PW_2_2023

IPA Section UK

Vol 68 No.2 2023

The magazine of the International Police Association, Section UK

www.ipa-uk.org

A Journey Through Peru See Page 16

Lottery Winners See Page 25

International Police Association Section UK

Entry Form Over Leaf

Recycle & Recruit Please recycle your used copy of Police World into Police stations to aid recruitment

GEORGIA, ARMENIA AND BEYOND 2 COUNTRIES, 4 CAPITALS: THE BENCHMARK WAY

£899 FROM ONLY PER PERSON

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Benchmark Travel is providing an exciting opportunity for IPA members to explore the beautiful destinations of Georgia and its capital Tbilisi, Armenia and its capital Yerevan, have an overnight stay in Istanbul, Turkey, and an option to visit Baku, Azerbaijan. Plus we’ll include your hobbies and interests where possible!

SAMPLE TOUR AT A GLANCE

Day 7 Armenia - Your interests! Day 8 Return to Tbisili Day 9 Georgia - Your interests Day 10 Return to UK or fly to Baku Day 11 Explore Baku Day 12 Azerbaijian - Your interests Day 13 Return to UK or return to Georgia/Armenia/Turkey

Day 1 Depart UK

Overnight Istanbul Day 2 Full day exploring Istanbul Overnight Tbisili Day 3 Full Day Tbisili Day 4 Overnight train to Yerevan Day 5 Yerevan Wine Festival Day 6 Yerevan Wine & Food Tour

SCAN FOR EXCLUSIVE DEALS

T: 01422 847847 E: enquiries@benchmarktravel.co.uk W: benchmarktravel.co.uk BenchmarkTravelPage benchmarktravel

* The price of £899 is valid for the 30th May/8th June tour using return flights from Manchester based on 2 persons sharing. Single supplement available on request. Flights also available from Birmingham, Dublin, Edinburgh, Gatwick & Heathrow at a supplement.

20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION TOUR

Contents Police World The magazine of the International Police Association, Section UK

Vol 68 No.2 2023

Keeping You Informed 4–5 Keeping You Informed Clive Wood President of Section UK Professional Development 7 International Ambition Tom Atkins, London NSY Branch 16 Getting To The Truth Michel Funicelli PhD, North East Branch Feature Articles 5 Keys, Mash and Larry the Cat Alex Williams, IPA London Reception Officer 6 A Spanish Exchange in London Jose Carlos Vicente Gorostiza, Section Spain 8 Salieu’s story Pauline Newton –West Mercia Branch 9 National Remembrance Day Parade

Editorial Neil Hallam e-mail: mail@neilhallam.com Deadline for article submission for Vol. 68 Edition 3, 2023 is 16 June 2023 Dispatched July 2023

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Advertising Michele Rai tel: (+44) 115 981 3638 e-mail: michele.rai@ipa-uk.org

General enquiries IPA HQ - Section UK, 1 Fox Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham. NG2 6AJ tel: (+44) 0115 981 3638 e-mail: mail@ipa-uk.org Printed by Bishops Printers, Walton Road, Portsmouth,

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Spike Elliott: Secretary, North of England (No 3) Region A Sheriff Comes to Town Steve Fuller, Kent & South East London Branch Nottinghamshire Memories Tony Berrington, Nottinghamshire Branch Chairman IPA opens a Gateway to the North Alex Williams, Secretary London North Branch

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Hampshire PO6 1TR Graphic Design by BDS 21 Ltd Membership

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Northern Lights Phil Neill, Greater Belfast Secretary

Membership of Section UK is open to serving and retired police officers, specials, police staff and police volunteers as well as serving and retired members of HM Military Police forces, the NCA and warranted officers of Border Force. Associate membership is also available. The membership fee tapers during the year and our 2 Together offer allows two people to join for £20 at any time of year. Annual renewal is £32. For full details of membership requirements and to join the IPA scan the QR code. A guide to Region numbers 1 - Scotland Region 2 - Northern Ireland Region 3 - North of England including Isle of Man Region 4 - Wales Region 5 - Midlands Region 6 - Central and West London Region 7 - South & Southwest including the Channel Islands Region 8 - East Anglia Region 9 - Northern Home Counties and North and Northwest London Region 10 - Essex and East London Region 11 - Southern Home Counties and South London Region

15 Living the Cave Life Tom Whitmore, Devon Branch 16–17 Celebrity, Spiders and Paddington Bear: A Journey through Peru Mark Faunt, Scarborough Branch Chair 26 Cycling in Gambia Baba Adeyeye, BTP Branch 27 Competition Win was right up our Prom Andy Gregory, Birmingham, West Midlands Branch News 20–23 News from around IPA Spotlight on the Interest Groups 11 IPA – UK Amateur Radio Section James Bertram 18 Motorcycle SIG visits Northern Ireland Rodney Mackenzie, Section UK Motorcycle SIG 29 Friendship across the Iron Curtain Ken Laidler, Merseyside North Branch

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Interest Groups

Caravan & Camping SIG Defensive Tactics Group Family History Group

Motorcycle SIG Police Educators

Writers’ SIG Walkers’ Group Amateur Radio Section

Cover Photo Mark Faunt - Machu Picchu, Peru

Competitions 25

Crossword and Soduko WIN one of these books by Stephen Downing and Ron Turnbull

Sports 28

Haste Ye Back: hiking in Scotland Andy Wright, Secretary, Central Scotland Branch

