Rochdale abuse: Social services 'missed opportunities'

Social services and police "missed opportunities" to stop the sexual abuse of young girls in Rochdale, a report into a grooming scandal has revealed.

The full story can be found at the link below.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-19739073

Rallying cry for unity by Federation chair elect

The Police Federation is still a ‘force of persuasion’, new chair elect Steve Williams said in his first speech in the role as he made an appeal for strength in ‘unity’.
Mr Williams made the rallying cry to officers at North Yorkshire Police Federation’s open meeting last week and vowed to speak up for what is right.
                    
He told officers at the meeting: “I will take every opportunity – whether that is with the media, with national politicians, with the new police and crime commissioners, to make sure I speak out against what is wrong and speak up for what is right.”
He added: “We still have every reason to be proud. We are part of the finest police service in the world.”

Police Arbitration Hearing

Following the failure to agree between the Official Side and Staff Side at July’s PNB meeting, we can now confirm that a date has been set for the Police Arbitration Tribunal to consider the recommendations from the Winsor Final Report.

The hearing will take place on Thursday 18 October 2012. 

As soon as any information is released we will post it.

Hollow words and Real Views

See below for this weeks message from Royston Martis - interesting reading.

http://www.policeoracle.com/news/Police+Performance/2012/Sep/27/Comment-Hollow-Words-And-Real-Views_55466.html

Scotlands new Chief Constable has his say

Scotlands new Chief Constable, Stephen House, has come out in support of high police numbers.  See his interview with the BBC at the link below.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-19732286

Tory Councillor stripped of post after 'joke' about dead officers

What does this say about the Conservatives absolutely disgraceful!! 

http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Tory-David-Stephenson-stripped-post-joke-dead/story-16980483-detail/story.html

Vigil for Shot Police Officers

A Vigil in memory of PC Fiona Bone and PC Nicola Hughes will be held today (tuesday) a week after they were tragically killed on duty. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-19708569

Andrew Mitchell: fresh pressure as full police log published

The full police report of the incident involving Andrew Mitchell has been published.  See article below in the guardian.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/sep/24/andrew-mitchell-police-log

No 10 has backed Minister over Police Row

See below news link where No 10 has backed Chief whip Andrew Mitchell over his out burst at Police Officers.  Does this go to show what the government actually thinks of the police?  Furthermore it has been revealed that the police are being investigated into how the incident was revealed to the press.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-19698141

"We will work with other forces to arrange support"

GMP has issued a statement about the fantastic offers of support the force has received from colleagues across the UK to help police the funerals of PC Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes.

It is understood no formal request has been made by GMP at this time and no commitment made for the provision of mutual aid.

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan, said: "First of all I want to say a heartfelt thank you for everyone's kind offer of support to GMP.

Lord John Stevens Independent Review of policing

Dear Colleague

Please find attached a survey which we would be very grateful if you could complete. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/police2012

The survey is being undertaken to assist the Independent Police Commission headed by Lord John Stevens who is extremely anxious to hear and be able to represent your views in his report.

The Police Federation and Superintendents Association have assisted the Commission in identifying issues and questions.

Commemorative Wristbands

Over the weekend we have ordered thousands of wristbands to commemorate our fallen colleagues PC Fiona Bone and PC Nicola Hughes.

The wristbands feature their collar numbers and the date of the day they paid the ultimate sacrifice.

We will be looking to charge £1.00 per band - proceeds will be distributed to the families.

Please do let colleagues know that these will be coming soon. As soon as they are delivered we will let you know.

In memory of Fiona and Nicola

The outpouring of public grief is incredible. Whilst stood at the scene of the awful events on Tuesday I saw a steady flow of people come to pay their respects to Fiona and Nicola. You girls would have been proud of the response from your colleagues and public. RIP Fiona and Nicola God bless you both.

Federation response to comments made by Chief Whip, Andrew Mitchell

Paul McKeever, Chairman, Police Federation of England and Wales:

“It is hard to fathom how someone who holds the police in such contempt could be allowed to hold a public office. Mr Mitchell’s half-hearted apology for the comments made whilst leaving Downing Street will do little to build bridges with the police who feel they have once again been treated with a lack of respect and civility by members of this government. The lack of regard that some within government appear to hold police officers in is especially disappointing during this tragic week for the service and does nothing for the rock bottom morale of officers in this country.”

Comedian apologises for tasteless comment

Comedian Steve Hughes apologises for 'tasteless comment' about police officers killed in the line of duty.  See article below for full story.

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1589344_comedian-steve-hughes-apologises-for-tasteless-comment-about-police-officers-killed-in-hattersley

Policing in the bleakest Hour

Officers are grieving – but they will never be beaten by those who seek to hurt them, see below comment piece by Royston Martis.

http://www.policeoracle.com/news/Uniformed+Operations/2012/Sep/20/Comment-Policing-In-The-Bleakest-Hours_55244.html

Police officers from across UK offer to cover GMP

Please see news story at below link, where officers from across the UK have offered to come and work in GMP so officers could attend the funerals of PC Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone.

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1589230_police-officers-from-across-uk-volunteer-to-cover-for-gmp-officers-attending-funerals-of-shot-colleagues

Book of Condolence for Fallen Officers

GMP have opened a book of condolence for the two brave fallen officers please see link below:

http://www.gmp.police.uk/mainsite/cond.htm

Two Police Officers killed in line of Duty

A sad day not just for GMP police but the entire police family.  A tragic day our thoughts with the friends and family of the two brave offcers.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-19635239

Chairman Ian Hanson on BBC News Channel: 'Our officers are absolutely numb. It doesn't get any worse than this.

'Two police had an absolute right to go home to their loved ones tonight. This is cold blooded murder. GMP has lost two fine cops.

