PW_4_2023

IPA Section UK

Vol 68 No.4 2023

The magazine of the International Police Association, Section UK

www.ipa-uk.org

Policing the Autobahn See Page 10

International Police Association Section UK

Entry Form Over Leaf

Lottery Winners See Page 25

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

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

Vol 68 No.4 2023

Keeping You Informed 4–5 Keeping You Informed Clive Wood President of Section UK 5

Editorial Neil Hallam e-mail: mail@neilhallam.com Deadline for article submission for Vol. 68 Edition 4, 2023 is 13 November 2023 Dispatched January 2024

Introducing Karen Duckworth – Section UK’s New VP Social & Cultural

Professional Development 6 In the shadow of the Ewings Adam Laidouci, London North Branch 7 Exchanging with the Germans Andrew Wienand, London North Branch 8 Gimborn Street Survival Training 2023 9 CPD in North Rhine Westphalia Dan Owen, Merseyside Branch 10 Policing the Autobahn Josh Preston, Norfolk & Suffolk Branch Feature Articles 11 Walking in the Shoes of Another

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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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Deirdre Mahoney, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI)

12–13 Sussex Half Centuries

Dave Stamp, Ray Shayler, Margaret Hughes and John Rodway Thai Police Friendship Weekend at Fox Road Karen Duckworth, VP Social & Culture IPA Linked Branches Chris Duncombe, VP Professional Another Busy Weekend of IPA Activity in London Jack Keeler MBE, Kent Branch Chair A Swiss Visitor to London Sascha Rudolf, Section Switzerland Meeting the Chelsea Pensioners Ryan Fitt, London North Branch, Vice-Chair and Jack Keeler MBE, Kent Branch Chair

Hampshire PO6 1TR Graphic Design by BDS 21 Ltd Membership

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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 £32. 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

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SIGs

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

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Hopping On, and Hopping Off Alex Williams, IPA London Reception officer

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Taking Photographs for Publication: A How – To Guide Neil Hallam, Police World Editor

News 18–23 News from around IPA Spotlight on the SIGs 14

Cover Photo Front Cover - Policing the Autobahn, Josh Preston Next deadline 13 November 2023 for publication January 2024

IPA Motorcycle SIG: AGM 2023 Paul Firth, Motorcycle SIG: Chairman

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Genealogists are Really Time Travellers Denis Hunt, Family History Group Chair

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An introduction to The Caravan and Camping SIG Kevin Hullah, C&C SIG Secretary

Competition 25

Crossword and Soduko WIN one of these books by Dan Wheatcroft and Dick Kirby

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Classifieds

Diary Editor’s Note: Thank you for the impressive number of articles you have sent in recently. I have had to hold over several for future editions.

POLICE WORLD Vol 68 No.4, 2023

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ISSN No: 0032-261X

Keeping you informed

Keeping you informed

I start this article both happy and sad. I am sad that two members of our National Executive have chosen to step down before the end of their term of office. Whilst I fully support their decisions it would be remiss of me not to thank them both for the great personal contribution they have made to this Association during their term on the NEC.

A s I write this article, summer seems to have been a bit of a disappointment. There has been quite a bit happening in IPA terms since our National Council Meeting in Peterborough, last June. The new members of your National Executive have been busy settling into their new roles, and I must thank them, and all members of the team for the tremendous amount of effort that goes into running our Association. I mentioned last time that Section Germany had taken the lead on a recruitment and retention video. They subsequently stood down from this project, and our own Vice President for Communications, Colin Hutt, has taken up the baton. I will be reporting on that and other matters, to the meeting of the Gimborn Conversation, where I will join some of our younger members to discuss ideas with other Sections. It is always a pleasure to visit IBZ Gimborn for this important meeting. Do remember, there are fantastic opportunities for you to visit Gimborn to attend one of their excellent courses, with support available towards the seminar costs once every two years. I mentioned last time, that we hoped to deliver a first at Fox Road, by hosting a friendship and learning weekend with senior police officers from Thailand, who were located around the UK on academic courses. I am delighted to say this went ahead, and was very successful. It was a proof of concept that we could deliver training courses at Fox Road, and also resulted in 10 new foreign associate members joining Section UK.

I must thank Vice President, Karen Duckworth, former National Secretary-General, Steve Bretherton and members Martin Turner, Deirdre Mahony and Tom Chisholm, for their first class presentations. Let’s hope we can deliver more such seminars in the coming months.

Timo during a short visit to the UK. I showed them round Fox Road, and we exchanged the usual gifts. I also attended a Branch coffee morning with my own Branch, Leicestershire. Thank you as always to the organisers. There were over 20 people present. It was a lovely opportunity to catch up, and then spend a significant amount of money in the garden centre. Now, I know, we have certificates for members achieving certain membership milestones, but I wanted to personally mark the significant membership of those members achieving 50, 60, or in some cases, 65 years of membership. Their continued support is so important, and is what allows us to thrive as we do. So, I took the opportunity to personally write to each member, just over 100 as it turned out, thanking them for their support. If you received a card, I hope you appreciated it. If you think you should have had a card, but didn’t get one, do please let me know. In other news; I attended the Region 5 half yearly meeting by Zoom. Thank you to all who turned out for a useful meeting, and good luck to Kieran, the new Chair, as he starts to steer the Region. A development day and meeting of your National Executive was held over two days at Fox Road. Much business was covered, and discussions about developing opportunities for members over the coming months and years. Helen and I had a very pleasant cup of coffee (and a small scone), when we met Ian & Laura Reynolds from Hampshire, who were in Leicestershire for an extended break.