Next deadline 16 June 2023 for publication July 2023

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Classifieds

Diary

POLICE WORLD Vol 68 No.2, 2023

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ISSN No: 0032-261X

Keeping you informed

Keeping you informed As I write this article, I have just had a particularly busy period of IPA activity. I have enjoyed some lessons to improve my shooting skills, at a discipline known as down the line (DTL). This was possible thanks to a bursary from The IPA UK lottery. If you are not a member, I highly recommend it, particularly as my numbers came up recently with both a first (£100) and a third (£40) prize within just a couple of months. I should add I have nothing to do with the selection, and the numbers are generated by a random app by our friendly and helpful office staff. Austria. Section Austria provided excellent hospitality, even arranging snow on the last day of our visit so we could see the mountains at their best. The full day meeting on Friday was productive, and I brought back several ideas to our own Executive. Talking about travel, do remember the IPA can offer very affordable accommodation in many areas of the world. I have previously stayed in the IPA house in Lisbon, Portugal and the IPA house in Dublin, Ireland. I was aware of an IPA house in Lapland and had been meaning to look into the logistics of a visit. Anyway, When I met with our friends from Austria, they had recently returned from a stay in the IPA house Lapland, and it has spurred me on to use this facility myself. I hope to arrange an IPA visit, and if I do, I will keep you posted. Just another example of the fantastic member benefits which you can access through your membership.

I n January, I met by zoom, with the Chairs of our Branches and Regions. I particularly wanted to consider recruitment and retention issues. The number of members leaving our association continues to be greater than those joining, and I want to ensure I had not missed any golden opportunities to increase membership. Thank you to all of you that attended. It was as always, great to catch up, and I thank you for your contributions. I have been travelling over the past few weeks. Together with other members of your National Executive, I flew to Belfast, where we were met by Deirdre Mahony, (Chair Region 2) who dropped us in Dundalk. Sadly, due to a previous engagement, she was unable to stay with us but Region 2 were well represented by Sam Olphert (Vice Chair), Petra Loyer, (Treasurer) and Cate Connolly (Secretary). I chaired a meeting of your National Executive, followed by a meeting with the Executive of Region 2, and then a meeting with the Executive of Section Ireland. This was a great example of inter-section working, and as always, we enjoyed excellent hospitality from our friends in Section Ireland. Thank you, Conor and all. A bit like buses, with only two days to change the contents of the suitcase, Helen and I were off again. We took the opportunity to attend the Gimborn Conversation for Seniors Talks, which were this year hosted in Salzburg

Staying with a travel theme, I wanted to personally thank our London Reception Officer (LRO) Alex Williams. We receive many, many IPA visitors to the UK throughout the year, and the vast majority travel to or through London. Alex has put in a tremendous amount of effort to help and advise guests. Remember, we have access to the Civil Service Club if you are popping into the city. Alex has also recruited a group of volunteers who assist him in managing these visits. Thank you to you all for giving up your time to help others from around the globe visiting our capital. It shows the IPA UK at its best and I’m grateful to you all.

President Martin Hoffman and Secretary Robert Neumann presentation in Saltzburg

Visit to Red Bull Racing Hangar 7 Saltzburg

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POLICE WORLD Vol 68 No.2, 2023

Keeping you informed

French police officers Ludovic, Christelle and Lilou

Keys, Mash and Larry the Cat Alex Williams , IPA London Reception Officer It has been a busy start to the New Year, hosting two groups of international visitors in January, with the help of new IPA volunteers

IPA Austria in Lapland

from Regions 6, 9, 10 and 11. R etired Supervisory Special Agent Zach Mann and his family, from Miami Florida, touched down in UK for a five day visit. With no time to waste, they dashed across town to the Ceremony of the Keys evening, hosted by the IPA at the Tower of London. They had an “amazing evening… the yeoman was so entertaining, we had a few drinks, met some folks and bought a bunch of raffle tickets but sadly didn’t win a prize – we had a great and entertaining time”. New IPA volunteer Andy Oldham, stepped forward to host too, escorting Zach and his daughters on a fabulous walking tour of Westminster via Soho, Covent Garden, NSY and Big Ben, followed by food at ‘Mother Mash’! Zach’s musical daughters also introduced Andy to Denmark Street, the home of music shops and guitar stores, some great music was recorded in this area back in the day. Later in the day Andy arranged a visit to Downing Street for a photo opportunity. What was initially planned to be a couple of hours turned into a whole day of getting to know one another. IPA UK Members Steve and Jugdeep assisted pre-arrival with some fabulous tips and recommendations of restaurants, music venues and things to see and do during the visit. All greatly appreciated, especially the last minute requests for Vegan eateries – well done Jugdeep for saving the day! Alex jumped into action on Sunday, providing a tour of Charing Cross Police Station, followed by a visit to Whittard Tea Shop for an impromptu tea tasting session. Fortified with hot tea, a further trip to Downing Street for a full family photo was organised, the highlight was seeing Larry the cat, sitting on the window sill of number 10. In-between IPA meets, they enjoyed High Tea at Harrods, food at the famous Churchill and Grenadier Pubs, as well as catching Phantom of the Opera.

Hot on their heels were an IPA family from Montpellier, France. Ludovic, Christelle (both serving cops) and daughter Lilou, were given a great IPA welcome at Luton airport. Andy Oldham, from Region 9 pulled a few favours and arranged some on duty colleagues to assist the group with transport into London. Time for conversation and the exchange of insignia made a terrific start to their holiday, for which they were very grateful. The star of the show was undoubtedly the search dog.

