PW_3_2024

IPA Section UK

Vol 69 No.2 2024

The magazine of the International Police Association, Section UK

www.ipa-uk.org

Walking in Her Shoes See Page 08

International Police Association Section UK

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

Vol 69 No.3 2024

Keeping You Informed 4–5 Keeping You Informed Clive Wood President of Section UK Professional Development 6–7

Editorial Norman Hicks e-mail: pw.editor@ipa-uk.co.uk Deadline for article submission for Vol. 69 Edition 4, 2024 is 06 September 2024 Dispatched November 2024

The Gender World Congress of Women Police Officers Karen Duckworth, VP Social and Culture

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

8–10 Walking In Her Shoes

Lorna Corbin and Sandra Smith

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,

Feature Articles 10–11 IPA visit to Portugal

Lorna Corbin and Hannah Wheeler

11 NCM Zooms In Spike Elliott 12–13 IPA Games - Romania 2024 Karen Duckworth and Andy Amos 14–15 Gibraltar Jaunt Andy Marshall 16–17 IPA Friendship Weekend - Lisbon, Portugal Lorna Corbin 28

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Hampshire PO6 1TR Graphic Design by BDS 21 Ltd Membership

In Section UK, the membership comprises serving and retired Police Officers, Special Constables and members of Police Staff employed by a Chief Constable or other appropriately designated Chief Officer. We also now offer associate membership. The Section has a unique mixture of police personnel who are still serving, retired, or in some instances, who have voluntarily resigned from the police service. For details of who can join Section UK, go to www.ipa-uk.org/Join-Us Join the IPA from £20. Visit the website to learn about our promotional offers. Annual renewal is £33. To apply either visit www.ipa-uk.org or request an application form from the general enquiries team. 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

PSSA launch at Tulliallan “Policing is one big family” Owen Doherty

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News 18–24 News from around IPA Spotlight on the SIGs 25 IPA Motorcycle Section AGM Roger Jackaman 26 Music SIG formed Seb Valentine Competition 27 Crossword and Soduko

SIGs

Caravan & Camping SIG Family History Group Motorcycle SIG Music SIG Police Educators Writers’ SIG Walkers’ Group Amateur Radio Section

WIN one of these books by Richard Osman and Dan Moore

Sports Page 29

The Section UK National Golf Competition Karen Duckworth National Clay Shooting Competition Karen Duckworth

Next deadline 06 September 2024 for publication November 2024 Cover Photo Sandra Smith - Diversity Equality and Inclusion Champion

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Classifieds

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Diary

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ISSN No: 0032-261X

Keeping you informed

Keeping you informed

Let me start this time with an hello and welcome to our new editor of Police World Norman Hicks. Norman has taken over from our previous editor Neil Hallam and I very much look forward to this and subsequent editions when I have no doubt Norman will stamp his own style on our fabulous magazine.

I am sure you have heard the saying it is a small world. Well, my next encounter proves that really is the case. More about the detail later but on a recent trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on my international duties, we sat behind a couple with whom we exchanged pleasantries. They were a little disappointed having to stop in Rio de Janeiro to let us off as they thought their flight was direct to Buenos Aries. Anyway, wishing each other a pleasant journey Helen and I got off and got on with the business which was, for me, meetings in Brazil. At the end of the business part of our programme we had a social day and whilst at the top of Christ the Redeemer with the rest of the international board a chap approached us who I thought I recognised. Yes, it was the same couple that we had sat on the plane with, some ten days earlier! It turns out this was Brendan and Susan Hannelly, Rochdale Branch, Region 3. What an absolute pleasure it was to meet Section UK members so far from home. Since I last reported to you, my international duties have been taking a lot of my time. At the invitation of Section Italy, the International Board recently went to Sicily for a few days. Excellent food and hospitality and a great chance to understand how the new strategy for the next four years was being determined within a Section. After Italy, I flew to Poland with friends to celebrate a big birthday and whilst there I reached out to a friend, IPA member and deputy treasurer for the National Board of Poland, Zbigniew Tomaszek. It was lovely to meet up again with him and his wife, who kindly hosted us at their home for a lovely dinner and probably just one too many vodkas! Next came a meeting of the Northern European Forum (NEF) in Sion, Switzerland. This was an important and fruitful meeting and I’m grateful to the organising Section, particularly President JP Allet. As a group, we worked through some important issues which affect us all, including recruitment and retention and, interestingly for me, the sizeable sponsorship support that the Swiss Section receives. This is something we have agreed to try to develop here in the UK, with the additional Vice President’s post, which was announced at the National Council meeting in June.

