleaned up with figures of5-52.

Sutherby also took threeexcellent catches which contributed to the Gentswinning by 104 runs.

Essex Policy Musical SocietyMemories are Made of ThisSeptember 9-12WHEN I looked at my programme Ithought ‘this is going to be a big sing’and I wasn’t disappointed.

Having to learn half a dozen songs ishard enough, let alone 51 of them – andthat was just the first half.

The society took the audience throughthe 1900s to the roaring 1920s with manywell-known and not-so well-known songs.

I loved In Ole Oklahoma – nice touchof Brokeback Mountain – and the skele-tons in Dem Bones. We were also treatedto many duets and solos with a nicerousing first-half finale Side By Side.

Paul Walker opened the second halfwith Leaning on a Lamp, cleverly bring-ing us into the pub atmosphere of the1930s. I would have liked a change inbackdrop from the first-half, and some ofthe hairstyles weren’t quite right, ladies.

A good rousing tap number to GoodMorning and an hilarious Sheikh OfAraby and Sand Dance were followed

with a good comedy touch in Waiting AtThe Church – three brides – and theduet Kiss Me Goodnight Sargn’t Majorwent down a treat.

The penultimate and finale no doubtbrought back memories for those in theaudience who went through World WarTwo, enabling most to join in – songsheets would have been handy.

Everything was colourful and well presented, although the pace sometimeslapsed a little.

Congratulations to director GaryBruce – it’s not an easy task to get ashow together. However, little breaks inthe singing with a narrator/magician/instrumentalist would have given thecast a break.

Well done lighting, sound and back-stage – without you the show won’t goon – and to the cast for all the singingand dancing you undertook.

Finally, to musical director DavidSherman and the boys in the band – ajob well done. It was a big play for youguys too. Well done to everyone!

Pauline Curtis

ANGLER Paul Bird has wonthe individual PSUK anglingtitle in a nailbiting final atBarford Lakes near Norwich.

And his 62lb 15oz totalhelped The Essex team, ofGraham Garnham, DarylFlint, Martin Woollard, GaryDerrick and Steve Adams,come fourth overall with 63points – winners Avon andSomerset got 35.

More than 30 teams tookpart and, with a match forreserve team anglers, thiscreated a 210-strong field.

The going was tough in thefirst two hours but then mostpegs started getting bitesand bonus fish began toappear.

Bird began to produce asolid run of fish from theMatch Lake but, with anhour to go, there was still noclear leader.

The last hour saw Bird andTrevor Popham, ofHampshire, in a battle. With45 minutes to go, Bird lost afish and broke a hooklength,just as Popham landed a bigmirror carp, leaving themseparated by ounces. Withhalf an hour to go, Birdrepaired his damaged hook-length and went back on thetip, taking two fish to takethe individual crown by morethan 10lbs.

ESSEX have won their firstPSUK cricket final since thecompetition started in 1975.

Opponents Dyfed-Powys had fourBritish Police players and were bigfavourites, having not lost for fouryears – compared with the match inScarborough being Essex’s firstappearance in a final.

Dyfed-Powys won the toss and skipper,ex-Glamorgan player Mark Davies,decided to bat. They got off to a flierbefore an amazing catch by ChrisRoper got rid of dangerous openerPhilips. Williams, who has captainedWales, came to the crease on the back ofa British Police ton earlier in the seasonbut was soon dismissed by AdyGarnham. British Police wicket-keeperEvans held the innings together buttight bowling and superb fielding keptEssex in the game.

Luke Gamman bowled superbly, takingfour wickets . He was supported by DaveRoberts, who made the most of the newball. Spinners Keith Sargeant and Roperbowled tightly in tandem, with Roperpicking up two wickets, including Evans,which was vital.

More brilliant fielding followed andEssex wicket-keeper Andy Blunt stolethe show. Following a catch standing up,he then produced a run-out and a late-stumping. Tight bowling from DaveJackson and Garnham restricted Dyfed-Powys to a total of 181.

The experienced Jon Butcher andJackson then set about the Welsh targetin positive fashion. Butcher playedexpansively to take the total over 40 buthe and his fellow opener were dismissedin quick succession, leaving Essex introuble.

Veteran Paul Gamman and Dave

Newman began to repair the damage byaccumulating important runs. Afterplaying cautiously early on, both playedsome magical shots, putting the bowlersto the sword.

Newman was particularly brutal, hit-ting four sixes on his way to a man-of-the-match 60 not out. Gamman was dis-missed for 45 in arguably his bestinnings in more than 37 years of repre-senting Essex – and his first win in afinal. It was fittingly left to his son,Luke, to smash the winning runs withnine overs left.� CENTRAL Division were victorious inthe Twenty20 extravaganza which wasthis year’s Croker Cup cricket competition.

Only four divisions contested the event– Central, South Eastern, South Westernand Western – playing each other on aleague basis.

South Western beat Western by seven

wickets thanks to 30 not out from DaveNewman.

Central beat South Eastern by sixwickets with Lee Parish making 31.South Eastern beat South Western withChris Hawes hitting the winning four inthe last over.

Central beat Western by 16 runs –.Nigel Cockrell made 42.

Western left early, so South Easternpicked up the points for a win, so it allrested on the last match betweenCentral and South Western.

Central batted first and made 187 –Jackson and Cockrell both reachingtheir half centuries. South Western gaveit their best shot but finished 18 runsshort, with Darren Barnard also making50.

Player of the tournament was Cockrellwhose 102 runs included 11 sixes andnumerous lost balls.

AFTER winning the platecompetition three years run-ning, the men’s volleyballteam reached the semi-finalsof the PSUK national cup.