You can read several articles from Alex and his team in this edition of Police World. There are also articles about our own Section UK members’ travels. Please make use of the travel opportunities, and please shout about them to potential IPA members. On a sadder note, we have been informed that the International head of the IRC Einar Jonsson from Iceland, who is a good friend to this section, has been taken ill. He has had to step away from his IPA duties. I have written on behalf of the Section, wishing him well, hoping that his treatment provides positive outcomes for him and the family. Finally, and on a brighter note, as I mentioned last time, we have the National Council Meeting this year being prepared by Region 8. Thank you to them. Our next edition of Police World will be published shortly after, and I look forward to giving you all the news and updates. We already have confirmed guests from as far as Australia

Ludovic, Christelle and Lilou at 10 Downing Street

During their London stay Alex showed them Charing Cross Police Station, where they met response and neighbourhood police officers. It provided a great opportunity to share ideas and exchange thoughts, introducing younger officers to the notion of IPA. The tea tasting was very well received, as too was the Downing Street Photo opportunity.

and America. In friendship. Clive , President, Section UK

If you’d like to get involved with hosting international visitors, just simply email: lro@ipa-uk.org

Watch out for the LRO monthly circular, due out in the first week of each month for regions 6, 9 10 and 11.

IPA house Lapland

Downing Street - Alex and the cat

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Article

A Spanish Exchange in London Jose Carlos Vicente Gorostiza , Section Spain

Carlos Vicente Gorostiza, is a police officer in Spain, working in the Valencia region. Recently he travelled to London and sought the assistance of Section UK. His story is an amazing adventure, giving him unrivalled professional development and cultural exchange opportunities.

L ate at night, in October 2022 , I touched down at Stansted Airport. Early next morning I met up with IPA London Reception Officer Alex Williams, and enjoyed a quick brunch (bacon butty/coffee) followed by a fascinating tour of Charing Cross Police Station, meeting police colleagues and learning about the different departments. The afternoon was spent walking and sightseeing in London, seeing famous buildings such as Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, London Bridge and The London Eye, ending at the Headquarters of the Metropolitan Police, New Scotland Yard, from where I enjoyed unbelievable views of the River Thames from their roof terrace. For dinner we joined other police officers including Jon (an Ertzaintza police officer from Pais Vasco Spain who was also visiting London), and then back home to stay with Alex for the night. The following morning we experienced beautiful Kent landscapes with deer, squirrels and country scenes around the beautiful 15th Century Knole House. In the afternoon we met Matt Atkinson (IPA UK member), along with some visiting American IPA members, and we all visited the Tower of London (with complimentary tickets). In the evening Matt showed me another side of this brilliant city, with a few beers, before taking me back to his home where he hosted me for the next four days. On Saturday, Matt and his friend Paul took me for a day of Airsoft activity on a hillside surrounded by tall pine trees. It was awesome. In the evening I was invited by the Section UK to attend the Ceremony of the Keys, afterwards enjoying more beer. On Sunday, we took it easy at Camden Market for relaxation and shopping for souvenirs.

A ride along with some of Matt’s colleagues was arranged for Monday at Heathrow Airport, and in the afternoon I was invited to the Personal Safety Training Course at the Police Gym. All too soon, I said goodbye to Matt and took the train back to London where I met Oz (IPA serving officer) at the Angel tube station. Oz works in the Islington Police Station, in a neighbourhood very different from what I had experienced so far. After a further ride along with Oz’s colleague Marioni, I met Nerea a Spanish speaking detective. Nerea was on her day off but she wanted to meet and explain about the work of her drugs section. She also introduced me to Danitza, another Spanish police officer working in the Metropolitan Police. In the afternoon, Oz organized a fantastic tour around Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium and his neighbourhood ,where I was able to see the diversity of people. At night Oz surprised me with a Turkish restaurant, where we had dinner. I’ve never tasted Turkish cuisine, it was very tasty. I stayed with Oz overnight, and I took advantage of a day off to go shopping and discover other places on my own. On my final evening, I met with Alex again to thank him for his attention and the planning of my visit. We had dinner together in the Civil Service Club, and ended up sealing our friendship by tasting some exquisite Scotch whiskies. I would like to thank again, all colleagues from the Metropolitan Police who welcomed me, especially all those wonderful people and colleagues who opened the door of their home to me (Oz, Alex and especially Matt for letting me stay several days), welcoming me as one of the family. This has been one of the best experiences of my life, which would not have been possible without the intervention of the IPA Section UK. Thank you!

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Professional Development

International Ambition Tom Atkins, London NSY Branch

At the beginning of 2020, I was fortunate to receive a Study Award, funded by the IPA Lottery, to support my Masters studies in International Criminal Justice at the University of Portsmouth. Having now completed my studies, graduating with a MSc with merit, it seems appropriate to mark the achievement through some reflection on my experience of further education and how the IPA supported it. R eturning to academia after a break of almost 10 years since my undergraduate degree, I knew that it would be a I was however, not as prepared as I could have been for just how challenging the course Never-the-less, despite a pause in my study when it did get too much, I persevered with the programme and am pleased to have completed

turned out to be. As a part-time, distance learning, research-led degree, a high level of self-motivation was the only way to get the work done. Although I had access to academic staff and tutors, and I made sure to visit them in person from London, there were no taught elements of the course and so if I wasn’t pushing myself to read, I wasn’t learning. Having worked a freelance career before policing, I was used to self-motivation. But, even with that experience, I often found it difficult to find both time and energy for study, especially alongside my full-time post as a murder detective with the Metropolitan Police. As many readers will know from their own experiences, when a job breaks you are there until it is solved, and this often means demanding 18-hour shifts. After such a day, the last thing one wants to do is to open a book on international criminal justice and to author some critical analysis of it.