The NEC using the conference facilities at Fox Road

Personally, I was able to see a bit of sunshine during the summer, as Helen and I took a two week cruise around the Mediterranean, which was very relaxing. I was also fortunate, together with Vice President Communications Colin Hutt, to attend the 60th celebration of Section Israel. We had a wonderful few days, and “thank you” to President Gal Sharon, and the rest of her team. The British Section sponsored Section Israel in 1963 at World Congress in Oslo Norway. Being a 1963 baby, we were both celebrating a big year this year! I was really pleased to meet a member of IPA Israel, who showed me his father’s Overseas Associate membership card from 1962. You may remember that the last Northern European Forum was hosted by Section Germany in Munich. So, I was delighted to host Constance, the Chair of the Munich branch, and her husband

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Keeping you informed

Our friends from Thailand visiting Notts Police HQ during their friendship and learning weekend

Clive and Colin at the western wall in Isreal with their armed gaurd

Clive in Isreal

Clive with Constance and Timo from Munich at fox road

Things to come: which I will report on next time. I will soon be in Gimborn, as I mentioned above. I’m also delighted that Helen and I have been invited to the Region 2, 70th Anniversary dinner. Your VP Professional, Chris Duncombe, will represent the Section at the National Police Memorial Day (NPMD) to be held in Cardiff. This is an important date in our diary every year, and I am grateful to Ken and Denis in Region 4, and all of the volunteers who help organise the event. I will be visiting the Tower of London to witness the Ceremony of the Keys, a unique member benefit, which, if you have not yet taken advantage of, I strongly recomend you do. I will be there to recognise the support of the Yeoman Warders, and hope to make a presentation, but more of that next time. I will be attending Cyprus, together with your National Treasurer Bill Lloyd, to mark the 40th anniversary of that Section. Also, to Montenegro, acknowledging the 10th anniversary of their Section. It will be a busy few weeks. Now, I mentioned last time that this was an election year for the International Executive Board (IEB) at World Congress (WC) to be held in Athens. It was my intention to present myself as a candidate for the International Head of Administration (HoA) role, and I am delighted to confirm that I will stand unopposed for that position at Congress. More about that next time, but needless to say, I am delighted and honoured to be taking up the role within the international board. Finally, although it still seems quite a way off when I’m writing this piece, it is appropriate to wish you all a peaceful festive period. This edition will be published in November, and I won’t have opportunity to write again until the New Year. I hope you are able to enjoy time with family and friends, and to those still serving and keeping us safe, thank you for your service. I wish you all a peaceful Christmas.

Karen Duckworth Section UK’s New VP Social & Cultural Firstly, can I say what a privilege it is, to have been elected to the National Executive Committee at the June National Committee Meeting. The role of Vice President, with responsibility for the Social / Culture portfolio is very exciting, and has lots of activities and opportunities to get involved with. I joined the IPA following my retirement from the Met in 2019, after 31 years’ service. It was through my role with London Policing College, that I worked closely with IPA members and IBZ Gimborn, taking part in events that contributed to police professional development. This is a very important aspect of what we do, and highlighting what we can offer young officers and the wider police family, who are a key part of our recruitment campaign. Continuing to make ourselves professionally relevant is very important to me, and is how the IPA will continue to flourish long into the future. The Social and Cultural portfolio offers a different type of development; the development of professional and social friendships, which support the growth and health of the organization. Whether that be through social gatherings, existing sporting events and the development of new ones, or current and new Special Interest Groups, it is the coming together of like-minded people who share a common purpose – “Service Through Friendship”. I often wonder about what Arthur Troop would think if he could see this amazing organisation now. Twenty Three years on since he died and with 65 countries involved. I expect he would be incredibly proud of where we are, and what has been achieved. I really look forward to being part of the team that continues his work over the coming years.

Yours in Friendship. Clive Wood, Section UK President

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In the Shadow of the Ewings (for those old enough to remember) Adam Laidouci , London North Branch As part of ILDEP scheme for IPA members, I recently had the fantastic opportunity to spend some time with the Dallas Police Department. A s a member of Police Staff, I was keen to explore any insights as to what a modern police service, fit for the 2020s and beyond, looks like. I approached Dallas PD, to explore what initiatives they have to improve community policing, and increase trust within their communities. Often, US law enforcement has similar (if not even more pronounced) challenges as we do in the UK, and with a similar population size to London, Dallas faces some parallel challenges.