Following this visit, the National Executive Committee agreed to host the Swiss Section next year. We have also agreed that, as part of our 75th celebrations for 2025, it would be appropriate for us to host the NEF here in the UK. Our current preference would be in Auchterarder, the Scottish Police convalescent facility, where I’m sure we will be able to include a visit to a local distillery! From the NEF I then travelled to the other “business” meeting in the calendar, which was the meeting of the Gimborn conversations. This year this was hosted by Section Denmark in the Faroe Islands. I suspect this had something to do with the fact that the president of Section Denmark, Michael Boolsen, is also the Commissioner of Police on the Faroe Islands. Another useful meeting with a similar agenda to the NEF. We were fortunate to be joined by the International President, Martin Hoffmann, who took the opportunity to take us through his vision for the coming years, again referring to the international strategy and the various work streams being undertaken as a part of that. Prior to the National Council meeting, I always meet with the Regional chairs to discuss and iron out the agenda. This is a useful meeting, as it can save time and disagreement in the main meeting of Council. This year, as I was at Fox Road for other matters and together with the assistance of former national Secretary General, Steve Bretherton, I utilised the zoom conference facilities now embedded at Fox Road. I found the technology worked well and the meeting, as always, a useful opportunity to catch up. I was a little disappointed that not all regions were represented at this important meeting but thank you to those chairs who were able to attend and represent the views of their regions. My thanks go to the 5 Region chair, Kieran English, secretary Helen Preece and regional minutes secretary, Fred Rankin, as well as the local branch chair for Lincolnshire, Derek Canton for hosting the NEC. We had a great meeting and enjoyed a super dinner in the evening. Following our meeting, in the afternoon we had a walking tour of Lincoln by official tour guide and IPA member Brian Taylor. Sadly, Brian was taken unwell and had to leave us early. We have since heard that he was taken quite poorly and we would all wish Brian a speedy recovery.

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Keeping you informed

After Lincoln I set off for Rio de Janeiro, as part of the international executive board (IEB) calendar, to meet with member Sections around the globe. As Head of Administration, I have been allocated liaison with the Ibero American group of Sections, to help develop strategies for growth in the region. So, this visit was particularly important to me. As part of the social programme included in these meetings, we were taken to visit the special operations group BOPI, who kindly took us for a short visit into a Favella. Only days after our visit, we sadly learnt that a team member was killed during an operation. I would extend the condolences of the entire International Board to the family and colleagues affected by this tragedy. We were told during our visit it was a very dangerous job, but this news just brings it home. Also, whilst in Rio we planted a tree as part of the green IPA project outside the IPA house in Rio de Janeiro. Following an overnight flight back into Heathrow from Rio, I joined the other members of the National Executive for this year’s national council meeting (NCM) which was held by Zoom. Due to the very tight timescales, we had previously agreed that Vice President Karen Duckworth would Chair this year’s meeting and I would contribute if available. Fortunately, with no delays, I was able to join the meeting and it was nice to see some members who would not normally be at Council able to attend by Zoom to see what goes on. After a few teething problems, the meeting got underway and we were joined by International President Martin Hoffmann, who was still in Brazil waiting to travel onto Peru. For him it was quite early in the morning and we are grateful for him taking the time to join us. There was a presentation from Gary Craig on behalf of my chosen charity the Thin Blue Line (which will continue through next year) together with a presentation from the London Reception Officer Alex Williams who is doing a wonderful job looking after visitors to the Capital with his team of volunteers. My thanks to them all. Following the NCM, I then fell asleep for a few hours before waking to drive me and Helen to Southampton, to board the P&O Arvia for two weeks around the Med, from where I am writing this latest edition of Keeping You Informed.

Clive in Rio with xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxx

I am hoping that the coming months will be a little bit quieter as far as IPA duties are concerned, it has seemed over the past few months that they are like buses and all the opportunities come at once! That said I look forward to our visiting Region 1 in the next couple of months which I am sure will be a great success as the team there are always on point. Finally a few reminders , if you are not in the IPA Lottery, you will never win it. If you wish to travel to extend yourself professionally, Gimborn in Germany is the place and Vice President Chris Duncombe the man to contact. The recent IPA games in Romania were a triumph and the feedback from our team was amazing, so next time in Poland in 2026, remember to put your name down early with Vice President Karen Duckworth. Finally, my thanks go to all of those involved in planning events for next year for our big celebrations. It will be upon us before we know it! Until next time, take care.

In Friendship. Clive Wood, Section UK President

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Tree-planting in Budva

Delegate Group Shot

The Gender World Congress of Women

Police Officers Budva, Montenegro 25-28 March 2024 Karen Duckworth, VP Social and Culture/IBZ Gimborn Lead It was a huge honour to be invited to attend this event on behalf of not only Section UK, but also the wider International Police Association (IPA). C haired by IPA Section Montenegro President Biljana Dulovic (also Lead for the Montenegro Policewomen’s Network) and supported by IPA International Executive Board member, Mr Christos Parginos, Police Forces from over 28 countries, as well as Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) were represented by delegates who were invited to share their experience and insights.