great challenge but one that was important to undertake, especially to help develop a career in international policing and investigation. Many of the attractive posts I had seen advertised required an Advanced Degree as a pre-requisite and, as my undergraduate degree was in an entirely unrelated subject, I felt it important that to be of any service in the international field, my professional experience as an investigator should be supported by my academic qualifications. I chose the University of Portsmouth for its well regarded Institute of Criminal Justice Studies (ICJS) and because the course was, at the time, on a ‘recommended’ list published by the Coalition of the International Criminal Court, the ICC being a potential future employer. Portsmouth itself is also an interesting city with plenty of naval history, and a sense of ‘holiday’ when the sun is shining.

what I set out to do. Many of those books I refer to were paid for by the IPA Study Award, and I am extremely grateful for it. Beyond the financial element, and perhaps more importantly, I have found that having the IPA’s support for my professional development adds a great deal of confidence in such endeavours, and it has brought me closer to the organisation I have been a member of for many years. I look forward to any continued support. For those readers considering further study, whether serving or retired, I heartily recommend it. The feeling of achievement and satisfaction upon completion is great, and the qualification helps in all sorts of ways, from increasing credibility with employers through to supporting visa applications overseas. And, don’t forget to join the IPA Lottery and apply for a Study Award!

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Article

Salieu’s Story Pauline Newton –West Mercia Branch On the last day of Op Zephyr I met Momodou Salieu Jallow, a determined young man with the will to succeed and a smile that lights up a room. In March 2022, playing leapfrog with school friends, his neck fractured. He underwent emergency surgery but was left quadriplegic. An orphan, with no funds to pay for care, he was returned home and placed on an old, worn bed with no care regime or medical input provided. W hilst in hospital , Buba (visiting a relative) noticed Salieu was always alone, and stepped in to ensure he daily. Salieu’s journey is expected to be a very long and steady one, but there is already renewed hope. He is experiencing sensation in his arms, and whilst still totally reliant on others, he is determined to do all he can for himself.

received basic requirements such as food and water. Without his unwavering support this story would probably end here. Home for Salieu and his brother Yorro was a tin shack, with no electricity or running water and all cooking done on an open fire in a single pot just outside the door. Daily temperatures were regularly 30 degrees, with sun bearing down on the tin roof. Tiny rays of light flooded through the holes, as no doubt rain would too. His brother worked all day, every day, to provide the basics for them both. Salieu is unable to sell groundnuts, as he once did, but they always spent nights here together. Buba, with no nursing training, but a quick learner, continued to visit and provide support on a daily voluntary basis, whenever and however he could. Unfortunately, Salieu’s condition deteriorated, and he developed deep pressure sores on his hips and sacrum - love, hope and goodwill alone was not sufficient. Desperate for help, Buba sought support from the mayor’s office, and intervention from there led to a medical examination. Salieu had sepsis, pneumonia, his wounds were necrotic, and being blunt, he was dying. It was at this point I met him. Taking part in the maiden mission of ESAC, with over 50 others with links to the emergency services, and having successfully delivered 18 emergency vehicles and lots of equipment to the community, my path crossed with Andy from the mayor’s office. I visited Salieu, the day before his emergency transfer back to hospital. He bravely accepted his situation, understood it was desperate (no money all too often means no treatment) but he did not ask for anything or complain once. Instead, he smiled and with little spoken English, Buba interpreted Mandinka. Our chatter was light-hearted, intertwined with much laughter. Salieu’s huge smile was imprinted in my memory forever and as I left Gambia, I vowed to do what I could. On arrival at hospital Salieu underwent treatment. With limited funds pledged by supporters, medication was prescribed, treatment of his wounds took place in theatre and a dressing regime was put in place. He began to improve, and intensive physio is being provided three times

Buba, Salieu and Connie

With medical facilities few and far between, an opportunity to create a clinic to support the community was grasped by a local nurse. Although the clinic still requires medical equipment and supplies, Salieu was transferred there. He will be given his own room for as long as he needs it, with equipment and supplies donated by Connaught Care, Accora and Acticare. It is hoped that by fundraising we can give Salieu the best chance to get well. Buba continues to support Salieu on a daily basis and he has now been joined by Nurse Connie, Modou and Edward, with Andy being a regular visitor and Yorro staying overnight. This team give round the clock care and have, without doubt given renewed hope, where once life itself was doubtful. Salieu has improved considerably with the ongoing support of so many wonderful people. I created a Just Giving page to support Salieu, who is just 17 years old, his progress is regularly updated on the JG page and he’ll be overjoyed to share his journey with you. The funds pay for his ongoing medical treatment which, once his sores heal, will reduce to almost £500 a month for life (due to the nature of his injury). With the ongoing involvement of ESAC,

Salieu

gift aid is available. Every penny raised is for Salieu and in turn the clinic

which supports the community.