The following day, I spent some time with the team at Love Field Airport, responsible for policing and security at the airport. I was shown around, and I got a comprehensive picture of their work - for example their crucial role in being on the frontline in the fight against the smuggling of illicit finance and narcotics. Through a series of briefings, I noticed that there are differences, but also large similarities in how we and the US police work. Specifically in the use of partnership working (the Dallas PD Love Field Unit’s main partners are the FBI, State Dept, and Dallas Fire-Rescue to name a few) After a long day, an evening meet and greet night had been set up with the local IPA, which was a great opportunity to relax, sample the local Texan cuisine, and exchange stories with officers of varied rank. The next day, I managed to cram in quite a few bits including visiting Dallas PD headquarters, which included their FUSION/Intelligence Unit. I also visited the Community Affairs bureau, to exchange notes on their approach to neighbourhood policing among communities with low trust in policing. After a packed morning, I moved on to spend time at their training centre, to discuss their new recruits training program which lasts 10-months. The last day of this fantastic trip unfortunately arrived. I was sad to be going home. I said my goodbyes, happy that I got to take part in such an incredible IPA trip that left me with so many good memories and newly acquired insight into policing in the US. The kindness and generosity of everyone I met will be hard to match. Special thanks to all from IPA UK, Section 9, and London North Branch for making this all possible. I thoroughly recommended all members to explore what the amazing ILDEP scheme can offer you!

I was a little nervous beforehand that my background as Police Staff instead of an Officer would cause some barriers during my visit, which I quickly learned was not the case, through the hospitality that Dallas PD offered during my time with them. My visit kicked off with the Mounted Unit, where I was shown the workings of the team and their 20+ horses. I was introduced to Earthquake, one of the newer additions to the team, and was briefed on the set piece events the Unit were working. Most notable of which was the Texas State Fair, with preparations well underway for the upcoming sell-out attraction. After a quick demo on tactics, I had a brief stopover with the Canine Unit, with Officer George Prock and his team, where we exchanged notes on the various training approaches to dog handling and some of the key trends the Dallas PD were facing. My day ended with a whistle stop tour of the City’s SWAT team. I was able to swap patches, view some of their equipment, and talk through the pressures the team faces in responding to the “Tier 1” threats facing the City. Their challenges include: gangs, organised crime, and terrorism (notably the Colleyville synagogue hostage crisis).

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Exchanging with the Germans Andrew Wienand , London North Branch I was fortunate enough to be selected to attend a last minute exchange in Bonn, Germany, during August. The three night visits organised by Alex Williams (London North Branch) are part of a new initiative to bring more professional development opportunities to serving IPA members this autumn. Reciprocal visits will see London IPA branches host several German police officers to experience policing and social opportunities during their three day programmes.

R yan Fitt and I were collected from the airport by the Commissioner of Police, Andreas Piastowski, who drove us to the Specialist Unit, BKE. We had a great input from the Deputy Head, who outlined his unit’s role and responsibilities. This riot unit is also specialised in Armed Counter Terrorism Policing. They gave us a rundown of all the different responsibilities of the Bundespolizei, including: Borders, Helicopters, Riot, GSG9 and Close Protection. In the evening, we were welcomed by the head of the local IPA. We introduced ourselves and talked about or roles before we had dinner and chatted to all the members. On Friday, our day started off with a bang at the gun range. It was brilliant. Loads of bullets were fired at interactive moving targets. Our instructors were fantastic teachers, and I wish we had this technology available in the Metropolitan Police. A short visit to CID was next on the agenda. We were told how their unit worked, before having an informative lesson with their Forensic officer. I was surprised to learn that all Sudden Death calls are attended by CID officers. In the afternoon we visited the traffic garage, where we sat on a police motorbike, and saw what great technology it was equipped with. Their incident response vans are so high tech that they have their own power source and air conditioner. The evening was spent in a gem of a restaurant, which was the best Spanish food I have eaten

outside of Spain. We were joined by two other members and even saw our host sing Spanish songs, whilst wearing a sombrero. A great end to a fantastic second day. On Saturday I had my first ever ride along in a foreign country, and loved it so much I went twice. My colleagues were great fun and it was good to see that not too much changes between countries, with our customers and processes. It was great fun and I would definitely do it again. I have been trying to organise a ride along for close to five years, and am thankful Andreas could make it happen. The rest of the day I was taken on a tour of the “House of History” by Andreas, as well as a walking tour of Cologne. He has in-depth knowledge of so many buildings and the history behind them, that there was never a dull moment. Sunday was a particularly thrilling day, as Andreas managed to secure the Marine unit for a trip up the Rhine. I learned all about the different instruments on board their vessel, as well as what their role entails. The views were spectacular, and it really was a memorable experience that even Andreas had never done before. We ended our exchange with lunch at the old DDR (German Democratic Republic) outpost in the airport, before wishing our host farewell. I am so happy to have taken part in this exchange and look forward to showing the many new friends I made, around London.

