“Most of us have relatives who are frail, disabled or vulnerable…I relish bringing to task anyone who abuses vulnerable people in our community.”
Those are the words of Detective Constable Sarah Vaughan who is part of West Midlands Police’s Vulnerable Adults Unit – a specialist team committed to protecting our elderly and disabled from abuse at home or in care facilities.
Last year they investigated hundreds of cases including claims of ill-treatment by care staff and allegations of vulnerable people being manipulated for financial gain.
Sarah, who has 27 years’ police experience across a range of roles, said: “I’m passionate about my job and treat all cases as if it were one of my own family members involved.
“Often we deal with people who are being abused but cannot speak out for themselves or don’t have the mental capacity to support a prosecution…it’s our job to protect them and to secure justice on their behalf.
“I’ve recently been involved in a case where an 85-year-old lady died after falling from a hoist at a Birmingham Nursing Home. Our investigation showed two carers delayed calling an ambulance while they concocted a story suggesting she’s accidentally banged her head on a head board.
“We exposed their lies, though, and they went on to admit wilful neglect; they will be sentenced on the 7 August. Their conviction will be on police national computers and be flagged should they ever apply for care jobs in the future.”
The team works closely with bodies like the Care Quality Commission, local authorities and charities to tackle abuse, get inputs from expert speakers on issues like mental health and dementia, and are trained in complex areas of legislation like the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
In 2014 the team investigated 56 deaths to determine whether neglect played a part and has also followed up referrals from local authorities ranging from general care concerns to allegations of medication blunders.
The vast majority never amount to neglect but it’s important to make sure there’s no foul play – and by working closely with care home managers officers ensure any cause for concern is nipped in the bud and help raise standards of care.
Sarah reflected on another recent enquiry. “I dealt with a case in Coventry where a son was suspected of neglecting his mother. Forensic evidence raised concern about his care and, even though he was in custody for 24 hours, he thanked us for doing our job meticulously.
“He had faith in the system and in us; our investigation eventually exonerated him of any blame and at the conclusion he was again grateful for our diligence to investigate the matter thoroughly.”
A ‘vulnerable adult’ is any adult in need of care services due to mental, physical or learning disability, age or illness and is unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves against harm or exploitation.
West Midlands Police is sharing a new feature every day throughout August as part of the ‘summer album’.
Find out more here.
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Summer Album #4: DC Sarah Vaughan – protecting vulnerable adults
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Summer Album #5 - Meet our water search team
West Midlands Police fights crime on land, in the air…and on water!
The force has a specialist water search team that’s deployed to support missing people enquiries, trawl lakes, rivers or canals for any evidence dumped by offenders, and to patrol waterways during major events.
Last summer it launched a new boat – plus an inflatable rescue platform that doubles as a raft – to dramatically speed up its submarine explorations as previously it had to rely on its membership of the West Midlands Flood Team – to access boats and specialist equipment.
Stolen property recovered by the team has proved crucial in securing convictions against criminals, including robbers who ditched computer hard drives in Birmingham Canal in the hope of destroying CCTV footage.
In May last year, the four men were sentenced to more than 30 years in prison for shop raids in Dudley and Wolverhampton thanks in part to CCTV evidence found on computers recovered by the team.
Officers found nine hard drives submerged in Birmingham Canal, Bilston, after intelligence arose suggesting men had been seen dropping equipment into the water off the Gibbet Lane Bridge.
The team has also been involved in numerous missing person investigations, plus scoured open water around Coombe Abbey in Coventry as part of the high-profile Nicola Payne murder enquiry.
West Midlands Police Sergeant Adrian Naik, said: “A lot of our work revolves around the canal network, especially looking for discarded evidence, but the boat means we can now take on searches of larger expanses of open water.
“There’s also the option to attach sonar equipment to the side of the boat which allows us to quickly get an accurate underwater picture and pinpoint any objects of interest on the lake bed which can then be explored by divers.”
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Summer Album #8 - PD Gil
Meet PD Gil… he might not look too fierce at the moment but in a few short months he could be on the way to becoming one of our four-legged crime fighters.
Born during May the German Shepherd is only just over nine weeks old, but he’s already developing well and showing all the signs of becoming a top police dog.
Dave Raymond, one of the force’s breed scheme managers, explains why PD Gil is already showing great promise.
He said: “All the signs are there with Gil. He’s putting on weight and growing well for his age but more importantly he’s already one of our most confident pups.
“He really loves to play and is has very inquisitive nature which is key to success as a police dog. His puppy walker might tell you he likes to play too much as he’s been very noisy during his first few weeks!
“Hopefully as time goes on we’ll continue to see him progress but at the moment he looks set to be a top general purpose police dog.”
West Midlands Police runs one of the most successful police dog breeding scheme in the country with hundreds of operational dogs being produced over the years.
During their first few weeks the pups are looked after by puppy walkers – volunteers who look after the dogs at home to get them used to socialising with people.
Experiencing everyday household noise - such as vacuum cleaners, televisions, and washing machines - alongside external influences such as the sight and sound of traffic, play a key role in their development process.
At six months old, the puppies go through to the crucial six month assessment stage of their training back at the Dog Unit in Balsall Common to see if they have what it takes to become fully operational, effective police dogs.
If successful, they return to their puppy walkers for another few months before undergoing the final assessment stage and being assigned to a police handler ready to begin serious training.
The scheme is widely seen as the benchmark for responsible breeders in the UK and sets high standards for appropriate health tests for parent dogs before breeding, rearing puppies, keeping clean and comfortable kennelling conditions and socialising their pups. Schemes are regularly monitored through a system of regional inspectors.
Breed Scheme Manager, PC Terry Arnett, said: “The dogs we train are key members of our team so we want to ensure we do the best by them from the very start and we urgently need to find suitable homes for these puppies as a vital part of that process.
“We are here to train the dogs and support successful volunteers throughout the programme. All we ask is that the puppies are played with in a constructive way and that someone is generally at home for most of the day.”