Salieu’s own home

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Article

National Remembrance Day Parade Spike Elliott: Secretary, North of England (No 3) Region In November 2022, for the first time in its history, Section UK was represented at the National Remembrance Day Parade in Whitehall, with a contingent comprising of both military veterans and close relatives of those that served. A ll branches of the military were represented within our group . Members from the top to the bottom of the country took part. This all started In November 2021. After attending the local Remembrance Day Parade in Torquay at the conclusion of the 7 Region Friendship Weekend, Colin Hutt, approached Clive Wood, to ask if Section UK could take part in the National Day of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London during 2022. Colin’s rationale was that many members of the IPA had served in the Armed Forces, before joining the Police. Colin & Spike had served in the Army & the RAF respectively. At members day at Fox Road in December 2022, Colin spoke to Spike Elliott, (3 Region) about the idea, and with the approval from the President, and VP Yvonne McGregor, they set about organising the section’s participation. Colin wrote to the Royal British Legion (RBL) asking if the IPA could be considered for a place on the parade. A few weeks later we received an email saying we had been successful. Our contingent of 40 members formed up on Whitehall, and despite the long wait, it was with immense pride that Section UK marched past the Cenotaph to pay our respects to the fallen. The Wreath was laid by Yvonne McGregor. If you are a veteran and would like to take part in the 2023 Parade, please email Spike Elliott asg.ipauk@gmail.com

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Article

A Sheriff Comes to Town Steve Fuller, Kent & South East London Branch

Rod Bell and Mary-Lynne outside NSY

I have been an IPA member for over 10 years, I was a Forensic Practitioner in the Met, retiring in 2013. I had often thought about meeting fellow IPA members travelling from abroad to the UK, however due to caring and other commitments it never seemed to be the right time. I then received an email asking for volunteers to host some Officers from abroad, including Rod Bell, who was spending a weekend in London with his Girlfriend Mary-Lynne. Rod had been a Deputy Sheriff with Broward County Sheriff’s Office Florida, and had also retired in 2013. He is currently working in security at Disney World Florida.

I contacted Alex Williams, the IPA London Reception Officer , who after a chat about the expectations for meeting a visitor, set up a WhatsApp group to enable me to introduce myself and communicate directly with Rod. We exchanged messages about various aspects of his visit, including the weather and what clothing would be required. Rod has visited before and had already planned a comprehensive schedule for his visit. But he was able to meet Chris, a serving MET Officer, for lunch on Saturday, then I arranged to meet him for the Changing of the Guard on Sunday. Afterwards we enjoyed a walk through Horse Guards and Whitehall via the Cenotaph, Downing Street and refreshed ourselves with a swift pint at the The Red Lion Pub (Rod is very keen on English Ale). Rod was very interested and knowledgeable in British History, and I showed him the Guards Memorial. We talked about the unique differences in uniforms and insignia between the Five regiments of Footguards (my late father was a Grenadier, a Met CID Officer and IPA member).

As Rod was travelling with his girlfriend, my wife accompanied me and she and Mary Lynne struck up a rapport as soon as they met.

We had a lovely lunch on the River at the Tattershall Castle , a former passenger ferry now moored on the Thames at Victoria Embankment. We exchanged mementoes and then parted, as Rod had further plans. We hope to meet soon in Florida. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our day and for any IPA members thinking about taking the plunge of hosting International Visitors, I can highly recommend it. Thanks to Alex who was a great help and support in facilitating our meeting.

Rod Bell and Mary-Lynne

Nottinghamshire Memories Nottinghamshire Branch Chairman Tony Berrington, used their AGM as an opportunity to present some long service certificates. Dee Gladden received a 45 Year Certificate and Tony Champion, 30 Years. L ong service suggests an interesting life , and Police World likes to hear these stories. Tony Champion passed on some of his recollections. I have enjoyed some very positive experiences during my 30+ years of IPA membership, notably;

• in the 90’s I toured Denmark and stayed in one of their IPA houses, where we were greeted by a contingent of IPA members who had prepared a reception/barbecue on our behalf. The Danish Regional Chairman and his wife met us in Copenhagen, where we were driven to its major tourist spots and shared a memorable lunch at the Royal Copenhagen Yacht club. • in 2010 I served on secondment in Europe, where European colleagues frequently enquired whether I was an IPA member. They certainly coveted the status IPA membership provided them. • in April 2023, along with my wife and 2 friends, I am visiting the Normandy Landings sites and Museums. The Normandy IPA Vice-President and his team have offered to advise and host part of our visit.

• in the late 80’s my wife and I were hosted by officers from the LAPD, who allowed us to stay and socialise in their homes. Professionally, I was taken on patrol in a cruiser, visited the shooting range and was offered a tour in one of their choppers.

Tony Champion Collecting his Uniform in 1980

A French colleague’s daughter visiting Tony Champion’s home home in 1982

Tony Berringon presenting certificates to Dee and Tony

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POLICE WORLD Vol 68 No.2, 2023

Spotlight on the SIGs

IPA –UK Amateur Radio Section James Bertram (Callsign: GM0GMN)

The IPA has had an Amateur Radio section for as long as I can remember, as have many other countries around the world including France, Germany, Finland and the United States, who are all very active. Since we refreshed the group just over a year ago, we now have some 120 members in the UK and abroad. W hat is Amateur Radio? Well, it is a popular technical hobby and volunteer public service, that uses designated radio frequencies for the exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self As a group, we continue to link with other IPA Clubs on the air and organise regular catch-ups for UK members. We already have a frequency for a Sunday evening catch-up and our own Talk Group on DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) which is TG 23597. If anyone would like further information on the IPA UK Amateur Radio Section, please contact me at radio@ipa-uk.org

training and emergency communications. Amateur Radio is the only hobby governed by international treaty. As a radio amateur you are able to transmit radio signals on a number of frequency bands allocated specifically to the radio amateurs. Radio amateurs make use of their frequencies in a number of ways: • To contact people all over the world by radio, which often leads to developing international friendships • To compete in international competitions, in order to test how effective your equipment is, and how good you are as an operator • For technical experimentation — many of the leaps forward in radio technology have been initiated by radio amateurs • To communicate through amateur space satellites or with the International Space Station (which carries an amateur radio station) • To provide communications at times of emergencies, and undertake exercises to ensure you maintain the capability to do so. There is no better way to explore the fascinating world of radio than by becoming a radio amateur. The Club operates around its Facebook page, where members post daily updates and links, and arrange to speak to each other via the radio. Facebook has become a useful tool to drive the Club forward. We also have a Newsletter which we try to publish twice a year. Again, there are useful articles and competitions for members.