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Professional Development

Gimborn Street Survival Training 2023 Andy Marshal , Damon Blackman and Lee Grieves all attended this year’s popular Street Survival course at Gimborn. Andy Marshal: If you haven’t been to Gimborn before… Get on the website and pick a course now, you won’t regret it! For me the Gimborn experience encapsulates everything that’s great about the IPA. This was my second time on the street survival course run by the Defensive Tactics SIG, I can’t recommend it enough, especially for those who are public facing. The course had 30 attendees, three from the UK, with others from Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Cyprus. I ’m not into martial arts , and don’t look forward to the annual defence training at work. This seminar introduces you to

The training centred around the DTG; Explosive Self Defence System. In my time as a Police Officer, our primary strike has been the heel palm strike. I’ve always been anti this technique, thinking “show me a real fighter that uses this technique.” I am happy to admit when I’m wrong. ESDS fixes the major problems with our usual strike. We usually train by holding a pad in front of the torso, and strike it with open palms. We tend to strike at the chest, which is not very effective. ESDS uses the head as a target. The system goes further, but I will leave that for you to discover when you sign up for Street Survival 2024. The Stop the bleed lesson simulated the stress involved in dealing with catastrophic bleeding. Most training simply teaches you to put a tourniquet on, this had more in common with Public Order Medic training. Our heart rates were elevated through exercise, then performing casualty evacuation and tourniquet application. Some fake blood made the training all the more immersive. The Point Shooting session focused on an instinctive tactic developed in WWII by the Special Operations Executive. Although I was one of the few Officers on the course who is not routinely armed, I saw potential cross over into the TASER world. It was also good fun! We were then introduced to the Chiron suit, that allowed us to strike at full power. This was a serious bit of kit; reactive foam which hardens when struck, covered with carbon fibre plating. The suit quickly made me realise how much we hold back when striking a FIST suit, and how that would translate into reality. Training aside, one of my favourite elements of the course was the networking and socialising. Listening to each other’s stories made me realise that Policing really does transcend borders. It’s the same kind of people doing their best for their communities, in the face of politics, budget problems, equipment issues, and legislative peculiarities.

the explosive self defence system. I especially liked how we didn’t do lots of complicated techniques, as like most, I suffer from skill fade in techniques not used regularly. We regularly changed partners, which broke the ice and gave us opportunity to meet everyone. I’ve suffered too many ‘death by PowerPoint’ lessons, but this was nothing like that. The explosive self-defensive system initially looked complicated, but the trainers build it up in stages, and by the end of the week everyone was confident and proficient. We also covered active threat training, showing us how to deal with an armed assailant. Another highlight was an afternoon focused on point shooting. Using airsoft pistols. The technique was developed from years of research into police shootings, and showed us how to use natural instincts to accurately and quickly shoot while moving. The last day featured a set of fast paced scenarios calling upon everything we had learned; I think everyone agreed this was a highlight of the week, and certainly demonstrated how much we had learnt. Damon Blackman: I’ve been a Response Officer in the Met for 20 years. For me, defensive tactics and medical skills are critical elements of our job, which is why I became a Public Order Medic and an Officer Safety Instructor. I crunched some numbers. I considered; the IPA bursary, the cost of the course (including food and accommodation), and cost of the flight. Once I had balanced all of this, the costs were pretty much covered. All that was left was to convince my wife of the professional benefits of leaving her at home with our four children. Gimborn is a quaint village, in the middle of nowhere. it’s an alternate reality, where everyone is a cop! It’s a stark contrast to the cities that many of us work in. Most of our training was nestled between the castle, lake and forested hillside.

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CPD in North Rhine Westphalia Dan Owen , Merseyside Branch Two Section UK members, took advantage of a 10 day IPA Professional Development opportunity in Germany. They visited the North Rhine Westphalia (NRW) State Bureau for Training, Professional Development and Personnel (Landesamt für Ausbildung, Fortbildung und Personalangelegenheiten or LAFP). The LAFP provides operational training for police recruits, and a wide range of vocational training and professional development for all officers.

W ith us on this trip were Officers from Canada, Germany and the Netherlands. We visited the IPA House (with a bar). We were then invited to play a few games of Kegeln. (A game a bit like 9 Pin bowling) It got quite competitive, but was fun. Our evening finished with Officers from around the world swapping war stories and experiences. Day two began with breakfast on camp. A hot coffee and a mixture of German breakfast items, which went down a treat. We were then given a briefing and an insight into the structure of the Police in Germany. We learned how each department and Force worked and co-operated. A little later we were then treated to a tour of Burg Vischering. A castle in Lüdinghausen, a small town not far from Münster. It was certainly picturesque, with its moat, fortifications and history. We had a guided tour around the castle and the grounds. The atmosphere was perfect, with the smell of a local bakery in the air, and people sat outside enjoying themselves. After dinner, we travelled to Münster for a guided tour. Upon our arrival, we were met by members of IPA Münster, who fed us with locally baked goods and a few glasses of bubbly. We sat and exchanged our experiences whilst overlooking a lake and park. Our tour was directed by a retired Police Officer who had patrolled the area. The insights he provided were second to none. On our third day, we were welcomed by local IPA Officials, who gave us a tour of the LAFP North Rhine Westphalia base, at Selm-Bork where we were staying. The facilities, support and resources