For further information and to complete an application form, please visit www.west-midlands.police.uk/specialist-crime/dogs/breeding-programme.asp
West Midlands Police is sharing a new feature every day throughout August as part of the ‘summer album’.
Find out more here.
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Summer Album #9 - Barney Barnes – police band leader and “Sheriff of Hillfields”!
When Jamaica-born PC Barney Barnes MBE isn’t on the beat in Coventry he’s often baton in hand as conductor and Musical Director of the West Midlands Police band.
The 65-year-old is known to many in Hillfields where he’s served as police officer since 1990.
“They call me the Sheriff of Hillfields,” said Barney. “I love the job. I joined the police to be a neighbourhood copper and said I wanted to be a beat officer in Coventry − a proper place with proper people.
“I’ve watched the area progress and develop. There are people I used to lock up for things like drugs that have turned into decent people, who are now coming up to me and shaking my hand all those years later and that’s nice.
“Neighbourhood policing isn’t a quick fix − but if you put down good terra firma it’s more likely to succeed and it’s great to have been there for that long.”
Barney joined the army at 15 and served for 25 years in a forces career that saw tours of duty in every continent bar Antarctica.
Originally a drummer, he became Musical Director in 1999 and has since conducted 100s of performances…including one when a fleeing criminal hopped off a shopping centre balcony into the middle of his percussion!
He added: “A traffic officer in his bike leathers was chasing someone who’d done a robbery. This lad jumped down from the shopping centre balcony and fell straight into the middle of the stage. He hadn’t realised what was going on before he bounded over.
“The band all dropped their instruments to help with the arrest…but I kept playing because we had a massive audience! Anyway, he was locked up and then we just carried on!”
West Midlands Police is sharing a new feature every day throughout August as part of the ‘summer album’.
Find out more here.
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Summer Album #7 - Football Liaison Officer
There’s been no summer break for West Midlands Police’s Football Unit as work continues behind the scenes with the region’s six professional clubs to fine-tune policing strategy for the new season and gather intelligence on problem fans.
PC Martin Portman has been our West Brom liaison officer since 2004 and has policed in excess of 1,000 matches either as a ‘Spotter’ − on the lookout for risk supporters − armed with a video camera as an evidence gatherer, or a public order tactical advisor.
His job is to assess the intelligence picture around fixtures and the potential for trouble; act as link between the police, club and supporters; oversee match logistics, crowd safety, and prepare court case files against people arrested for footy-related disorder.
He said: “Anyone causing trouble at games or in pubs around the ground can expect to be handed a Football Banning Order (FBOs) which, as the name suggests, can ban them from attending matches for up to 10 years.
“There are currently 160 FBOs in place across the West Midlands, including 18 in relation to West Brom, but this accounts for just a tiny minority of people attending games."
Last season, there were 166 arrests at the six clubs − Aston Villa, Wolves, West Brom, Birmingham, Coventry and Walsall supporters − which is down from 202 in the previous season, around 250 in 2012-13, and 344 in the 2011-12 campaign.
“The arrest numbers are falling year-on-year," added the 54-year-old, “not because we’re soft on offenders but because we’re more focussed on potential troublemakers.
“In the past there’s perhaps been a default position of adopting a public order style approach to policing football matches − stemming from the dark days of football hooliganism − but now we endeavour to deliver a friendly, reassuring police presence which allows genuine football supporters to enjoy their day out.
“There may be a few who wish to display their ‘support’ through anti-social or criminal activity − but it’s important we don’t allow the approach we would use for the anti-social group to cause us to treat the majority in any way other than we would do in our everyday policing.
“That said, any football-related disorder or violence will not be tolerated and offenders will be dealt with strongly."
Martin cites Alex Ferguson’s last game as the boss of Manchester United, at The Hawthorns in May 2013, and the “Great Escape" in 2005 as among his most memorable matches.
He added: “Lots of Portsmouth fans bought Baggies shirts for that Great Escape game on 15 May 2005 as Southampton were among the clubs Albion were fighting for survival. I was stood between the two sets of supporters and it was difficult to know who was who!"
Football fans can receive important match-day information on their club by following the police West Midlands Police’s ‘Spotters’ on Twitter.
They are @WMPVillaFC, @WMPBCFC, @WMPCovFC, @WMPWalsallFC , @WMPAlbionFC and @WMPWolvesFC.
West Midlands Police is sharing a new feature every day throughout August as part of the ‘summer album’.
Find out more here.
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Summer Album #12 PC Al Smith – tackling trans-gender hate crime
Most police officers are used to enforcing laws but one West Midlands PC is also changing them!
Inspired by their own experiences, PC Al Smith – responsible for hunting down paedophiles as part of the force’s cutting edge Online Child Sexual Exploitation Team – has changed a piece of law known as the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) to ensure transgendered detainees are treated as the gender they identify with rather than the gender they were given at birth.
In practical terms, this can be as simple as making sure female officers search detainees who identify as female.
“It’s a bit of cliché but I wanted to help people and make the world a better place,” said PC Smith. “My personal experience of how others have treated me because of my difference led me to not want others to face similar problems either as a member of team WMP or as a victim or suspect.”
In addition to changing the law and having a demanding day job, the keen ‘allotmenteer’ has helped establish a unique trans hate crime group.
The initiative sees members of transgender communities in the West Midlands meet and scrutinise the decisions of police and the Crown Prosecution Service, to hold them to account over the way transphobic hate crimes are investigated.
The delivery of training courses, mentoring and public speaking at national conferences are all par for the course for the dynamic cop who is also the holder of the trans portfolio for West Midlands Police’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Network and Treasurer for the National Trans Police Association (NPTA).
“I’ve focused on trying influencing national strategic policy and training issues to have the biggest positive impact, in addition to providing support and guidance to individuals who contact the Network and NTPA, added PC Smith.”
