Message from Editor -PS Mohammed Saleem

I would like to start by apologising if any offence was caused by the front page of the last edition of Manchat, which showed ACC Gary Shewan at the Pride festival.  Some people found the picture a little offensive.  Can I assure those people that this was not what my intention was, the picture was meant to be one showing Mr shewan waving to the crowd and nothing else.

By the time this edition comes out we would be in the New Year, I hope you all had time to spend with your families during the festive period and for those who celebrate it, I hope Santa bought you what you wanted.

Police Firearms Association

 

The PFOA has been created to support all those involved in firearms operations, and their families. It is managed by serving and retired police officers with many years experience in this field. It offers a unique package of support for officers and their families, which is supported by ACPO Firearms, The Police Federation of England & Wales, College of Policing and The Superintendents Association.  

Slater & Gordon represents police officers following a tragic explosion in a firework factory

The law requires all employers to protect the health and safety of their employees at work.  Those working in the emergency services are consequently in an unusual position.  Whilst employers are required to take all reasonable precautions to prevent their employees from being injured, members of the emergency services are required to deal with hazards and face up to dangerous situations.  A fire fighter will be ordered into a burning building; a Police officer to confront a rioting mob.  The nature and extent of the duty of care owed to members of the emergency services does therefore give rise to some tricky legal issues. 

These issues were central to a recent High Court trial* when Slater & Gordon acted on behalf of several police officers and fire fighters injured when attending an emergency situation during the course of their duties. 

PCC Article from Januarys Manchat

I try my best to meet as many police officers and staff, of all ranks, as often as possible. I want to know how people on the frontline feel and I want officers and staff to have the confidence that they can raise any issue with me. 

With that in mind, I’m happy to answer these kinds of questions in Manchat, but I would rather have the conversation directly with you. I understand why people ask questions anonymously in a public forum like this, but I also want you to be able to raise issues with me privately. 

To that end, I have created a new email address where you can contact me in confidence.

You can get in touch at confidential.feedback@gmpcc.org.uk

Use this address to raise any issue or problem, to give me feedback or ideas about how we can build safer communities in Greater Manchester. I’ll stress again, that anything I receive through this email address will be treated confidentially.

I look forward to hearing from you.

'Plebgate' - The arguement continues

The issue of 'Plebgate' has raised its head again with the conclusion of the Investigation into the federation reps that met with Mr Andrew Mitchell MP at his constituency offices and the subsequent media interview.

The investigation was conducted by West Mercia Police under the supervision of the IPCC, however at the conclusion of the investigation the IPCC chair Deborah Glass decided to publish her own views about the investigation.

Below are links to the statement made by West Mercia Police , IPCC Chair and the federation.  Have a read and make your own minds up about the comments made.

This issue has become a political hot potato and is being used negatively by Politicians and the media to attack the police.

What these individuals are forgetting is that the vast majority of officers do an extraordinary job in protecting the public and this will be evident this weekend at the Police Bravery Awards.  Lets hope that this event gets just as much publicity as the 'Plebgate' affair.

http://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/news-articles/statement-from-warwickshire-west-mercia-and-west-midlands-police.html

http://www.ipcc.gov.uk/news/ipcc-disagrees-findings-west-mercia-investigation-conduct-police-federation-representatives

http://www.polfed.org/newsroom/1655.aspx

Message from Editor - PS Mohammed Saleem

Before I start on my bit, can I remind you all that there are articles on the individual blogs which can be found on the links to the right of this page.

 

The PNB failed to reach agreement in relation to Compulsory Severance and Restricted Duties.  These matters will now be referred to the Police Arbitration Tribunal.  Agreement was reached on the other matters under consideration.  This was decided at the end of July and in case the information was missed by anyone I have included a breakdown of what was and was not agreed within the magazine.

Manchester Pride – the changing face of the community we police- by PCC Tony Lloyd

Manchester Pride – now one of the cornerstones of the region’s identity.  An annual event that has evolved into the biggest celebration of the LGBT community since it began – so it’s thought - as a jumble sale outside a Canal Street pub in the late 80s/early 90s. And this year I was privileged and proud to walk in the parade with many of you - rank and file officers - and police staff.