were truly astonishing. We were told about the training and courses available for new recruits. We then took part in “Grenzgang”. A mandatory part of their Police training about ethics, the impact of decision making, as well as past and current challenges to Policing. The day ended with a BBQ and beers at the IPA House, where members from four nations got to know each other. On day four, we travelled to the town of Bochum, where their Riot Police are stationed. The team demonstrated extinguishing fires during Public Order scenarios. After this, several of us volunteered for first-hand experience of the Water Cannon. On other days, we visited the Duisburg Innovation Lab. This was like visiting the Men in Black. They provide the future of Policing. It was eye opening to see the potential of new equipment in fighting crime. Their resources were very impressive. Later we visited the Water Police and the Ministry of the Interior, where we met Chief Officers and discussed international Policing operations and cooperation. We got to try Virtual Reality Training, in a scenario involving an RTC. All in 12K Video! At the Federal Police’s Airport, we were given a tour by one of their Helicopter Pilots. We explored their aircraft, operations and exchanged professional practices and experiences with each of the Specialist Teams there. We couldn’t visit NRW without a trip to IBZ Gimborn Castle. Our journey through the stunning countryside was outshone by Gimborn Castle

when we arrived. The picturesque grounds and amazing architecture were unreal. It was truly magnificent to spend the night there. After our night in Gimborn Castle, we visited Cologne for a cruise along the Rhine. The professional learning and development were fantastic. To have Officers from four nations sharing knowledge and experience was amazing. I cannot thank my German hosts enough for this trip. I have taken so much away from it, not just professionally and operationally but personally too.

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Professional Development

Policing the Autobahn Josh Preston , Norfolk & Suffolk Branch

My role on Norfolk’s Road Policing Team involves dealing with serious and fatal collisions. When collisions happen on fast roads, they create a large build-up of congestion. A two hour closure can cost the economy £135,360, so it is vital to reduce this time whenever possible. A n obvious choice of country to gain a different perspective was Germany, due to their vast Autobahn network. I They had four double crewed traffic cars for the city, whose primary focus is the Autobahn. The RTC I attended involved a high speed shunt from the rear. A doctor was flown on the Air Ambulance, for possession of Cannabis, their identity and address are confirmed. They are asked if they have anything to say about the offence, and then reported directly to court, where they can argue their case with the judge.

looked to see what else the trip could offer for my role on Operation Foxtail, which deals with the use of fraudulent driving licences. Germany has many nationalities passing through it, so I was interested to see how they deal with foreign and counterfeit driving licences. I took my proposal to an IPA meeting, and was given help with travel costs. The IPA put me in touch with a German Police officer, Jonas Kiessling, who spoke fantastic English. Jonas organised two shifts on Highway Patrol, and time with Response, CID, Marine unit and counterfeit departments. I stayed at Jonas’ father’s house, who is also a serving police officer. I was made to feel extremely welcome by Jonas and his family. I patrolled with two highway patrol officers, who cover the A3 and A5 ring road around Frankfurt. They can travel from one side to the other in just over 10 minutes. One of my first observations is that, around the city, there was a speed limit of 75 mph. I was told this is due to the on and off slips, so the speed limit is capped. The Autobahn has sensors on the road, which monitor the number of the vehicles and adjust the speed limit with a variable system, similar to UK motorways. A common misconception of Germany’s roads is that you can go as fast as you like on all roads. Only some are still unrestricted, with Police vehicles routinely reaching 155 mph. It wasn’t long before we were deployed to a collision on the A3. On arrival it was very similar to the UK, we blocked off the road so we could assess the causalities and preserve evidence. All Police in Germany are double crewed and armed.

which landed on the road to triage the driver, before transport to hospital. The doctor was on scene within 10 minutes of the collision. Ample resources from police, fire and ambulance, meant the Autobahn was shut for just 40 minutes. Luckily the collision was captured on the Autobahn camera, as dash cameras in Germany are rare. I learnt that dash cameras are technically illegal in Germany, due to data protection laws. Footage can’t be used in court, because you can’t film anybody without their permission. CCTV has only been active in Frankfurt for two years, and was only introduced due to a high rate of thefts and robberies. ANPR cameras are not common in Germany. They can only be found at international borders. German officers were astounded that we could track cars, and be alerted to stolen vehicles if they drive past patrol cars with ANPR fitted. A feature they all wished they could have. I spent Day two at Rhineland-Palatinate police station. Firstly, visiting CID, who unlike the UK, pick up all crime encountered by response officers. The investigation process for serious offences is similar to the UK, but differs for lower level offences. Once a person is stopped, eg

At Frankfurt’s HQ, I visited the fraudulent document department, which interested me because of Operation Foxtail. I was shown new techniques for spotting counterfeit documents. I will certainly use these skills in Norfolk. In Germany, all officers have at least three weeks training to spot counterfeit documents, with others attending an enhanced course. They have access to EUCARIS, which allows them to check documents at the roadside, and see other countries databases. I formed new professional relationships with the document team in Frankfurt, who offered help and advice in the future. On the final working day, I was back with highway patrol in Frankfurt. I saw how they deal with traffic offences, including a driver who was caught using his phone whilst driving. A penalty of 130 euros was taken from him directly at roadside. This once in a lifetime trip, was made easier by the IPA, both financially and in arranging contact with Jonas. I was supported by Norfolk Constabulary with three days paid leave.