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Article

IPA opens a Gateway to the North Alex Williams, Secretary London North Branch Norway: cold, wet, foggy, uncomfortable, mosquitos and very expensive. These were just some of my thoughts before actually visiting Norway. But landing in Tromso in June 2022, I was warmly welcomed by IPA member Anne, who invited me into her home. Her hospitality and kindness were overwhelming. Alex Williams camping in bad weather

At the pre-arranged location Sigvart collected me (and unexpectedly another stranded lady French cyclist), escorting us safely through the dangerous tunnels. Once again, an IPA Norwegian home was opened up for me, Sigvart generously treating me to a delicious traditional dinner at a local restaurant. In the morning, Sigvart once again took me through the undersea tunnels to my starting place on the Atlantic Road. Like any Brit appreciates, the weather is always a talking point, and the changeable Norwegian weather conditions made for some tough cycling over the coming days. The wind blasted into my face constantly, my lips blue from the cold and my hair dancing in the wind. Luckily, I had some winter clothing and dressed in my winter cycling outfit, I pedalled hard to keep warm. It was exhausting. The chilly nights in the tent were bearable with layers of clothing, a warm feathered sleeping bag and a woolly hat. The adventure in the great outdoors was fantastic. My camping was always in the wilderness and never a campsite, away from roads, buildings and tourists. Just me alone in the Norwegian forests and fjords. With every journey there is an end, and with great delight I sloshed into Bergen with the rain falling heavily. For the first time in Norway, I treated myself to a hotel room for my last two nights. A final IPA contact, Oystein Roksvag, met me for coffee and cake. What a fantastic way to end my holiday, and what a terrific adventure Norway was. For me, the American travel writer Tim Cahill, summed up my 30 day odyssey in Norway – ‘A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles’. Thank you IPA Norway. Thank you friends. I hope to welcome you all to London UK very soon.

me, this time with Lars Meland offering a night’s accommodation in Tromso. This allowed me the opportunity for a good night’s sleep, as well as doing some laundry, and preparing my equipment and bicycle for the journey south. Over the following days I experienced my most beautiful cycling ever. With the unusually warm weather, I cycled through the days and nights, with stunning views and unforgettable scenery. But two weeks into my journey I encountered real Norwegian weather in the Lofoton Islands. Strong winds, heavy rain and cold air blasted me for the next 150 km. I was so glad to meet IPA member Thorben, a patrol officer from Bodo, who gave me an opportunity for a hot shower at the police station, and a chance to dry off and warm up. I thoroughly enjoyed Thorben’s company and hospitality. I was introduced to Pelle the famous police car and we enjoyed a beer and a tasty sushi buffet in the evening. IPA Norway kindly arranged a place for me to stay the night instead of my cold wet tent, I was very grateful. Despite Thorben being incredibly busy at work and at home, he kindly brought me a ‘mobile’ breakfast in the morning, and drove me a few kilometres south to get me started again on my journey to Trondheim and Bergen. Thank you. Throughout the last decade I have been very fortunate to cycle in many European countries and the southern States of America. My preference is to travel alone, carrying my tent, and all the food and equipment needed to be self sufficient. I highly recommend exploring the world by bicycle to anyone. The extraordinary people one meets, the cultures and experiences one learns about are quite unforgettable. Arriving in Trondheim, I was glad to meet Marta, a police prosecutor. We instantly connected and enjoyed a wonderful few hours chatting and learning about each other’s police work, in addition to the fun of Marta learning to ride her motorbike. I was treated to a sushi buffet, which was perfect for recharging my batteries after some 1,800 km. With another 800-900 km to Bergen, I made a diversion west to Kristiansund, thanks to Sigvart encouraging me to experience the famous ‘Atlantic road’ (which I had never heard of). Sage advice about the dangerous tunnels for bicycles left me with a dilemma, which Sigvart quickly solved with a bike rack on his car.

M y crazy holiday adventure was to cycle from Nordkapp, through the Norwegian fjords to Bergen, some 2,500 km in total. The journey would take around 30 days, and follow loosely the Eurovelo 1 cycle route. Before departure, I shared my plans with Gunnar Baardsen, who created a Whats App group introducing me to his IPA contacts along the west coast. My companion for the journey would be Swoop, the Section UK mascot, who was very keen to meet IPA Norway members. Basked in glorious sunshine and never-ending daylight, I pedalled forth. With new travel plans I messaged ahead to Alta for advice on ferries / camping opportunities, and to see if anyone might be free for a beer. Within two hours Harald arrived in his police van, jumped out and presented me with a cold bottle of coca-cola and some water. How fabulous! I was given good directions for the remaining 40km to Alta police station, where I was afforded a hot shower, a tour of the police station and a wonderful evening chatting to the duty police team and eating pizza and chocolate cake. Harald welcomed me in to his home for the night, and we shared a fabulous breakfast with his wife in the morning. Fortified with some delicious home-made pastries and a huge chocolate bar, I was once more cycling north feeling fresh and recharged. In less than a week I arrived with my two new German cycling companions at Nordkapp, where we witnessed the mid-night sun on the most glorious of summer nights. A breath-taking moment in my life. Twenty-four hours later I was floating my way back to Tromso on the Hurtigrutn ferry, experiencing the fjords in a totally new and exotic way. Once again IPA Norway welcomed Alex Williams, Swoop, Pelle and Thornben

Alex Williams and Marte

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POLICE WORLD Vol 68 No.2, 2023

Article

Northern Lights Phil Neill, Greater Belfast Secretary “For as long as I can remember, I have always been interested in Scandinavia. Particularly north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, Sweden and Finland. The scenery, the mountains, the snow, the people, the history and most of all the Northern Lights.”