KD Presenting

I have detailed the list of key speakers as a way to demonstrate the tone of the event. The speakers outlined cross-border strategic and operational plans targeting Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), whilst considering how women who become victims of transnational crime can be identified and better supported. Delegate speakers focused more on in-country activities that targeted VAWG whilst also shining a light on the policing networks that supported women in policing. Gender Mainstreaming activities were very much front and central to the presentations, and it was fascinating to hear directly from countries whose policing activities might be harder to access without events such as this, or organisations like ours, countries like Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Furthermore, it was really interesting to hear from women policing in countries such as Kosovo, Albania, Serbia and indeed, Montenegro itself, countries that many of my generation associate with armed conflict in the late 1990s. It is hard for me to describe what it was like hearing their lived experiences, many of these women were my age or a little older, who were policing during this time and who now are heavily invested in organisations like the OSCE. The purpose of the OSCE is to “help bridge differences and build trust between states by co-operating on conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation”. It would be an understatement to say that

From an IPA perspective, many were IPA members in their own right, but were in attendance on behalf of their Force or organisation. Even though IPA gender representation is only 15 per cent of members, this still equates to 55,000 women associated with policing, so the IPA had a meaningful presence. Other contributors to the conference were – Jovana Mijovic (State Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Montenegro); Vladimir Stanisic (Director of the National Police Academy); Ambassador Alena Kupchyna (Co-ordinator of Activities to Address Transnational Threats, Organisation for Security and Co operation in Europe (OSCE) Secretariat); Anesa Agovic and Ioannis Vlassis (Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime); Montserrat Pina Martinez (President of the European Network of Police Women); Elena Gherta (Criminal Intelligence Service of Austria); Inesa Nicolasceu (Associate Border Security Officer, OSCE Secretariat) and Dusan Bakovic (Chief Police Inspector, Police Directorate of Montenegro).

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Enjoying the cultural experience with Christos Parginos from the IEB

policing in these countries can be challenging, but it was evident that being a woman in a patriarchal culture trying to forge a path in policing brings its own difficulties. That said, in every presentation, there was positivity and progressive change. One of the outstanding presentations of the event was from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) attaché to Berlin. As you might expect, the AFP approach to inclusion and equality was impressive, and Superintendent Cory Helden outlined a raft of measures being undertaken at AFP at national strategic level to improve recruitment and retention of women. Supt Helden’s presentation was awarded top prize at the end of the conference, but the real reward was the learning and information sharing that those women listening to her could take back and incorporate into their own strategic plans and push for ‘women in policing’ networks in their own countries. So, what about the IPA and my attendance? At the time of the conference, the International Executive Board Professional Commission had announced its inclusion of #SHEisIPA in its list of projects to develop during its 2023 – 2027 term. I had been announced as the Project Lead and the team comprised of six women from Israel, Ireland, Sweden, Germany, Kenya and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Also present at the conference representing Bosnia and Herzegovina was Ivana Pavlović, one of the new #SHEisIPA team. The opportunity to meet up face-to-face enabled us to properly discuss some of the up-coming aims and objectives of the Project, one of them being to create a network of women in policing within the IPA. The conference presented a great chance to network and explain about the project both through my delegate presentation, and through good old fashioned talking with other delegates. Another key aim of the project is to increase the number of women coming into the IPA. Part of the challenge here is sharing all the benefits that come with being an IPA member, notably the connectivity that comes with an organisation of 368,000 members across 68 countries.

Ivana and I with members of Montenegro Police Team

My presentation focused on the main aims and objectives of the project, and the underpinning core areas of activity: Strategic Aim Embracing an Inclusive Vision for the Future. Vision The vision of #sheisipa is to increase the visibility of women within the International Police Association. It also aims to increase the visibility of the International Police Association to women in the wider policing family. Strategic Objectives • Data Management: To monitor gender representation data; to understand progress and identify blockers; annual review of the project achievements for IEB report. • Engagement and Visibility: Foster a culture that reaches out to women in policing and the IPA through in-person and online events; connect with stakeholders aligned with the core values of the project; create operational opportunities; raise the profile of the project’s identity; raise awareness of the project objectives through in-person and online events and activities. • Communication: Create a communication strategy to support planned activity and promote the wider objectives of the project. • Learning and Education: hold an annual in-person #sheisipa international seminar at IBZ Gimborn. • Mentoring and Networking: development of a women’s network with an associated mentoring programme; to identify individual goals towards advancement in policing or the IPA; to develop professional and personal skills to achieve those goals. • E nsure activities are in line with the United Nations published Sustainable Goals. IBZ Gimborn will be holding a #SHEisIPA seminar between 1-5 November 2024, to bring delegates from as many Sections as can be accommodated together with the aim of learning more about IPA as an organisation, how it works and what opportunities are available to shape the future. International President Martin Hoffmann and Chair Professional Commission, Diego Trolese, will attend and get involved, which bodes well for a productive event. I feel privileged to be able to participate in events such as the Montenegro Conference, and the upcoming #SHEisIPA seminar at IBZ Gimborn. Having served in the Metropolitan Police Service for 31 years, an organisation considered by many to be progressive in its approach to inclusion and diversity and yet still with its difficulties, I would have found the opportunity to be part of such an event as the Montenegro conference hugely beneficial. Apart from the conference business, delegates were able to visit Kotor (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and plant a tree in the grounds of a Budva School for the IEB Green Project. I am now presented with a platform to try and extend similar opportunities to those currently within policing through membership of the IPA, something that will be very worthwhile. If you would like to learn more about the #SHEisIPA project and how you can get involved, please contact the team at: sheisipa@IEB-IPA.org