Essex beat Grampian,Dorset and Northumbria, tocome second in their pool tohosts Lothian and Borders.

However, despite puttingup a very strong challenge,Essex lost in the semi-finalagainst Strathclyde, whoeventually went on to winthe PSUK championship.

And there was further goodnews as Paul Hale, DanThrale and Mark Thomashave been invited to Britishsquad training sessions.

Coach Neil Pettitt said:“The team have gone fromstrength to strength and Iam very proud that they havegot further in the PSUKchampionships than anyother year.”� The team is always on thelook-out for beginners andexperienced volleyball players. Contact Neil Pettitton ext 40517 or join a training session on Tuesdaysat 7.30pm in the EssexPolice College gym

Cricketers win theirfirst national final

Memories don’t disappoint

� Paul Bird

Paul anglesfor his firstindividual win

Volleyball teamgoes one stepfurther in PSUK

Gents of CIDfinish season on a high

� A scene from the showPicture by Mary Cotter

Essex Police Annual Awards12 The Law, October 2009

Next issue: November 2009 Copy deadline: October 20, 2009 This issue printed: October 2, 2009

The Law is edited by Heather Turner tel: 01245 452029 / 0300 333 4444 ext 54337 email heather.turner@essex.pnn.police.uk

Published by Essex Police HQ, Chelmsford, Essex Printed by Harmsworthprinting (Plymouth)

CiB Anglia Communic8 2008 awards winner – best small internal publication Anglia CIPR PRide awards 2008 finalist – best newspaper or magazine

� Essex ChiefConstable JimBarker-McCardlewith forceaward-winners

Picture by KathyHolloway

Policing achievementsrecognised at awardsESSEX police officers, staff and volun-teers have been awarded for theirachievements at the force’s annualawards ceremony.

The ACTION Awards, Essex Police trophies andthe Essex nominations for the annual Jane’s PoliceReview awards were all presented in recognition ofthe commitment, dedication, enthusiasm and lead-ership shown by our colleagues.

The ACTION Awards are part of our leadership pro-gramme – ACTION is an acronym for Achievementfocus, Customer first, Take responsibility for perform-ance, Inspire high standards, Overcome hurdles andNever accept second best.

The joint winners of the PCSO ACTION Award were PCSOsDeborah Lister and Philip Long, of Tilbury NeighbourhoodPolicing Team (NPT).

The winner of the police staff ACTION Award was areasupervisor Matt Hine, of the Force Information Room.

Sgt Paul Costin, of Laindon and Basildon NPT, was present-ed with the Police Officer ACTION Award.

And SInsp Adam Pipe, who is based in Maldon, received theSpecial Constable ACTION Award. He is also Mobile SupportDivision’s casualty reduction and operational performance manager.

This year, the force’s annual trophies were presented at the

ceremony for the first time. DCI Terry Haines, of HQ CrimeDivision, received the Liam Brigginshaw Award in recognitionof his outstanding commitment to policing in Essex.

DCI Haines has been an ambassador for Crime Division andis regarded by many in his team as an unsung hero.

The Wilson Trophy was awarded to Pc Matthew Clark, of theForce Support Unit, following his actions to help save a youngman’s life.

Central Division’s youth co-ordinator Pc Tina Smith won theMillard Trophy for her work with young people and, in partic-ular, for organising the Braintree Police Crime Reduction Day.

And the Anthony Peel Trophy was awarded to Pc ToniBrockwell, of Witham, in recognition of several operations shehas led in relation to scrap metal thefts and and in response toissues on an estate in the town.

The Essex Police Diversity Trophy, a new award this year,was presented to joint winners Essex Police College’s diversityand community placement officer Dawn Woollcott and Pc TessWisbey – then Thurrock hate crime liaison officer – in recogni-tion of their personal commitment to promoting equality anddiversity in the workplace and local communities.

Pc Wisbey, who is now a community engagement officer basedat HQ, also received the Diversity In Action Award, for herwork with vulnerable and minority adults in the Thurrockarea. As the highest-placed police officer nationally in theOSPRE promotion exams, Sgt Gregory Wood, of Harlow NPT,

was awarded the Sir Jonathon Peel Trophy – he gained topmarks in his Part 2 exam out of the 2,182 officers who sat it.Joseph Reynolds was named Cadet Of The Year.

The achievements of Pc Steve Fisk, the Essex PoliceFederation’s nominee for the Sun National Police BraveryAwards, were also recognised at the ceremony.

Pc Nathan Hutchinson, of Witham Neighbourhood SupportTeam, was named as Essex Police Student Officer Of The Yearin recognition of his high levels of enthusiasm, motivation andenergy which he dedicated to learning and progressing as apolice officer.

The Essex Community Police Officer Of The Year was PcDavid Underwood, of Colchester Town NPT, in recognition ofhis achievements, dedication and commitment to both policingand the community.

Bocking NPT PCSO Claire Aherne was presented with theEssex Police Community Support Officer Of The Year award fol-lowing her achievements and dedication to community policing.

And the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award 2009 wasBraintree custody sergeant Andy Goodwin.

Sgt Goodwin was presented with the award in recognition ofhis achievements, dedication and commitment to policingthroughout his career – he has been an inspiration to his peersby demonstrating continued enthusiasm for his work.

The Essex Police Annual Awards ceremony was held at StockBrook Manor in Stock last month. Sgt Goodwin, Pc Underwood,Pc Hutchinson, Pc Wisbey and PCSO Aherne will now go forward to the Jane’s Police Review awards.

by Morwenna Holland