In 2013, the 43-year-old was a finalist in the National Diversity Awards in recognition for changing the law.
Twelve months later, the dynamic cop won the diversity category of West Midlands Police’s prestigious Diamond Awards and is a key adviser to Chief Constable Jane Sawyers of Staffordshire Police, the National Police Chiefs Councils lead on LGBT issues.
More recently the officer – whose dad was also a police officer – called on all other UK police forces to meet the same high standards as West Midlands Police and in ensuring the rights of transgender officers and staff.
In fact it was the force’s progressive approach to diversity which made PC Smith sign-up with WMP.
“I joined West Midlands Police in February 1998. I chose the force because it was one of very few employers in the country - let alone police forces - that included sexual orientation in their equal opportunities statement.
“It may sound minor today, but this was hugely significant back then. That’s why I’m so keen to see WMP remain at the forefront of equality issues.”
West Midlands Police is sharing a new feature every day throughout August as part of the ‘summer album’.
Find out more here.
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Summer Album #14 -Chief Inspector Sean Russell
Sean Russell is the inspiration behind a unique police and NHS partnership that’s enabling people suffering mental ill-health to get rapid assessments and expert care.
The Mental Health Triage scheme sees police officers crewed with psychiatric nurses and paramedics – the only such alliance in the country – to answer calls involving people believed to be experiencing mental ill health.
It provides on-the-spot diagnoses in public or people’s homes, ensures patients are taken to health facilities rather than police cells, and has dramatically cut the number of people needing to be detained under the Mental Health Act. And that’s saved countless police hours and freed officers up to get back out on patrols.
The project has been lauded nationally with Chief Insp Russell – currently studying for a Masters in Forensic Mental Health – picking up numerous awards, including a Mental Health Hero accolade from Downing Street.
The 44-year-old’s interest in mental health was ignited during a six-year stint as a Royal Navy medic – treating personnel suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – and later as the lead officer in the tragic death of Khyra Ishaq in 2008. Her step-father – jailed along with the seven-year-old’s mother – had experienced a period of sustained psychosis before Khyra was found starved to death in her Birmingham home.
Sean said: “Around 20 per cent of police demand is due to mental health issues. In the past we’ve not worked alongside the ambulance service or mental health providers…and it’s meant too many people ending up in police custody and essentially being criminalised for being unwell. It’s also meant many hours of police time have been wasted.
“We’ve now created a culture enabling us to work collaboratively and improve our service to people suffering mental ill-health. The triage has been successful primarily because it means medical experts, rather than police officers, are on hand to carry out assessments on individuals at the scene.”
Last year, the triage team dealt with more than 2,100 people of which only 263 were detained under the Mental Health – that’s down from 563 over the same period in 2013, a reduction of more than 50 per cent.
And of those detained only five were taken to police stations – one of the lowest numbers for any UK police force – with the rest taken to preferred safe health facilities.
Sean, who’s worked with West Midlands Police for 20 years, now hopes to focus more on autism and dementia and to empower officers to deal with these complex issues more effectively.
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Summer Album #15 - Senior Forensic Scientist Hazel Johnson
Hazel Johnson is one of West Midlands Police’s forensic scientists.
West Midlands Police has four forensic scientists working from its labs in Birmingham where blood and cellular material (DNA speak for things like sweat, skin, saliva and other bodily fluids) are recovered before being sent for DNA analysis.
And every year the team help secure hundreds of convictions by uncovering crucial DNA evidence against offenders.
Hazel joined the force in 2011 after spending 25 years working with the national Forensic Science Service (FSS) and has seen first-hand the incredible advances in DNA techniques.
She said: “The progression of DNA in a relatively short space of time has been incredible and transformed forensic science and police investigations.
“In the early days you’d need a blood sample around the size of a £2 coin, or 10 hair roots, to have a chance of developing a DNA profile. But today we can get a profile from a pin-head sized blood spot or a single hair root…the rule of thumb is that if you can see it, then DNA can be retrieved from it.
“You often hear the phrase ‘convicted thanks to new DNA evidence’ in cases as advances in the technique continually provide fresh opportunities to reinvigorate investigations, even ones that are many years old or appear to have hit a dead end.'
“Many people who thought they’d escaped punishment for serious offences are today behind bars thanks to improving DNA techniques – and of course securing justice is crucial to help victims’ families move on.”
Hazel worked on the West Bromwich murder of Lidia Pascale that saw killer Matthew Cherrington jailed for life in May this year having been trapped by compelling forensics evidence.
Droplets of blood were found on the wall of Cherrington’s High Street flat, despite him trying to cover evidence by redecorating, while DNA was recovered from a cigarette butt and the bin liner in which Lidia’s body was found.
And she also played a lead forensics role in the 1993 conviction of Michael Sams for the murder of Julie Dart and kidnap of Stephanie Slater. “Sams considered himself very clever,” recalled hazel, “but although he tried to clean up the scene there was still considerable evidence left behind, including blood, hair and fibres.”
So how far can DNA go?
Hazel said: “Plans are in place here to transform the science further, with development work taking place to potentially deliver 'Rapid DNA profiling', supporting real-time investigations and bringing offenders to justice far quicker than ever before'.”
“Further afield, one bit of exciting research is looking at whether it’s possible to establish hair and eye colour, even a person’s age, from DNA seized at crime scenes – and that could be used to create a photo-fit of a suspect.”
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Summer Album #16 - Sergeant Strongman Harjinder Cheema
You’ve heard of the ‘Muscles from Brussels?’ Well West Midlands Police has ‘The Beef from Short Heath’.
It’s a nickname that could justifiably be attributed to the area’s new neighbourhood Sergeant Harjinder Cheema…but one the ‘Gentle Giant’ may shy away from.
Sgt Cheema’s passion for weightlifting began at the age of 11. His dad was a member of Warley Weightlifting Club in Smethwick and, from his very first visit, was inspired to follow in the footsteps of the fine athletes the club has nurtured.