With Ivana from SHEisIPA project

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Walking In Shoes Lorna Corbin L orna’s Policing interest started when she completed a sixth-form work experience and shadowed a forensics team. After sixth form, she went on to University to study Computer Science - a subject which resonated with her logical and analytical thinking. Lorna combined university study with being the social secretary of the Geek Society and the weekly kayaking club. Policing was even more at the forefront of her aspirations, as her University had a placement year opportunity with the Metropolitan Police Service. Working in project management support in the Directorate of Information, this placement year exposed Lorna to the challenges of Policing project management in a complex metropolitan force. The experience was invaluable as it helped her pick a final year project idea and which modules to choose, to put her on the project management career path. Lorna graduated from University with a 1st class degree and considered the Metropolitan Police Service’s graduate scheme and soon after started working life in a general project support role being offered with Surrey Police; being closer to home and potential more exposure outside of IT. Lorna joined in the summer of 2012. This was memorable due to all the Olympic related activity that Surrey Police was involved in. Key achievements for Lorna include: county wide project to replace cassettes and introduce digital interview recording, replacement of Surrey’s 999 call handling system and won a ‘Surrey Star’. After a Google search, looking for more police staff opportunities, Lorna stumbled across the International Police Association in 2018. Lorna was impressed by the benefits and opportunities the IPA provided and was surprised none of her colleagues were aware of this world-wide friendship organization - especially as it was started in the UK! The IPA also spoke to Lorna’s passion for travel and experiencing new cultures, whilst meeting others in the policing family. In either the first or second magazine Lorna received, she saw an article asking for volunteer ‘Young members’ to get together in Nottingham and spark ideas for IPA recruitment. As a forward-looking kind of individual, Lorna took the opportunity and really enjoyed both meeting the fellow serving members and learning more about the IPA legacy in Fox Road. Lorna was hooked on the IPA and attended many local events for her branch and in London, a memorable event being the Surrey branch Christmas meal, to which Lorna was welcomed with open arms.

Lorna during London friendship week outside no.10

At that point Lorna had moved to a role in London which was delivery of national projects, in a portfolio structure the first of its kind. The portfolio was made up of the following programs: Digital Public Contact, Digital Intelligence & investigation, Digital First and Front Line Mobility. The Portfolio was made up of 50+projects and valued at £78m. This meant it was subject to HMG Treasury level of scrutiny and assurance in which Lorna played a key role. Lorna was seconded to DPP from Surrey for two years. In 2019 she decided to have a break to travel & work in the southern hemisphere for a year. This for Lorna meant a career break from Surrey and an opportunity to utilise the IPA hosting opportunities to the maximum. Lorna planned an itinerary and put in the relevant travel forms to IPA UK HQ. After a couple of months touring South-East Asia, Lorna and Tom landed in Melbourne. They were made to feel welcome at the IPA Melbourne branch. After a couple of months, we all know what happened in 2019…..Lorna and her husband were locked down, ‘down under’. Six months later after the Australia territories re-opened, Lorna and Tom travelled up the east coast and once in Airlie beach were hosted by the IPA family the Blains. With wonderful memories Lorna finished her year out and went back into policing as soon as she returned to the UK. Lorna managed several projects for Surrey and Sussex over the following 18 months including Robotics Process Automation (for which Lorna won a Sussex commendation). In October 2021, London North branch hosted a friendship week. Lorna was pleased to attend the experiences they put on and met fellow members. She continues to cherish those friendships to this day. Lorna was seconded from Surrey Police to the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) in August 2022 and remains in this role. The NPCC bring UK Police leaders together to set direction in policing and drive progress for the public. As Business Planning and Risk Officer, Lorna set up and co-chairs the national Risk Managers’ Forum, bringing together sole resource in force to share learning and best practice. October 2022 saw the Northern European Innovation Group to meet in Gimborn. Lorna represented Section UK and found it to be a fantastic way to experience Gimborn and share innovation and ideas in the IPA. The weekend saw the young members group proposing working groups that now continue to feature in the working groups associated with the launch of the 2024 IPA Strategy.

