Police World Edition 4, 2013

IPA News

Twinning Article

Trip to Bielefield was Hair Raising Several years ago New Scotland Yard (NSY) branch cemented an already strong relationship with Bielefeld branch, Germany, by successfully undergoing a twinning ceremony hosted by the Mayor of Bielefeld and the branch Chair. Since then, there have been frequent visits in either direction that has steadily seen the In May, six NSY Branch members, including the Chair, Vice Chair and two new members made the ‘pilgrimage’ to central Germany to once again meet up for professional and social activities and re-new old relationships. On arrival we were met by our colleagues Peter Genrich, Bielefeld branch Chair, Bernd Gralla and Debbie Roper who chaperoned us for the evening. The weekend had been specifically chosen due to the annual Leineweber festival. For one weekend every year Bielefeld brings out all the flags and bunting and celebrates their heritage with a vast array of entertainment across the city. There are hundreds of stalls selling everything from antiques, market produce, arts & craft and copious amounts of food and drink. relationship grow to the point that our colleagues have become close friends.

Poor Demos took one look at the rows of razor sharp teeth and decided being the guinea pig was not such a good idea. He was so petrified of the potential outcome that he couldn’t move and Bernd had to literally shout at him to move around a little so that the dog could demonstrate his training. Well done Demos, it was hilarious! Martin Wray, 6 Region Treasurer

In addition, a number of small stages are set up literally in the middle of the predominantly pedestrianised streets that host all kinds of acts from school choirs to rock bands. The numerous restaurants, bars and café’s take full advantage by setting up al fresco area’s outside their premises and it all helps to draw vast crowds of people from across the country, and six Brits.

The next day Bernd and Debbie took us to their police headquarters in Bielefeld for a tour. It was interesting to see the differences in the way we work. One thing we noted that the German police do very well is public order. Bernd showed us the incredible arsenal of equipment their officers have at their disposal and was quick to tell us how they deal with such disorder. There was also the opportunity to examine their firearms. We then made our way to a satellite station where Bernd was actually based. As a senior dog handler he was keen to demonstrate his dog’s prowess so we needed a guinea pig. Well, it wasn’t a difficult choice - well, more of a ‘you will do it’ scenario. So, new member Demos Harris-Jones bravely stepped forward. Demos was asked to put on an arm guard whilst Bernd explained how he should offer his arm to the dog to bite.

5 of the members from New Scotland Yard

Demos, Bernd and the Dog!

Darren Edwards Pulls in Wigan Darren Edwards got more than he bargained for when he organised his first ever event for his Region (3 Region, Northern England).

Darren decided his first event would be a Brewery Tour - and so it was that he and 11 other members met at Allgates Brewery, Wigan. The group enjoyed a tour of the brewery as well as opportunities to sample the ale and question the host, Cheryl. Darren says, “After a brief introduction, Cheryl opened the bar with 2 hand pumps available - Ostara and Sovereign –two of the massive range that Allgates produce. We were welcome to pull our own pints and drink as much as we wanted. There was also some merchandise for

Members enjoying a refreshing drink

Another member pulls at the bar

sale, which led to some of us leaving with some pump badges." The group then visited “The Anvil”- another of Allgates’ pubs, for a pie and peas supper. With 7 hand pumps on the bar and a beer to suit everyone - even strawberry ale. The evening finished on a good note with everyone asking Darren to organise a repeat event.

The host for the evening, Cheryl

2626 Police World Vol 58 No.4 2013