Throughout his 18 years in the police, Sergeant Cheema’s strength has not waned, winning the ‘Weightlifting for the Police’ contest on each of the 11 occasions he entered.
At his peak Sergeant Cheema jerk lifted a muscle busting 180kg − that’s just over 28 stones and heavier than two of his colleagues in full kit!
He’s also tested his strength by pulling cars and 4x4s and ‘Yoke walking’ 300kg!
And after reaching the age of 40 the Walsall officer is showing no sign of throwing in the towel and in more recent years has swapped weightlifting for strongman competitions, narrowly missing out on being crowned Sandwell’s Strongest Man in his maiden outing a couple of years ago.
He said: "I think with any sport or pastime you have to enjoy it as this is what spurs you on especially during the training. Ahead of contests I will train about five times a week for about three months. This can be incredibly difficult when you’re working shifts as the body’s sleep pattern is disrupted you can feel tired and drained before hitting the gym.
"But as well as the competitions the strict fitness regime that I have maintained undoubtedly has benefits for my police role. It prepares me for all kinds of physical demands the job can throw at me, but thankfully the need to use these skills have remained rare."
Despite a roll of honour dominated by strength, Sergeant Cheema has also conquered some endurance challenges. Last year he joined colleagues to complete the 3 Peaks Challenge, climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Mount Snowden in less than 24 hours and raising £1,500 for charity in the process.
Sgt Cheema added: "This challenge required a total change in shift to my usual routine and took me slightly out of my comfort zone. But I thoroughly enjoyed it and have even joined Birmingham Police’s walking group, despite the fact I may not be in ideal shape for long distant treks!"
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Summer Album #17 - Balsall Heath Forum
Policing by public consent is the law and order bedrock planted by the father of modern day policing Sir Robert Peel back in 1829.
His principles defined an ethical police force stressing that officers would have public support and approval providing they acted with transparency, integrity and accountability.
There are many people across the West Midlands who go well beyond simply backing West Midlands Police’s crime fighting efforts by actively deterring criminals, helping us tackle anti-social behaviour, and improving communities.
They are very much part of the wider policing family…so we’ve found room for some in our Summer Photo Album. And the first is the Balsall Heath Forum…
In 1994, Balsall Heath had gained the unenviable tag of being among the country’s crime hot-spots with kerb crawlers, prostitutes and drug dealers blighting the area.
But leap forward two decades and the community has been transformed beyond recognition thanks to the tireless work of local residents who’ve taken a stand against crime.
Often armed with just a notepad and pen, ‘Street Watch volunteers’ pass on information of those suspected of being involved in crime to officers based at Edward Road police station.
But even as things began to improve residents did not become complacent, to this day the community’s thirst to improve the area still hasn’t been quenched.
The efforts of the community and Balsall Heath Forum cannot be underestimated; their work has received national accolades but it is locally where there difference has been seen.
Last year Chief Constable Chris Sims, former Chief Constable Paul Scott-Lee and Chief Superintendent Alex Murray visited the area to thank the people whose work has made Balsall Heath an area residents can be proud of.
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Summer Album #18 - Hero cop PC Pete McGinn
All police officers swear an oath to “cause the peace to be preserved and prevent all offences against people and property”.
It’s a vow that comes with risks attached: last year West Midlands Police recorded 1,406 assaults against officers while responding to calls for help, tackling violent offenders and protecting the public.
One brave bobby who knows that more than most is PC Pete McGinn…
Pete was crushed against a lamp-post by a car when tackling a fleeing burglar in June 2013 and left for dead in the road with multiple fractures to his legs and pelvis.
Fearing the worst, he asked colleagues administering first aid to tell his family he loved them – but thanks to their life-saving actions, and those of surgeons who pinned his shattered bones together during a six-hour operation, the married officer survived.
Five operations later the 45-year-old has made a good recovery but faces further knee reconstruction surgery and the prospect of permanent nerve damage that limits movement in his right foot.
Despite the injuries, last year he battled his way back to work and is now part of an Investigation Team at Sutton Coldfield keeping tabs on crime suspects and analysing intelligence reports.
He said: “I always wanted to return to front-line policing but in light of the injury I have to face reality that’s not going to happen. I’ve been in an investigation role for almost a year now but am looking at other areas of police work that would be a good fit for me and where the injury won’t be a hindrance.
“Frustratingly, I need to keep taking time out for treatment and rehabilitation and, who knows, ultimately the most sensible decision may be to retire.
“People label you as brave or heroic but people sign-up as police officers knowing they’re likely to get into potentially dangerous situations in order to protect the public – that’s what I did and the consolation is that the offender was put behind bars for a long time.”
Pete – who has served local people since 2002 when he joined West Midlands Police – was one of several officers who flooded the area around Compton Road in Erdington on 7 June 2013 following reports of a break-in.
He attempted to stop suspect career criminal Carl Anderson as he climbed behind the wheel of his car but the 50-year-old slammed his estate into reverse, pinning him between the open driver’s door and a lamppost. He was later jailed for 12 years.
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Summer Album #19 - Dave Raymond: Police dog trainer aka Mr Angry!
He’s been bitten by police dogs thousands of times…but it’s an occupational hazard for West Midlands Police dog trainer Dave Raymond.
Dave is a familiar face at Crufts where – kitted out head to toe in his protective bite suit – he plays the role of fleeing criminal in demonstrations that see him chased down by our German Shepherds.
The 36-year-old is based at the force’s Dog Unit in Balsall Common where a training and breed scheme ensures a steady stream of canine crime-fighters graduating onto the region’s streets to protect the public.
His ‘on stage’ alter ego is a snarling, aggressive villain…and it’s led to Kennel Club members and puppy walker volunteers coining the title Mr Angry!
“Being set upon by police dogs would not be most people’s idea of fun,” said Dave, who lives in Solihull with French Bulldog Beatty, Staffie Nell and police puppy Raza, “but for me it’s the dream job.