Lorna hosting a Surrey branch event - a visit of Surrey HQ including museum visit

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Soon after, the Blains were in London seeing Europe, friends and for the King’s Coronation in May. Lorna had kept in touch via postcards and emails. It was fantastic to meet up again and experience other IPA events London North branch had organised, such as ‘Behind the scenes at the Changing of the Guard’. June 2023 saw Lorna attend her first NCM, a fantastic exposure to the achievements the IPA had achieved that year and the election process. Lorna particularly liked Alex’s presentation as our London Reception Officers organise so many requests for hosting and events themselves. Lorna has a passion for team sport, playing netball since primary school. She has played for a couple of teams but has most enjoyed playing (for 8 years now) the Surrey Police netball team. Especially the annual PSUK (Police Sport UK) netball tournaments and meeting other police netball players from around the country. In 2024 Lorna has recently become Region 11’s Secretary and Assistant VP Cultural & Social and therefore will play a key role in both setting up a UK Music SIG, and a key event for the IPA’s 75th anniversary plans. She continues to be part of the UK Innovation group, active in the London hosting of international visitors and remains Surrey branch vice-chair. Lorna is grateful to the IPA for the experiences and friendships it has given her. She wants to serve the IPA to ensure its longevity for another 75 years at least. A passionate member of the IPA and is always pleased to make new policing and IPA connections.

Meeting the Blain family in Australia - birthday party hosting

Hosting the Blains back in London a couple of years later during the King’s Coronation

Sandra Smith Bedfordshire Police Sergeant Staff Officer for Strategic Standards Improvement Services

I had a long career before policing, working my way up to senior management in retail. I’ve always had a passion for supporting people from all backgrounds. Even though I worked in environments that were not always diverse, I had the opportunity throughout my career to change the way that I recruited staff from so called hard to-reach communities, to better represent our customer base. Little did I know that this experience would support me well in my policing career. For the past seven years I have enjoyed a career in policing. I started as a PCSO in Hertfordshire and realised very soon that I was engaging with diversity and making a real difference in the communities I served. My interest soon turned to supporting various support networks within the Force, and I worked hard to make a difference in bringing people together. This fuelled my interest in positive action. I became a Police Constable in 2019 and eventually transferred to Bedfordshire Police as the Strategic Lead for Positive Action. For me, positive action begins with recognising that we are not all the same. We live in a world full of diversity and we need to be actively inclusive, to ensure that doors are opened for people from all minority groups within our Force. Positive action gives everyone the same chance to join the police, stay and thrive.

Sandra Smith - Diversity Equality and Inclusion Champion

Women of Colour in Policing (WoCiPBCH) This Movement was inspired and developed on the back of my own journey, your journey, and all women’s journeys. This piece of work is collaborative both inside and outside of policing. Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority Women at all stages of their careers will talk through their journey to inspire others but also to help the organisation as it moves forward in developing and promoting Women of Colour at all levels of policing.

Four years into my journey something was missing. Was it the lack of development, was it I was seen but not heard or was it simply that I did not fit into the policing culture? Whatever it was, it encouraged me to do something and that something was to put out a ‘Call for Action’ to women from underrepresented groups within my Force. The Movement was formed to advocate for the voices of women who felt they were lost in policing.

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“We want to see more Women full stop! But especially Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority Women and those who do not have English as their first language already in policing and coming into policing.” We are keen to not only identify the challenges that Women of Colour in Policing face, but also offer potential solutions. This will enable us to share learning and highlight the challenges women face in a way that does not leave us susceptible to negative feedback. Longevity is about building strong foundations. We alI want this programme to last - embedded in our organisational culture, now and for future women to come. This Movement works hard to elevate and champion female colleagues from different ethnic backgrounds. Every woman of colour who joins the police is pushing boundaries, often personally, societally, and even within their own families. We are the community, and we are being the change we want to see. This Movement is National, so we are now known as Women of Colour in Policing Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire. (WoCiPBCH). This Movement is supported by Bedfordshire Samantha Alexander Deputy Lead, leads for Cambridgeshire Sofiana Nasib, DC Barbara Lawrence, leads for Hertfordshire Lucy Sitton and PCSO Latoyah Henry as well all the volunteers and allies that support behind the scenes. What is Next: • Increasing knowledge and understanding of the lived experiences of women from ethnic minority communities and areas of intersectionality. • The burden of one: with numbers so low in many areas, there may be only one person of colour serving and having to be a representative as well as reflect the community and be a role model rests on the shoulders of just one individual.