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POLICE WORLD Vol 68 No.4, 2023

Article

Walking in the Shoes of Another Deirdr Mahoney , Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) I remain operational on the Public Order Team. I am now lead for Advanced Witness & Suspect Interview Training , and Interview Advisor Training, at the Crime Faculty in Belfast, and as Lead for Advanced Witness & Suspect Interview Training, and Interview Advisor Training, at the Crime Faculty in Belfast. I have always loved interviewing, so I am immensely happy teaching my favourite subject. During my time at the Crime Faculty, I have completed an Advanced Diploma in Teaching and working towards a BSc in Criminology & Criminal Justice Systems. I am Chair of IPA Northern Ireland and Secretary of Police Tennis. I’m asked what it’s like to work in PSNI. I guess it’s just like Policing anywhere else really, the same highs, lows, sense of duty and pride, the same desire to make a small difference to the lives of those we come across in the course of our duty, and a desire to undo the wrongs against our communities. The big difference I suppose, is we are all functionally paranoid. Days start by checking under our cars for IEDs, telling our children that we’re checking for cats. This explanation works until they have that Santa moment, when they realise nobody else checks their car, and they become more aware of difficulties in our society which they can’t comprehend. Our children know to stay indoors until the car has been checked, indeed my own children have scolded me in the past, rushing them out the door for school with “but you haven’t checked for cats yet!” Driving to work we clock every vehicle in our neighbourhoods to ensure recognition, and note those we don’t. Coming home from work takes as long as it takes. The environment is checked continually to ensure it passes the paranoid test and, if in any doubt, you vary your route. Space is left between you and the car in front, and consideration given to your ease of escape. Particular attention is paid to your own neighbourhood and the environment of your own home, your safe (ish) place. Many of us have security cameras, mine are of great quality, invested in after an attack on a colleague. They make me feel more secure, and the joy of secretly watching my local badgers and foxes coming to dine and play in my garden is sheer bliss. None of us have set patterns; tables for restaurants get booked by others. Church attendance times vary, I never use my own name booking taxis, get my friends to book tennis courts, so nobody apart from my tennis buddies know I’m turning up until I do. My children have a different surname to me so that has been reassuring. I put my son in a private school at some expense, he didn’t get the school he had wanted, and I wouldn’t let him go to others near us in case they found out what I did, and harmed him because of that. He loved his school and made friends with other boys, whose police parents were paying to hide them away there too. We all lament the overtime we must do for the school fees. We have personal protection weapons; I can’t imagine living in Northern Ireland as a Police officer without one. Certainly, I pray I never have to use it.

I joined PSNI with great excitement in 2003, serving as a Detective since 2007. I have undertaken various investigative roles within serious and organised crime, including periods as a Financial Investigator, Digital Media Investigator and as a Family Liaison Officer. I worked on historic sex abuse investigations, terrorist Investigations, and even a secondment to the Dutch Police, working with their proactive Animal Crime Unit.

We are lucky the South of Ireland is only a short drive away. It’s amazing how quickly you can switch off when you are away from here. I suppose you are always on high alert without really realising it. I am a “blow in” to Northern Ireland however, I have no history here, which I always thought an advantage being in the Police. I feel quite anonymous, this always gave me added confidence interviewing terrorists, nobody knows me and for such interviews we use our numbers not names. Although we have now unbelievably suffered a data breach of details of every member of the force. So, all those numbers now have names, which is of course somewhat alarming. This breech has caused a great deal of anger, anxiety and huge concern for each other, like that felt when any among us is attacked. I have been a member of IPA since 2008. I think it is a marvellous organisation. I love that membership carries on after retirement, and we provide so many wonderful opportunities for both serving and retired members. I have visited NYPD Homicide, the German Police in Heidelberg. A high spot was visiting the French Police in Paris, where I marched in dress uniform up the Champs Elysee to the Arc de Triomphe, for a joint Military and Police service of remembrance at the Eternal Flame. My secondment to the Dieren Politie (Animal Police) was assisted by the IPA, and supported by PSNI, and is one of the best experiences of my career to date. I am proud of our organisation, and how we can assist our respective forces with opportunities for our colleagues that current police budgets cannot support. I am excited about the future of the IPA, and confident the mantel will pass on from this generation to the next and spread its wings further around the world.

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Sussex 50

Sussex Half Centuries Dave Stamp , Sussex Branch Chair

At our recent Sussex Branch meeting, four members were presented with 50 year certificates. Simeon Coughlan also presented his report on attending Denmark on Patrol. The branch gave him a £100 grant to encourage him, as we do for all our members who embark on such events. Margaret Hughes (nee Marchant) I joined the former East Sussex Constabulary, as their first girl cadet in August 1962, joining the regular force in August 1964, one of just 17 WPCs in that Force. After amalgamation in 1968, I worked in the force control room, meaning I was the first woman officer in Sussex to work a full rota of shifts (including nights). This was to be the first of many ‘Firsts’ for women in Sussex.

From left to right - Dave Stamp (Chair), Ray Shayler, Peter Woodjetts, Margaret Hughes and John Rodway.