“I’m always kitted out in my protective suit but I do still get the occasional nip…it comes with the territory. One day I’ll be doing bite work with our German Shepherds, then setting sniffer dog tests for the Spaniels, or taking the pups out to familiarise them with different environments that they may encounter when operational.”
West Midlands Police runs the largest, most successful dog breed scheme in the UK with more than 80 per cent of all dogs going through the programme becoming operational; any that don’t make the grade are sold as working dogs or given to good homes.
It’s also achieved Assured Breeder accreditation by the Kennel Club – widely seen as the benchmark for responsible breeders in the UK – in recognition of its commitment to dog welfare.
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Summer Album #20: Police vehicles
In the late 1970s, when it came to roads policing the Jam Sandwich was the best thing since sliced bread!
Traffic Cops were a familiar, striking site across the West Midlands behind the wheel of their Rover 3500s – affectionately dubbed Jam Sandwiches due to their red fascia filling – and with a top speed of 126mph they had few peers on the road.
Fast forward 35 years and today’s West Midlands Police traffic cops patrol the patch in BMW 330s.
And with 258bhp under the hood (100 horse power more than its predecessor), a top speed of 155, and a 0-62mph sprint time of 5.6 seconds they’d, well, eat the Jam Sandwich for breakfast!
West Midlands Police has around 1,700 vehicles on its fleet books, including marked and unmarked cars, motorbikes, personnel carriers, vans, portable custody blocks, eco-friendly hybrids and HGVs, plus a variety of trailers and generators.
The fleet is continually being upgraded, with older police vehicles phased out and replaced with new models in order for us to keep pace with criminals who use the road network.
Each new vehicle spends up to four weeks in our workshops in order to be kitted out with equipment like Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, blues ‘n’ twos, airwave radios, trackers, video recorders, LEDs and even a fire extinguisher.
It’s hard to imagine it these days, but back in the 70s high performance cars like the Jam Sandwich were the preserve of the very rich, royalty or police officers.
We found some old footage of one of our very own Rover 3500’s being taken for a test spin; the footage was silent so we took the liberty of giving it a 1977 Top Gear-style commentary.
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Summer Album #21 - Firearms officer Antonietta (Netty) Manca
Netty Manca is one of just a handful of West Midlands Police firearms officers who’s proving that our armed response unit isn’t just a job for the boys.
The 29-year-old graduated earlier this year from the force’s firearms academy – a rigorous 10-week course testing physical and technical attributes, temperament, mental toughness and extreme-pressure decision making.
Her success has taken the number of women in our armed response ranks to seven…and she’s hopeful more will follow her lead.
“There aren’t many females in the department…that just inspired me to succeed,” added former gym instructor Netty, who also captains the WMP women’s football team. “We aren’t cut any slack, and I certainly didn’t get any special treatment, but there’s no reason why women can’t make excellent firearms officers.
“It’s not about big macho, army types with guns; in fact, the most powerful weapon is your mouth because you can calm most situations down without using any force.
“There is a huge responsibility, though, and you have to know that you may have to pull that trigger one day. If the threat arises, I will do what I have to do.”
Netty – who has played football with Coventry City Ladies and helped them achieve promotion to the national league – previously worked as a response officer in south Birmingham attending emergency calls for help.
Head of West Midlands Police Firearms Unit chief Inspector Danny Delaney, said: “The role is open to anyone and, as Netty has proved, if you have the right skills and competencies there is no reason why female officers can’t join the unit.
“Firing a weapon is always a last resort which is why many of our training exercises are ones that hone officers’ decision-making and tactical sense. Success in our eyes is always to resolve a situation using the minimum amount of force – but there will be occasions where it’s necessary and absolutely the right thing to do to protect the public.
“Our officers are trained to an exceptionally high standard by operationally experienced instructors with many years firearms tactical experience; that’s why I’m confident when dealing with incidents they will make the right decision.
“It’s a tough physical and mental challenge because, unashamedly, I only want the best, most competent firearms officers on the streets of the West Midlands protecting the public. And I have to be 100 per cent confident in the ability of each and every one of them.”
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Summer Album #26: PCSO of the Year - Sean Long
Student links officer Sean Long shows his Loony side at school fairs where he’s swapped his PCSO uniform for an array of fancy dress costumes, including Sylvester the Cat and Tweetie Pie!
But that’s not all folks – because there’s a serious side to Sean’s work that sees him give regular presentations at schools in Small Heath and Bordesley Green on personal safety, knife crime, cyber bullying, sexual exploitation and internet safety.
Former builder Sean – who joined the Small Heath neighbourhood police team in 2007 – has fronted assemblies at four secondary schools, plus given talks at South & City College in Bordesley Green and a link centre for expelled pupils.
His work in keeping kids safe and building bridges with young people saw him named West Midlands Police’s PCSO of the Year 2014.
“It’s vitally important that we have the trust and confidence of our young people,” said the 31-year-old, “so I try to get involved in as many school activities as possible, even if it’s just having a walk round at lunch time to chat in the playground.
“I help out at parents’ evenings – chatting to them about things like child online safety – went on a climbing trip to Snowden, and have helped out at summer fairs in fancy dress!
“I also do role play scenarios with the pupils, covering subjects like anti-social behaviour and stop and search, during classroom inputs. The first time I gave an assembly to 900 pupils was pretty nerve-racking…but the 20 minutes flew past and now I love getting involved.”
Sean says picking up his PCSO of the Year gong was his proudest moment as a community officer.
A citation delivered during the awards night, said: “Sean is a role model for young people. His hardworking attitude, combined with his passion for the role, has seen him gain the trust and respect of students who don’t have a bad word to say about him.”
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Summer Album #29 - Tragedy inspires career change from computer maintenance to a life in the emergency services
There are some moments that can define your life forever and make you reassess what is important to you. And for PCSO David Monk this was the death of his 65-year-old dad.