• Speaking up and advocating for others – the unseen, unheard and often overlooked • Development opportunities – to avoid the loss of talent and knowledge. • Providing representation – on various committees such as Violence Against Women and Girls; Progression, Retention and Development board, to name a few. • Continue the work with collaborating with organisations to increase the awareness of this working. I heard about the IPA from a colleague Samantha Alexander WoCiPBCH Deputy Lead who is a Secretary for the International Policing Association. The IPA is an international policing friendship organisation across 65 countries. The opportunities to meet people both Regionally and Internationally are endless. I have learnt about the different educational programmes available to continue my professional development, the travel opportunities to name some of what is on offer. I am blown away by all the different cultures and again the opportunities to engage with people from across the world. I became a member because I did not realise there were opportunities like this available for someone like me. I want to embrace what the IPA is offering whilst supporting the changes it is looking to make in increasing diversity as well as encouraging more women through the launch of #sheisipa . I have also met some remarkable women on my policing journey from all walks of life both past and present.

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NCM Zooms in Spike Elliott , Secretary-General Section UK IPA

The 2024 NCM was held via Zoom on Saturday 8 June. The NEC gathered at Fox Road taking the opportunity to use the conference facilities that were available. Those representing their regions either hired meeting rooms in local hotels or dialled in from their favourite armchair! O ur President Clive Wood , who had just landed from an IEB meeting in Brazil, dialled in from his hotel room near Heathrow Airport, so the meeting was chaired by VP Social & Cultural Karen Duckworth. Gary Craig from the Thin Blue Line charity also gave a presentation about the support available and their new App. He asked for all present to assist in signposting anyone needing support to get in contact.

Plans for the NCM 2025 are well underway and will be held in person at the Union Jack Club (UJC) Sandell St, London (by Waterloo Station), on Saturday 7 June 2025. This will be an election year and the following posts will be coming to the end of their 4-year terms: President, Treasurer and VP Professional. The incumbent Treasurer and VP Professional will be standing for re-election. Millennium Shield Steve Bretherton was awarded the prestigious ‘Millennium Shield’ presented to him on behalf of the NEC, by Steve Palmer of Region 8. It was awarded principally for all his work on the new Memberbase, ensuring it was fit for purpose. In order to receive this award the NEC has decreed the following: ‘The Millennium Shield is awarded to an individual, group or region who, in the opinion of the National Executive Committee, have excelled in performance or contribution to the IPA as an organisation. It is only awarded when the NEC deems that such activity has taken place, not necessarily every year.’ Steve can be very proud of this achievement. ‘Well done Steve’ .

Holding the NCM via Zoom allowed many more members to attend and we had 100 members register but only 55 attended the meeting. We had 37 delegates representing all 11 Regions. After a few technical problems the NCM started just after 10am, the President of the IEB Mr Martin Hoffmann opened the meeting giving an overview of the IEB’s vision and their plans for the next four years. As this was not an election year and there were no motions, we went straight into the NEC’s reports, all of which had been circulated prior to the meeting. President Clive Wood spoke about his activities over the last 12 months. At the IEB Congress meeting in October last year, Clive stood for the role of Head of Administration as Stephen Crockard announced he was not seeking re-election. Clive was successful and is now the Head of Administration on the IEB for a four-year term and due to the time that both roles require he has decided he will not be seeking re-election as President of Section UK when his term of office comes to an end next year. So, if any member would like to consider standing for President of Section UK and would like to know more about the role, please contact Clive, who will be more than happy to talk to you. Clive also announced that HRH Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, has kindly agreed to be our Patron for 2025, which will see Section UK celebrate its 75th Anniversary. A full programme of events is being planned by branches and regions, but more on that in a future edition of Police World. Mike Vince Regional Treasurer of 7 Region was presented with Honorary Life Membership for his sterling service to the IPA over many years. The London Reception Officer Alex Williams had prepared a video showcasing photographs from the many and varied visits to London over the last year.

Steve Bretherton Millenium Shield Award

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The IPA Games - Romania 2024 Karen Duckworth , VP Social and Culture/IBZ Gimborn Lead and Andy Amos - Herts

The 2024 IPA Games in Braşov, Romania was a winner on so many levels. Taking place between 19th – 24th May, it was the perfect platform to exhibit IPA credentials of friendship, connectivity, health + wellbeing and like-minded enjoyment.