I first became aware of this IPA house in Akaslompolo , Finland two years ago, shortly after I became Secretary of the Greater Belfast Branch. The pictures on their website hooked me immediately, and I contacted Michael, a colleague from Dublin who had been there. He told me all I needed to know, and I decided, “right, we’re going”. After speaking with Eija, the extremely helpful house manager, I made my reservations and booked flights. I checked the temperature in Akaslompolo for mid-December, and learned that it would be around minus 25 degrees Celsius. This prompted me to pack an extra sweater or six! We flew from Dublin to Helsinki on December 16th and then a connecting flight to Kittila. We landed there at 6pm to minus 21 degrees, a tad nippy but stunningly beautiful. It was then a 45 minute drive to the house, which is located in a forest, and is very easy to get to. On arrival we were greeted by Esa, who had everything ready for us, coffee on heat and a roaring log fire burning. Over the next six nights, we spent our evenings beside the fire, looking out the window at the magical snowy forest outside. I was up early one morning and stepped out the front door to see three young reindeer walking past. They looked at me, decided I was not interesting and continued on their way. Excited by this I went and told Esa, who was unimpressed by my discovery, saying “oh yes, they walk around here every day.” The house has everything anyone could want during a stay. Two saunas, ski’s, mountain bikes, sleds, a washing machine and drying room. My eight year old son Tom, soon conscripted me to snowman building, which was great fun.

There is an ice hotel nearby which we visited. This was amazing, built every winter, it melts in the spring and a new one is built again the following winter. There were some kids playing football outside the hotel and Tom promptly joined in. Playing football in minus 25, above the Arctic Circle, now there’s something you don’t do every day. We visited Santa Claus himself, since he lives nearby and it would have been rude not to pop in and say hello. This was the main reason for going there to be honest. The old fellow did not disappoint. The reindeer sled ride through a forest guided by elves, to reach his little cabin was truly magical. Santa brought us in, chatted for 15 minutes and gave Tom a little gift. Back at the house, a very tired and excited little boy soon fell asleep. I grabbed a beer and stepped outside for a walk at 11pm. I looked up at a completely clear sky filled with stars. But within minutes, it morphed into an array of colours, the Aurora Borealis had come out to play. I like to think just for me, but probably not. The whole sky was filled with green and purple dancing curtains and ribbons, constantly moving and changing. I called Patsy, my wife to come out and see, in case it disappeared again but I needn’t have worried. This lasted for two hours. We were completely in awe of such an experience in the freezing cold silence of the forest and stood watching for ages. My words can’t express how amazing and beautiful this was to behold. The photos will give you some idea, I hope. We had a truly fantastic and memorable trip to the IPA house in the Arctic Circle. I hope this inspires and encourages you to pay a visit. You will definitely not be disappointed.

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Professional Development

Getting to The Truth Michel Funicelli PhD , North East Branch Michel Funicelli served his police career in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, before moving into academia. He currently lectures at Teesside University. This is a summary of his doctorate research into using

brainwave reactions, as an indicator of truthfulness. T he P300 is a well-studied electrical brainwave which appears after a person is presented with a meaningful stimulus. It is detectable by placing electrodes on the scalp of a person and it is considered by science as a reliable index of memory recognition. The leading theory of this brainwave is that it is an involuntary reaction to stimulus. We have all had our attention drawn to hearing our name being mentioned in a social setting. This mental reflex has been a feature of survival since the beginning of humanity, to help us detect whether a particular sight or sound was friendly or not. The Complex Trial Protocol, developed by the late Peter Rosenfeld, a professor at Northwestern University, is considered a reliable methodology in analysing P300 brainwaves. In forensic circles it can be used to determine if a person involved in a crime, as a witness or a suspect, recognises crucial pieces of information in relation to that crime, which would only be known to the perpetrator or witness. A Concealed Information Test (CIT) measures the P300 brainwave, to determine if that person is in possession of that crucial piece of information or not. An inference of guilt or innocence can be drawn from such a conclusion. The CIT is easy to understand. A person is presented with a photograph (called ‘probe’) on a computer screen, such as the murder weapon, the wound pattern of a victim, the crime scene, the face of an accomplice or the face of an attacker. Like the Photo ID Galleries we are used to, the image is mixed with a series of neutral alternatives (called ‘irrelevants’). Significant spike differences in P300 brainwave provide a measurable value of the recognition stimuli presented. Performed on a suspect prior to a formal interview, this memory recognition technique can be incorporated as a form of credibility assessment within an interview strategy. For example, if a suspect’s pre-interview test confirms the recognition of crucial stimuli only known to the offender and the authorities, and is followed by the suspect’s denial of the same information during the interview, the test can be a useful guide for an interviewer. Alternatively, the same test can be administered to crime witnesses. A major problem faced by law enforcement agencies worldwide is the unreliability of eyewitness identification and scarcity of physical clues at crime scenes. The amount of evidence from mistaken eyewitness identification in wrongful convictions is considerable. Police agencies only collect physical evidence from approximately 15% or less of crime scenes. This relatively inexpensive and non-invasive technique could benefit law enforcement agencies throughout the world in reducing erroneous suspect identification.