Back in 1995 George Monk died of a cardiac arrest as bystanders watched on helplessly as no one knew basic life support which could have saved him. From this moment David was inspired to help others and devote his spare time to saving the lives of other people’s dads, mums and other loved ones.
At the time David’s day job involved trouble-shooting IT and computer issues for large companies and organisations across the UK, a job he had enjoyed for 20 years. But his new found desire to help others and teach vital life saving tips soon saw him pledging his spare time to becoming a ‘FastAid’ Community First Responder.
‘FastAid’ volunteers support West Midlands Ambulance Service by responding to life threatening 999 calls including cardiac arrest, unconscious and collapsed patients, chest pains, breathing difficulties or strokes.
For the past decade David has rushed to the aid of people, either by car or pedal power, and saved the crucial minutes that have often meant the difference between life and death.
Dave soon realised the skills he had learnt as a Fast Responder were ideally suited to other aspects of the emergency services and was inspired to embark on a career with West Midlands Police, joining as police community support officer (PCSO) for Solihull Police over a year-ago.
"Communication skills are the absolute key to ascertaining what is medically wrong with a patient as it is often literally life and death situations. This has helped me to establish the facts and make a quick assessment on what action to take, transferable skills that have stood me in great stead in the beginning of my policing career," said David.
"Both roles allow me to make a difference to people’s lives at their lowest hour, protecting the vulnerable from harm, giving advice to deter them from being taken advantage of as well as dealing with those that choose to take advantage of them."
While patrolling the streets of Olton and Silhill Dave can often be the first on the scene of a road traffic collision. He recently received a thank you card from a 49-year-old cyclist who was involved in a collision with a car
The man suffered a broken neck in three places. Dave was nearby with colleagues and able to provide immediate assistance and stop the distressed cyclist from moving his head and preventing further long term injury. The man has since undergone three operations and as part of his recuperation he sent a thank you card to Dave and the team.
Despite most of his spare time being taken up by the 20 - 100 hours he dedicates each month to fulfil his FastAid work, Dave amazingly still has time for charity work when most would be tempted to put their feet up and have a well-deserved rest.
"Outside of work and volunteering I am a keen triathlete and runner. I recently completed six triathlons over two days as part of ‘Weekend Warrior’ at Blenheim Palace Triathlon. All the hard work paid off as I managed to raise over £1000 for Leukaemia and Lymphoma research," beamed Dave.
And after changing the lives of so many through his work with the police and ambulance service Dave is adamant that he has no plans to join the fire service - although in his teenage years it was once a career path he nearly followed - instead he is justifiably proud of the difference he is able to make.
"There is nothing more rewarding that saving someone’s life through your own intervention. Whilst it makes you feel good, the biggest reward is knowing someone still has their loved one because of you," concluded Dave.
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Homeless triage car to help rough sleepers and tackle nuisance begging
A new service has been launched by Birmingham Police, Birmingham City Council, and homeless support agencies to help rough sleepers and tackle nuisance begging .
The dedicated Homeless Street Triage (HOST) car − introduced on a trial basis on August 17 − will respond to the growing number of calls reporting homelessness, begging and anti-social drinking in the city centre.
In the last year − from May 2014 to April 2015 − West Midlands Police took just over 1,000 calls about homelessness and begging .
Homeless hotspots were around New Street, Corporation Street, John Bright Street and Smallbrook Queensway, while most begging complaints directed officers to Bull Street, New Street and Ladywell Walk.
The new HOST car − provided by housing group Midlands Heart − will carry a Birmingham Police officer in plain clothes alongside two outreach workers, including a substance abuse specialist, and operate from 9am till 9pm Monday to Friday
Councillor John Cotton, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Management & Homes, said: “In the first two weeks, the service has engaged with 69 people on the street, offered assistance and signposted to support agencies.
“This multi-agency, targeted approach to the plight of people finding themselves without accommodation is very welcome in our city. Its main focus is to sensitively and responsibly respond to the complex needs of individuals who have ended up sleeping on the streets to ensure they get the help and support they need."
City centre police sergeant Lee Howard, added: “The aim is to help rough sleepers − people often with complex needs who struggle to access services − and direct them to benefits, housing, alcohol and substance abuse services, or mental health support.
“It will be a compassionate response recognising that police custody is usually not the most appropriate place for people involved in anti-social street activities.
“However, where we do encounter repeat nuisance beggars − those who intimidate members of the public, ignore warnings or refuse to take advantage of support − they will be arrested."
A police survey of city centre businesses − conducted in May and June − revealed that 88 per cent said there was a problem with begging and almost all of the 200-plus bosses interviewed said it had an adverse effect on trade.
West Midlands Police officers joined transport police and outreach support workers from Midland Heart during an ‘All-Out Day’ in June during which around 50 rough sleepers and beggars were encountered.
Some took up the opportunity of beds at the Salvation Army, several begging warning notices were issues and three people were arrested.
And Raj Shroff, Deputy Director for Care and Support at Midland Heart, added: “This is a fantastic partnership approach which sees our homelessness outreach team working with local police teams to engage individuals who’ve found themselves sleeping on the streets of Birmingham.
“This is a much needed initiative and we are delighted it has already brought really positive results, including very positive feedback from customers. Our priority is to ensure that the right services and advice is given to ultimately help an individual get back on their feet."
Members of the public are encouraged to alert homeless charity Streetlink to any rough sleepers via www.streetlink.org.uk, by calling 0300 500 0914 or by using the Streetlink app.
To report begging or anti-social street drinking call West Midlands Police on the 101 non-emergency number.
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WMPeople: Detective Sergeant Rich Cook – fighting cross-border crime
Detective Sergeant Rich Cook has been flying the flag for West Midlands Police at Europe’s crime-fighting HQ in The Hague.
During an eight-month secondment to Europol – the EU’s law enforcement agency – he worked with police forces across the Continent to disrupt organised crime gangs and catch cross-border crooks.