I t embraced the sheer joy of taking part in sport , as well as the competitive edge of wanting to do well or win. IPA Section Romania really did pull out all the stops to make this the biggest and best event to date. With a comprehensive registration process starting months before the Games themselves, they had accounted for everything including travel to and from the airport (a transfer of 3 ½ hours, so no mean feat with so many athletes arriving at so many different times). Team Section UK had 11 competitors across the sports of running (5k), judo, 9mm pistol shooting and table tennis. We had some experienced team members who had not only taken part in Portugal (2020) and Montenegro (2022), but who also compete in other competitions like the Police Sport UK and World Fire and Police Games. We also had some team members new to the IPA, plus social sportsmen and women. So, Team Section UK represented the full range of talent and epitomized everything the Games are about – getting stuck in and enjoying every moment, no matter what level you are competing at.

Romanian flag bearer, with an enormous sense of pride. Team members who described it at previous events as a little like the Olympics were not wrong. And what a sight it was to see all the various countries in their team tracksuits and Games polo shirts in the shadow of such a magnificent setting. There was a reception for team organisers in the castle following the ceremony, which was a privilege. I had no idea that the castle (and the area) had such a strong connection to our own Royal Family. Tuesday and Wednesday were all about the competitions and getting right behind our teammates en masse. We started with judo where we had John and Elliot in the 100KG over and under respectively. Both battled hard, but the Romanians were supreme (including the former Olympian who was part of their squad).

Our fab runners

Team Section UK

We were so proud of our boys (two medals) when we went on to table tennis. Alka, Bas and Brian giving their all in some excellent matches. Well done to all, and the spirit of sportsmanship was shining through from some of the other teams, who clearly played at a very high level. It was a pleasure to watch and enjoy. Also taking place in the morning was the shooting event, although something of a trek from the venue (the only event not within the complex). Mark, Andy, Brian and Peter were our shooters, although due to a bit of time-tabling confusion, Peter and Brian didn’t get to shoot. A relief for the other teams taking part, I’m sure. Wednesday saw us competing in the 5k running across several categories. First out of the blocks was Jenna who went on to win a medal in her age group. She was followed by Tristan who ran his heart out, making friends with the German team on the way round – although not so friendly as to not leave them in his wake as he sprinted for the finish. He was virtually adopted by the German team after the race. After that, Mark, Andy and Musaed took to the track, and had brilliant races, bringing home a team medal in their category and a two individual medals.

After a slight judder of a start when we arrived, we landed at ‘The Home of the IPA Games 2024’ – Cheile Grădiştei Resort Fundata, just outside of Bran (the location of Bran Castle – of Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’ fame) on the Sunday evening. It was a purpose-built multi-sport resort (amazing ski resort in the winter, I am sure) in the mountains. Everything the teams needed within one venue. Over 800 competitors from 30+ countries, as well as the legions of IPA Romania volunteers helping to organise and make the event run smoothly. When getting up in the morning, the view from the rooms was simply stunning across the fields to the mountain range beyond. A short walk to breakfast involved encountering one of the (very) wolf-like mountain dogs who lived on site and could tell straight away when food was being smuggled out. As Pete will testify, that dog would have you pinned to the wall if it thought you were carrying ham in your pocket! Monday was all about the Opening Ceremony in the grounds of the castle. Music, flags, pomp and ceremony in the blazing sun – it could not have been better. We marched on to the centre of the showground, behind our young

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Every night, the dinner was followed by some sort of cultural experience laid on by one or other of the teams. Either food, music or both…and always with traditional alcohol. The penultimate evening also saw a small reception off resort with President Martin Hoffman. This incorporated what has now become an intrinsic part of every IPA event – planting of trees as part of the Green Project. Alka and I were very pleased to represent Section UK. The final day was hilarious as I booked the team on what was billed as a ‘carriage ride through the forest’. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage-ride through the beautiful forest of Bran, they said, “experience nature firsthand at the waterfall”, they said. I think it is fair to say that when we arrived at the pick-up point, it wasn’t quite as we expected. I will let the photo speak for itself, but to say that I have not laughed so much in ages would be an understatement. So, in that sense, it was the best trip in the world. The evening was the closing ceremony – all the teams gathered in the sports hall for a fabulous buffet followed by traditional music, dancing and a presentation ceremony. We were presented with team participation medals and a certificate. We also had gifts to present to IPA Section Romania President Mihai Tărtăreanu, IPA President Martin Hoffmann and IEB Chair Sports and Social Commission, Christos Parginos. It was superb and to top it off, we had two tickets in the raffle, and won the IPA Games mascot to bring home. Who would have thought our final conversation would be about how to get a massive mascot head onto the plane…

Getting behind Jenna

Andy Amos

Andy Amos writes: The third IPA games were hosted by the Romanian Police in a delightful ski resort in Bram, near Brasov. About three hours travelling time north of Bucharest, our hosts transported us to our destination. Surrounded by the Carpathian mountains, this out-of-season location comprised a number of hotels, restaurants and sporting facilities. There were over 800 representatives taking part from countries including Japan, Cyprus and Israel. The UK sent a team of eleven ably led by coach VP Karen Duckworth including serving and retired officers from a number of forces including Jersey, Leicestershire and Met.