'The force is heartbroken. They were murdered in cold blood.'

ACPO Ranks 'Should Face Share of Cuts'

This is the voice from the Supers Association Conference held last week, see article in Police oracle

http://www.policeoracle.com/news/Staff+Association+News/2012/Sep/17/ACPO-Ranks-Should-Face-Share-Of-Cuts_54914.html

Sir Peter Fahy says football does not need policing

See article below in the MEN from Sir Fahy, those of you who police football on a regular basis make your own minds up.

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1588858_greater-manchester-police-chief-constable-sir-peter-fahy-says-football-does-not-need-policing

Pensions F & Q

Please see below link for further Frequently Asked Questions around Pension Reform.

http://www.polfed.org/Pension_QA_document_140912.pdf

Draft Public Service Pensions Bill

As some of you are aware the Draft Public Service Pensions Bill was released yesterday and had its first reading at the House of Commons

http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2012-13/publicservicepensions.html

This is a particularly hefty document on which we are seeking urgent legal advice. This is to ensure we know and are clear about what the content means for police officers. At present the implications are unclear as to whether it relates to Section 2 of The Police Pensions Act (1976).

We anticipate the bill will take some time to go through, what is normally a lengthy legislative process and we will clarify the time scales as soon as is practicable.

We will update you as soon as the legal advice is available.

 

Industrial Rights

Colleagues

For information on Industrial Rights please see information at the below link.

http://www.gmpfederation.com/images/stories/Industrial%20Rights%20Ballot.pdf

Letter to Members

Dear Colleague

We have been made aware of a text and face book campaign encouraging members to withdraw from subscribing to the Police Federation. Obviously this is of concern to us, but equally of concern is the fact that there are a number of myths and rumours regarding the impact of doing this.

The purpose of this letter is to clarify the correct position and implications of doing it so that any member considering this course of action does so with access to all the facts and implications.

Police Federation Representation

Nowhere in the Police Regulations or in the Misconduct or Performance Regulations does is state that the Police Federation must represent you. The Regulations allow for you to be accompanied to any management meeting or misconduct meeting with a work colleague but does not mention that this must be a member of the Police Federation.

Greater Manchester Joint Branch Board exercises a strict policy that we will not provide any representation, support or even advice to members who do not subscribe to the police federation funds on any matter. This includes misconduct, unsatisfactory performance, ill health retirement, grievances and any matter affecting your employment. There is a clear rationale for this position. The federation funds are pre-dominantly used for legal advice and support to members. They are also used to employ the staff and run the offices that would process any claims. Finally they are used for the development and training of representatives to ensure that you have access to their expertise and knowledge. It would be therefore inappropriate for an individual who does not contribute to the development of that knowledge to have access to it.

Pensions Seminar

We have now finalised the arrangements for the Pensions Seminars that are being given by Phil Pearson from St James` Wealth.  The purpose of these is to provide members with an overview of their options and compare what we are being left with against what is available in the wider marketplace.

The details of these events are as follows:

FRIDAY 5th OCTOBER – SEDGLEY PARK (CHAPEL HOWARD) – 10am to 11am & 12 to 1pm.

TUESDAY 9th OCTOBER – FORCE HQ (ROOM 415) – 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm, 1.30pm to 2.30pm & 3pm to 4pm.

Please contact your Divisional Reps to book a space.

Comment: Pensions And The View From The Front

Police pensions - the goalposts have been moved to a completely different stadium

http://www.policeoracle.com/news/HR,+Personnel+and+Staff+Development/2012/Sep/05/Comment-Pensions-And-The-View-From-The-Front_54279.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

The past week has seen some of the most dedicated officers hit the hardest in the pocket, says Royston Martis.

DMS Update

DMS UPDATE September 2012

·         Roll out on the F & Q in October; by the 8th these Divisions will have delivery of their fully populated databases.

·         Training will start early October for DRMU’s and supervisors – go live date for booking on/booking off (BOBO) will be the end of October

·         Training will be a NCALT, Induction briefings and a team of ‘floor walkers’ to do onsite handholding for a period following introduction

·         DMS will have primacy with regards to BOBO and also in relation to sickness reporting, monitoring and maintaining, HR systems will be made obsolete. The BOBO system will also allow officer to book sick and resume.

Call to arms by Constables Central Committe

'Members are angry about pensions and the apparent final nature of negotiations which in turn has magnified calls for the Federation to get on with the promised ballot on full industrial rights.' - the constables central committee of PFEW have issued 'a call to arms' to the country's PCs https://www.policeconstables.org/news/a-message-from-the-chairs

Pensions FAQ

Understandably police officers have lots of questions on future pensions.

Here is an FAQ document answering some so far

http://www.gmpfederation.com/whats-new/230-pensionfaq.html

Written Ministerial Statement on Pensions

E.R Tuesday 4th September 2012

HOME OFFICE

Police Pension Scheme

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Theresa May):
On 27 March 2012, I issued a written statement to the House concerning remuneration and conditions of service in the police. Within that statement I explained that I would put forward a proposal on long-term reform of police pensions to the Police Negotiating Board, which I did on the same day. In common with changes which have been developed across public service pension schemes, my proposal reflected the principles for reform established last year by the report of the Independent Public Service Pensions Commission, led by Lord Hutton.

My officials have been engaged in detailed and constructive discussions with representatives of the Police Negotiating Board since 27 March, and I have received a number of written representations from the organisations represented. Having considered the outcome of those discussions, and the representations made during this period of consultation, I am announcing today my decision for the Reform Design Framework for police pensions. This framework sets out the Government’s final position on the main elements of police pension reform and will form the basis for discussions on points of further detail in moving to implement these changes.