His role as part of an intelligence cell was to ensure information on UK crooks – especially ones suspected of being part of wider crime networks in Europe – was shared with overseas forces, while alerting cops back home to new crime trends and foreign national offenders.
Intelligence is vital to fighting crime… and in our latest WMPeople interview DS Cook explains how a phone-call made in Dudley can potentially bring down a crime group in Donetsk!
How did you land the role and what was your responsibility in The Hague?
I was keen to get involved in the pilot; it was an exciting opportunity and a chance to demonstrate my experience of investigating serious organised crime. I was interviewed for the position and had to show how my investigatory and intelligence background could help progress investigations.
I was attached to the UK Liaison Bureau (UKBL) at Europol to provide support to UK Regional Organised Crime Units (ROCUs) – including the West Midlands ROCU which includes Staffordshire, Warwickshire and West Mercia – and sharing intelligence with European colleagues concerning the supply of firearms and exploring opportunities to seize weapons.
My secondment lasted from October 2014 to May this year; it’s part of a pilot programme assessing the value of having officers from UK police regions embedded in Europol.
What exactly is Europol?
Europol supports the sharing of intelligence between police in European countries and helps co-ordinate joint investigations between forces. It is made up of 28 countries, in the main within the EU, but also includes representatives from Australia, the USA and Columbia.
Europol can assist with enquiries that are classified as ‘serious organised crime’ and which impact on two or more member states.
Europol has been involved in numerous seizures of drugs, firearms, people trafficking and cybercrime – these may well prevent criminals from getting hard drugs or guns onto the streets of the West Midlands. So although Europol activity in The Hague may seem a bit distant, far removed from life in the West Midlands, its activity can have a direct impact on protecting our communities at home.
But like with many things in policing, Europol is only as good as the intelligence you put in.
Did your secondment come about because of a belief police forces across Europe, including the UK, were working too much in isolation?
Previously there was only a representative from the Met Police and Police Scotland in Europol’s UK Desk. It was recognised there was a danger important intelligence from police forces in the rest of the UK could be missed and so secondment opportunities like mine were developed to plug that gap.
It’s important we show criminals that borders are no barrier to justice and that we have the capability to work as one to target organised crime.
Europol’s UK desk is made up of representatives from the National Crime Agency, Border Force, Customs & Excise, criminal records office and counter terrorism. In total there are 12 people on the UK Liaison desk.
What does that “intelligence sharing” look like on the ground then?
Intelligence products can be an analysis of crime patterns, information on emerging crime tactics, the movement of suspected criminal gangs, or information on suspects, vehicles, communications, properties or events.
While I was in post I was able to share the UK’s response on gas attacks at cash machines, as Portugal had recently seen the offence for the first time; likewise we were informed of a group of Albanian / Romanian nationals who were attending large music festivals to steal mobile phones as part of organised pick pocketing. That intelligence was shared across neighbouring countries to build into police plans for similar events.
We had a good example recently where an emerging tactic of crooks attacking lorries while on the move was highlighted by eastern European police – it means UK police could be on the look-out for such offences, and the modified vehicles they use to commit the crime where they cut a flap into the roof that opens like a sardine tin to allow them to climb out and onto the bonnet.
Sometimes it’s about sharing best police practice: Danish Police wanted advice around mobile police stations and Polish police on the use of firearms in public order situations.
Was there a ‘typical’ day for you in The Hague?
A typical day involved using secure email systems to share intelligence and liaise with other Europol members over UK nationals suspected of travelling in Europe, particularly the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal to commit crime. It could be to arrange for drugs to be delivered to the UK, payments to be made for drugs, to identify individuals to be trafficked into the UK for the sex trade or for forced labour, or for stolen cars to be driven across.
So, for example, I might receive a message from West Midlands police stating they were investigating a Joe Bloggs for trafficking of drugs and that intelligence suggests he’d been calling Spanish and Dutch phone numbers and it’s believed he travelled to Spain recently. I would send a secure message to my counterparts in Spain and the Netherlands requesting intelligence checks on Joe Bloggs and the phone numbers.
At the same time Europol analysts would cross-check the names and phone numbers against their intelligence databases; this would show if the names or numbers have featured on any other country’s investigations previously. Depending on what comes back this can trigger joint investigations, formal agreements with other countries to target a criminal group.
Towards the end of my tenure we were formalising two joint investigations with the West Midlands ROCU and European forces concerning drug supply, while the Met Police had 16 joint investigations on the go.
How much intelligence flows through Europol?
That’s hard to quantify but Europol has a huge intelligence database and numerous analysts that are able to produce very good intelligence products to target offenders. The flow of intelligence between the UK and Europol is ever increasing whether it be a simple request on an individual or joint investigations.
There have been seizures of drugs and firearms due to the involvement of Europol and working with other countries, ranging from drugs seized from parcels at airports or Europol being involved in initiatives like Operation Trivium in the West Midlands (pictured).
Prior to the pilot starting very few intelligence requests were submitted to Europol from UK Police (outside of the Met and Police Scotland) but when I left submissions were at around 120 a month. From my experience most intelligence requests from the UK are sent to the Dutch, Spain, Ireland, Poland and Albania and the majority of intelligence concerns drug supply, people trafficking and money laundering.
Can you give some examples of recent Europol successes?
Last month French Police, supported by Europol, hit a Moldovan crime group involved in large-scale property crime in France and Belgium. As a result of police in all these countries, through Europol, 12 people were arrested and 13 properties searched.
The operation began at a restaurant in Paris where the suspects had gathered to attend a wedding! The group are suspected of targeting bicycle storage facilities and specialised shops, stealing high-value bikes and moving them to Moldova and the Ukraine.
And in June another international police operation coordinated by Europol led to the seizure of two consignments of cannabis worth £300,000 and two arrests. Led by Moldovan police working with Italian and Slovakian police, one shipment was intercepted on a ferry bound for Italy while more drugs were found in a car en route to Poland.