Team photo with the mascots

The next IPA games (2026) will be held in Wroclaw, Poland, and planning is already underway. I am not sure how they will beat the event put on by IPA Romania, but I am sure they will try. As an opportunity to experience everything that is positive about the IPA, I cannot recommend the IPA Games highly enough. You do not have to be a brilliant athlete, you just need to be prepared to get stuck in and have a go. Enjoyment and friendship are the aims and objectives of Team Section UK, and we welcome anyone who wants to get involved. We are a way off registering for the 2026 event yet, but if you would like more information about the Games, please feel free to contact VP Karen Duckworth – VPDuckworth@ipa-uk.org .

Table Tennis Team

The team had members competing in a number of the sporting events including Judo, table tennis, pistol shooting and a 5k run, obtaining a creditable medal haul in the process. After the magnificent opening ceremony in the grounds of Bran Castle, Transylvania, the competitions took place over the following days, with inter country rivalry and friendship formation foremost on the agenda. As competition came to a close, we had some time to soak up some of Romania with a horse and cart trip into the mountains and a visit to the town of Bran. That evening was the gala closing ceremony held in the main sport hall. A buffet of local food was provided and we were entertained with Romanian music and dancing. To cap the evening off, one of our group won the main raffle prize. The now unrequired life-size mascot costume! This was flown back to UK via outsize baggage for pride of place at IPA HQ.

Carriage ride through the forest

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Gibraltar Jaunt Andy Marshall I have always been intrigued by this small slice of Britishness at the bottom of the Iberian Peninsula. So, when the opportunity to drop in arose, I decided to make it into a few days’ break and I’m glad I did. M y wife and I flew into Malaga and drove the 80 miles down the coast . It was an easy drive with a lunch stop on the seafront in Marbella. The weather on the Costa de Sol was warm with brilliant sunshine, however as we approached the rock it was shrouded in cloud… just like the UK we left earlier! We drove through with only a few minutes wait for the Spanish Police and Gibraltar Customs to check our passports. You instantly notice the change with red double decker buses and UK road signs but interestingly they drive on the right. We went directly to our hotel, The Rock Hotel which has a fantastic, elevated position with views across the town, harbour and bay towards Spain and Morocco. Booking direct you also get an IPA discount. After settling in we headed out for a walk into town, via the botanic gardens outside the hotel. The town has impressive colonial style architecture with historic sites every few metres. The shops are a mix of UK high street names and independent outlets selling tax free and very cheap jewellery, cigarettes, leather goods and alcohol. It also has a mix of very British pubs and more traditional Spanish style restaurants and cafes. We enjoyed a bit of shopping and exploring before heading to Ocean village a modern marina and entertainment hub just outside the historic defensive walls. I met up with Paul from the Royal Gibraltar Police and following an interesting chat about policing on the rock he kindly gave me a RGP tie, and we exchanged some coins and patches. Also, we learned they are recruiting UK officers.

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Later we wandered back into the centre and enjoyed a meal in Irish Town. The people of Gibraltar are friendly, and the town has a nice, relaxed atmosphere. The next morning, we headed up the Rock, which is a 426 metre high lump of Jurassic limestone that is now a nature reserve. It houses, the famous St Michael’s caves, numerous military gun batteries, a Moorish castle, skywalk, suspension bridge, nature trails and tunnels from the great siege and WW2. It is also home to a troop of barbary macaque monkeys. They are used to humans and sit around posing happily for photos. I made the mistake of attempting to take a picture of my Gibraltar IPA Challenge coin with an ape in the background. This one seemed occupied with eating some fruit on a railing, A perfect background so I thought… however the second he saw the shiny coin he pounced! Fortuitously, he just examined it, had a little bite and discarded it. We opted to walk around the sites and then down the castle steps into town, you need to be fit to tackle this due to the inclines and steps. They do offer taxi and bus tours for those not so energetic. After walking a total of 20km and climbing the equivalent of 70 floors we headed back to the hotel pool to relax. I had also arranged to meet Nicholas from the Gibraltar Defence Police in the hotel bar where we discussed policing on the rock and exchanged patches and coins. It was interesting to learn how they work together with the RGP and the Spanish authorities, along with what life is like on the Rock. It’s just a shame I didn’t have time to take up the offer to head out with the marine unit for the day. Definitely worth mentioning the IPA beer garden and club, it’s located just behind the main police station, they do food at breakfast and lunch, have a collection of historic police items and also offer patches and coins for sale. If you’re interested in history and considering a city style break, I highly recommend spending a few days exploring Gibraltar.

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