In 2021, Kevin Strickland of Missouri, was exonerated after having spent 42 years in prison for being wrongfully convicted of a triple murder in 1978. In 2022, Thomas Raynard James’ conviction for murder was overturned in Florida after he was imprisoned for 32 years. The common denominator in both cases was the mistaken identification of an eyewitness. In Strickland’s case, four assailants shot three people inside their Kansas City home. A fourth victim, 20-year Cynthia Douglas, pretended to be dead and escaped once the attackers left. Police arrested Strickland and other suspects. Douglas was asked by police to view a line-up of suspects which included Strickland. She later said that police pressured her into identifying Strickland. She attempted to have her testimony recanted but failed. She died in 2015. Thomas Raynard James’ problems began when his name surfaced in a residential robbery-homicide investigation, in which the gunman was wearing a mask. His name popped up as police were searching for another person with a similar name, Thomas James. Police arrested and charged Thomas Raynard James, and showed one eyewitness a photo line-up that included the photo of Thomas Raynard James, instead of Thomas James’ photo. Dorothy Walton, now 79, initially identified the first James as the gunman, but later admitted in 2019 to investigators that she believed that she made a mistake in her identification of Thomas Raynard James. She had likely been influenced by the mistaken identification of another witness, who mentioned to her that they had picked the same man. It’s impossible to know if a photo identification using brainwave analysis with the CTP would have prevented either miscarriage of justice. While more research is necessary, the preliminary findings about the CTP are proving it to be a potential and accurate asset for law enforcement.

Michel Funicelli

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POLICE WORLD Vol 68 No.2, 2023

Article

Living the Cave Life Tom Whitmore, Devon Branch Tom Whitmore is a Devon Branch member, who now lives in Spain. Tom attended a Branch lunch in August 2022 whilst visiting the UK, and there was lots of interest in the Cave House where he lives.

I love meeting up with people that I haven’t been in touch with for a long time, largely for the look on their faces when I tell them that I now live in a cave. They react in different ways, but mostly they think I’m joking. Once, someone called me Fred Flintstone and sang the first line of the song from that famous cartoon. But no matter how they react, I am always pleased when they want to know more about my home — and I am always happy to answer their questions. I had already lived in Spain for 16 years before making the decision to exchange the golden sands and blue sea of the Costa Blanca for life in a cave. My home was carved into a mountain in the northern end of Granada Province in 1950. It is two kilometres from the main square of Huéscar, a town of 7,800 people, which nestles in the crook of a mountain almost 1,000 metres above sea level. The pictures accompanying this article can only hint at how wonderful the views are and how unpolluted the air is.

Cave House

What are the joys of cave-dwelling? I have already mentioned the views and air quality, the attractions of which are obvious. But there are practical benefits, too: Huéscar’s climate, being high above sea level, means that hot summer days and cold winter nights are the norm. However, temperatures inside my rock-insulated cave neither rise above 25° nor, with my log-burner lit during winter, do they fall below 20°. Add the fact that the humidity up here is, generally, much lower than on the coast, one ends up with comfortable conditions all year round — without expensive air-conditioning! Another benefit is that, thanks again to the insulating rock, one cannot hear next door’s plumbing, loud music or day-to-day noisemaking. And they cannot hear yours. Also, due to the nature of the way that caves are carved out of the rockface, no two caves are the same. And I love that individuality. My own cave has 10 rooms and a tunnel alongside it. These spaces give me great flexibility of usage, which is why I have a modern kitchen, two bathrooms, a main bedroom, a dressing room, a walk-in wardrobe, a dining room, a lounge, a relax-with-a-book-or-music room and an office. I use the tunnel as a workshop and for storage, but I could just as easily keep three cars in it.

At this point, I am conscious that I have not said anything negative about living in my Spanish cave-house, this is because I cannot think of anything negative about it. Nevertheless, for the sake of balance, I will pass on something about Spain that does frustrate many people: Not everyone understands “mañana” to mean tomorrow, which is how most Brits and other immigrants translate it. But if a Spanish tradesman, or any Spaniard with whom you need an appointment, or with whom you are discussing a delivery for example, says “Mañana,” it seldom means “tomorrow” — but it regularly means, “not today!” Five years ago, when I bought my cave, the Estate Agent (who himself lives in a cave) told me that I would never consider moving back to a conventional house again. He was right. And if I had to sum up, in a single word, how I feel about cave-dwelling, I would say, “Yabadabadoo!” Any members who would like to get in touch

Of course, the cave itself is not only very different from what it was in 1950, but it is also different from when I first moved in. I guess it was originally built for animals. I deduce this from the fact that my neighbours to the right are sheep and to my left are a couple of horses. There are perhaps thirty other caves within a 300 metre radius of mine, almost all of them occupied by humans. Spanish, English, Belgian, Dutch and German people contribute to our friendly, cosmopolitan community. We are like-minded individuals who have discovered the joys of living in a cave — and we have found those joys within easy distance of a town with plenty of amenities, including a Medical Centre and a warm-water lake.

with Tom, can email him at: tom.whitmore@outlook.es

Sitting room

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