Did you have an opportunity to explore The Hague when off duty?
My apartment in The Hague was a 10-minute walk to Europol…handy as I also worked out-of-hours on call to fulfil any intelligence requests.
While in The Hague I was able to explore the city’s art galleries and museums. From April to October there are also a number of beach restaurants: they are manmade, sandy beaches and act as the first line of defence in flooding as the Netherlands is below sea level. It’s a bit strange to walk up a hill to get on the beach!
There are a number of really nice nearby towns like Delft and Lieden which have a great deal of history – pottery and Pilgrims – so again really good places to visit.
In order to get to The Hague from the UK, you fly into Schippol airport which services Amsterdam, so quite often I would be on a plane travelling with Stag and Hen parties which was interesting!
How would you sum up your time with Europol?
It was a fantastic experience working overseas on behalf of West Midlands Police and getting a taste for how law enforcement operates in other countries. Secondments like this emphasise what an international community the police force is and when you meet foreign counterparts you know instantly you have one thing in common: we’re all after the bad guys!
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Protect our pensioners! Rallying cry from police to safeguard elderly against doorstep conmen
Elderly residents in the West Midlands are collectively being conned out of a fortune by cruel conmen who trick their way inside homes – now West Midlands Police is urging everyone to play their part in protecting the region’s pensioners.
Latest crime figures recorded by West Midlands Police show that 324 residents – mainly older, vulnerable people – have been duped in the last 12 months by distraction burglars posing as officials, workmen and even police officers.
It’s estimated they’ve lost in excess of £100,000 to the heartless thieves – but detectives believe that could be just the tip of the iceberg with many more offences going unreported.
Last month West Midlands Police detectives investigating thefts and cons against elderly residents in Birmingham made two significant arrests; both men are now remanded in prison ahead of appearances at crown court.
But the force is urging everyone to be alert to the threat and help spread the word to be wary of dodgy doorstep callers.
West Midlands Police Detective Chief Inspector Simon Wallis, said: “Unfortunately there are people out there who think nothing of targeting the most vulnerable in society and stealing from them.
“These are despicable offences…among the most callous we come across. Thieves turn up at people’s homes under the pretences of helping them but, in reality, they are looking for opportunities to steal cash and valuables.
“We’ve seen offenders posing as police officers; council officials; gas, electricity or water company officials; surveyors; rat catchers and workmen of various types.
“I’d encourage anyone who has an elderly relative, neighbour or friend to pop round, check up on them, and ensure they are wary of these criminal tactics. Everyone can play their part – let’s spread the message and hopefully stop more people becoming victims.”
One of the worst cases detectives are investigating saw a 90-year-old man from Hall Green lose £16,000 on 10 October to a fraudster posing as a police officer.
The man is understood to have claimed he was going door-to-door offering crime prevention advice following a spate of break-ins and to ensure any money kept in the house was secure. But when the victim’s back was turned he fled with two carrier bags full of cash.
Last month West Midlands Police arrested a Stechford man on suspicion of posing as a PC to gain entry to pensioners’ homes. Jason Fellowes (38) was charged with four burglaries and remanded into prison ahead of his next court date on 11 December.
And Gurtake Singh, from Hall Green, was arrested following a series of frauds by a conman who’d duped Birmingham residents out of cash with fake stories of ill relatives.
The 37-year-old is accused of taking money – ranging from £20 to £100 – from people by pleading for ‘taxi money’ to visit family in hospital. He’s been charged with 10 counts of fraud plus one burglary and remanded in prison until 28 January 2016.
Det Chief Insp Wallis added: “We’ve recorded 324 ‘distraction burglary’ offences in the last 12 months but we suspect the actual figure could be much higher.
“Many victims may not realise they’ve suffered a theft – perhaps believing they’ve misplaced money or possessions) or not reporting out of a perceived embarrassment they’ve been duped.
“There is nothing to be ashamed of, though, as these conmen can be very convincing. It’s vital people to report offences or suspicious behaviour to us so that we can piece together a picture of offending patterns, potentially link offences and gather evidence.
“Ultimately, our message is never to let anyone into your home who turns up unannounced. If anyone says they’re on official business ask to see identification, check it carefully and phone the organisation they claim to be from. Get a number from the phone book or online – don’t use any number they provide you on a card.
“If in doubt keep them out and call the police on 999.”
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Police operation a success as Queen visits Birmingham
A West Midlands Police and British Transport Police operation for the Queen’s visit to Birmingham has been hailed a success.
Thousands of people flocked to Birmingham to get a glimpse of Her Majesty as she visited Birmingham New Street and Grand Central, the new Metro stop in Bull Street and the Dental Hospital.
A large police operation had been planned for the event to ensure the safety of the visitors and members of the public who attended to watch.
In light of events in Paris additional police patrols were added to the original plan to provide reassurance and armed officers were deployed in the city as a precaution.
ACC Gary Cann, who led the operation for West Midlands Police, said: “It has been a great day for Birmingham with thousands of people getting the chance to see Her Majesty visiting the second city.
“We worked really closely with British Transport Police and other partners to plan for today and we’re delighted the operation has been such a success with no reported issues throughout the day.
“The extra officers that have been on patrol have provided people with reassurance and we were confident that we had plans in place to tackle all eventualities.
“I’d like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved in the security operation and also members of the public who really got into the spirit of the event.”
Ch Supt Peter Holden, who led the operation for British Transport Police, said: “The reopening of New Street by The Queen was a fitting event to celebrate the new gateway to the city.
“We’d like to thank everyone who visited the station this morning for their cooperation as our officers carried out searches and prepared for the arrival of the royal train.
“The comprehensive policing operation at New Street proved a resounding success and was testament to effective partnership working between a number of organisations and the people of Birmingham.”
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, added: “We were pleased to welcome the Queen to the region. As always officers have done a superb job keeping the Queen and the people of the West Midlands safe.”
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