I joined IPA in 1966, and have been an active member ever since. In those days we had ‘IPA Station Reps.’ whose aim was to encourage new members to join. I recruited two of those receiving 50 year certificates at this meeting: Peter Woodjettes and David Medhurst. I was promoted in 1968, serving for a time on Traffic. (Another first for a woman sergeant in Sussex). I was later promoted to Inspector in the Policewomen’s Department, when our then Chief Constable, Sir George Terry (a very keen IPA member) integrated women into the regular establishment, 12 months ahead of being required to do so by the Sex Discrimination Act. He was a great advocate for women in all roles within the Force. Overnight I became a section Inspector at East Grinstead, responsible for a section of all men (another first!) Promoted Chief Inspector in 1978 (the first promotion for a woman in the integrated force) and a move back to HQ, saw me become the most senior woman officer in the Force. I retired in 1993, having completed 31 years service. In 1979 I married Tom Hughes, another IPA Life Member, who I met through IPA. Tom & I travelled abroad with the IPA on many occasions, and we were responsible for setting up links with Waldshut-Tingen in Germany, Blois in France, and others in Holland. We have many IPA friends made through these visits. Our branch has just returned from a visit to Waldshut to celebrate the 40th anniversary of that first visit. Tom and I held several officer positions within the Branch over the years. He died in 2021, with many members attending his funeral. I continue to support the Sussex Branch, regularly attending meetings and functions and hope to do so for many more years to come. I am very pleased to say Sussex now has a female Chief Constable, Jo Shiner, O how things have changed, I am proud to be able to say I was part of the team that made this possible!

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POLICE WORLD Vol 68 No.4, 2023

Sussex 50

John Rodway I joined the IPA over 50 years ago, a family that extends across five continents. My first IPA trip to the USA was in 1974, visiting Oregon, California and Nevada. As with most overseas visits of the time, this was self-funded, but I did travel with the best wishes of the Chief Constable. C alifornian patrol officers had access to the forerunner of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems on San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, even back in the 1970s. Individual patrols had handheld speed detection devices too. Fitness and well-being of officers was embedded in San Francisco, where new recruits had an initial fitness test on appointment. Each officer was required to improve fitness by 10% over the next 10 years, maintain that fitness level for their second 10 years, and allowed to reduce fitness level to the original level in their last 10 years. They were therefore expected to be as fit after 30 years’ service as they were on the day they joined. In 1995, I was the recipient of the Hugh Hallett, IPA Scholarship, and undertook a study tour of the USA to review the use of less than lethal force by police officers. Highlights of my visit included training with pepper spray at the FBI Academy at Quantico, visits to the White House, the Capitol Building and FBI Headquarters. Throughout this visit, I received support and hospitality from frontline patrol officers in Texas and Maryland, through to Chief Officers in Saint Cloud Minnesota and Transport Police officers in Boston Massachusetts. Throughout the past 50 years I have enjoyed the company of fellow IPA members on visits to France, Belgium, Germany and Netherlands, and I have hosted fellow members from Some particular highlights of my career were; dealing with a loud concert at the Apple Corporation HQ in Saville Row, where The Beatles were holding their last concert on the roof. We entered the building and negotiated the end of the concert. There was much publicity, and we were filmed on the roof with the Beatles, to ensure the concert was concluded swiftly. (This was recently revisited, and the film lasting six hours was shown on Disney). Whilst a Sergeant at Cannon Row, I was the Daytime Controller at the Iranian Embassy Siege, working in the next building to the Embassy for the 10-day duration of the siege. After retiring from the Police, I began volunteering with the National Trust, as a Room Guide at Ightham Mote. I am still volunteering at Scotney Castle and Bodiam Castle, 23 years later, as a House Experience volunteer and an artefact Conservator. Ray Shayler I joined the Met, from its civilian staff in 1966, initially serving in London’s West End. I joined the IPA in 1972, becoming the Press Officer on 6/4 Sub-Region. With my colleague Keith Pugh, we developed the friendship between ‘P’ Branch and the Oldenburgh Branch in Northern Germany. O n retirement, I rejoined the civil staff as an Information Officer . In total, I worked for the Met for 38 years. As a retirement job, I joined Kent Ambulance Service as a Driver Attendant, leaving after five and a half years to move to Sussex, where I continue to live. In 2007 I joined the Sussex IPA Branch, and have just taken on the role of Branch Treasurer at the age of 79.

Ray Shayler and Wendy in 1986

Ray Shayler - Retirement Day

Honolulu, California, Germany and France. Thank you IPA, for 50 years well spent.

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Spotlight on the SIGS

IPA Motorcycle SIG: AGM 2023 Paul Firth , Motorcycle SIG: Chairman It is usual when writing an account of an event like an AGM, to lead with key decisions made, or changes to the committee. However, on this occasion I feel it is only right to start with our outstanding host family. “Host family” may sound strange, but that’s exactly what they were.

T he Buccleuch Arms, in Moffat, is well known to motorcyclists. It is in tremendous biking country, with lots to see and explore, but the hotel is owned and run by a single family. Dave and Yvonne, their sons and their family, made our stay both pleasurable and memorable, to the point where a decision was made to return to the hotel for our AGM every two years. As high an endorsement as I can think of. As is our normal practice, members made their own way to the venue from all over the UK. On arrival, we immediately saw this was no ordinary biking establishment, as two of Dave’s sons met us at the hotel gates, and offered to park our bikes in their purpose built court yard. Rooms allocated, we had a nice stroll around Moffat, worth a visit with lots of associated history. Dinner was pre ordered, and came out piping hot with South African influences, Dave’s home country. I had chosen spicy buffalo florets of cauliflower. Nothing was too much trouble and the service was impeccable. We were asked to bring our Sat Navs along to breakfast. Not a normal accompaniment to bacon and eggs, but Dave provided a list of ‘bike tours’ to choose from, downloaded the routes for us, and accompanied us as a guide. Remarkable bike friendly roads, that we would never have found.

On to the business of the weekend, the AGM itself. The AGM is always a chance to reflect on the past year. Once again, we have been active, offering a variety of events through the year. • July: Norfolk long weekend • September: One tour, two wars Tour of France & Belgium • October: End of season ride to the Cotswolds • January: Post Christmas bash, Red Lion Rugeley All these, plus our weekly ride outs for coffee and a chat, keep our SIG alive and well, with an increase in members again this year (now at 138). We had 29 members attend from all over the UK, including our vice chair John who with his wife Angie, had travelled over from Northern Ireland, with Rod and Denise. John, like the rest of the committee, agreed to stay on for another year. On behalf of the committee, I would just like to say how great it is to be able to spend time with such a great group of people, who all met through a passion for motorcycling and the IPA.

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POLICE WORLD Vol 68 No.4, 2023

Article

Thai Police Friendship Weekend at Fox Road Karen Duckworth , VP Social & Culture

It is not every day that you are able to ask, “Would you mind coming to Fox Road, and chat to some young Thai Police officers about policing in the UK”, but that is exactly what we asked at the end of July. T he Thai officers are in the UK studying a range of academic courses, from Masters Degrees to Doctorates. They are very informative session for all in the room, with President Clive Wood, giving an introduction to the IPA to finish. opportunities for them to connect with members up and down the country.

To top it off, as new members, two of the Thai officers based in London, managed to get on one of the London Reception Officer’s Palace of Westminster tours, underlining what great opportunities are available to members. Creating new and interesting opportunities for members is a top priority for the executive, as well as reaching out to increase recruitment. Being able to demonstrate the uniqueness of the IPA in terms of its international reach is just one way of bringing the two together.

here with the Chevening Scholarship, a Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) project, to support those considered to be at the top of their professional game. They are then asked to take back the best practice from their year in the UK, and consider it within the context of their professional practice back home. This has been seen as a great opportunity for Section UK, in the sense that we could reach out to the officers, many of whom had little police contact, to enhance their academic experience and connect them with our own members. It was also a chance to use Fox Road as a learning hub, something the Executive would like to do more of in the future. With members from the Metropolitan Police, PSNI, and the local Nottinghamshire Branch in attendance, the Friendship Weekend built up in stages, starting with a Saturday morning tour of Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, where the group were given access to areas of the stadium the public would not normally visit, including the control room. Austin, our guide (and former Nottinghamshire Police Officer) explained the safety and security considerations that the operations team, and the Safety Officer, have to balance at every event. This was especially evident during our visit, as Trent Bridge hosted a significant number of cricket matches in August, as part of the ‘100 series’. The tour added colour and context to the scenario that had been devised for the afternoon, based on a body being found in the cricket ground, and the subsequent investigation. Presenters included Martin Turner (Counter Terrorism and Major Incident Management - British Transport Police), Tom Chisholm (Head of Homicide Investigation - Staffordshire Police) and Deirdre Mahoney (Lead Investigative Interviewing Trainer - PSNI). It was a

On Sunday morning, Nottingham Branch members Tony Berrington and his wife Annie, arranged for the group to visit the

new Nottinghamshire Police HQ, with its new Command-and-Control Center. We had a very informative tour around the site with Chief Inspector Rob Shields, visiting the training school, the amazing gymnasium facilities used for sport as well as officer safety and taser training, finishing off in the Control Room, where CI Shields was able to explain all the various facets that make up the complex CCC picture, and how they ensure calls are answered in a timely manner, and an appropriate response is deployed. It’s always fascinating seeing how this is done between forces in the UK, but for the Thai group, it must have been especially interesting as having chatted to them afterwards, the set up in Thailand is very, very, different. We were then treated to a superb demonstration of the firearms kit and armoury by Inspector Chris Jones, and his two ARV colleagues (one of whom turned out to be an IPA member). They emptied their car and went through all the equipment they carried, giving the group a chance to try on and experience the different bits of kits – something all officers enjoy. For our Thai and PSNI officers, a trip into the armoury must have been like ‘a day in the life of…’, however, for the rest of us it was jaw-dropping to see all the seized firearms (many of which were frighteningly home-made) taken off the streets of Nottinghamshire. When we went back to Fox Road, to meet members of Notts Branch over lunch, we were delighted to see that nine out of the 10 Thai officers had joined the IPA there and then. We hope to reach out to the new tranche, who arrive in September for their year of UK study, and engage with them much earlier, creating

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