NOTICE:   FAREWELL MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF CONSTABLE

NOTICE:   BTP POLICE STAFF 2009 PAY REVIEW

NOTICE:   MESSAGE FROM ACC (OPERATIONS) PACEY REGARDING ROSTERS

Farewell message from the Chief Constable

Friday, 31 July is my last working day in BTP, and I want to say a final very big thank you to everyone in the Force for making my life over the last eight years such a terrific experience.

I am immensely proud of what you all have achieved and it has been a real privilege to have been a part of the team here.

Because of all of you, our organisation now has the reputation it has long deserved. The way the Force responded to the tragedy of the London bombings will remain etched in my mind for ever. But so too will the rugged determination of all over many years to improve what we do, in every part of BTP, to raise our standards of performance, and to improve our relationship with those for whom we work.

I will greatly miss BTP in the future, although I very much hope that I will be able to retain contact with all the friends I have made here since I was given the honour of becoming Chief Constable in 2001. It has been the best job in my life.

Andy Trotter has been a fantastic deputy to me, from the first moment he came to BTP, and I am absolutely delighted that he beat ‘all comers’ from across the UK to become your next Chief Constable. I know he will do a brilliant job.

Thanks again to everyone for your friendship and your tremendous achievements. I wish you all every success in the future.

Sir Ian Johnston

Chief Constable

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BTP police staff 2009 pay review

The current economic climate has put considerable pressure on all public and private sector companies. BTP is not immune to these changes and there is considerable pressure on our budget. We know members of staff are waiting for a decision regarding pay reviews which are usually announced at this time of year.

Unfortunately any decision on pay has had to be delayed as BTP needs to balance the impact the economic environment against the obvious desire to reward the commitment and essential role Police Staff play within the organisation. Against this backdrop, BTP is working with the Authority to establish appropriate parameters around this year’s pay review. 

These parameters are likely to be set in the autumn and in the meantime police staff should be reassured that they will be notified of further developments as they occur.

Head of HR, Lorraine Jainudeen, said: “Police Staff are a valuable part of the organisation and, if possible, we would like to reward them with a pay award.

“However, these are exceptional and uncertain times. As a responsible organisation, seeking to protect as many jobs as possible, we must consider the economic climate and reflect the pressure currently being placed on our budget.”

Lorraine added: “I would like to reassure all police staff that we are working closely with the Authority to establish a way forward and as soon as there are any developments we will let staff know

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Message from ACC (Operations) Alan Pacey regarding rosters

As I am sure you are aware, in the near future you will be asked to vote on a new proposed roster pattern applicable to core 24/7 response officers across the Force.

The proposed roster follows a considerable amount of analysis of the profile of our demand and calls for assistance.  It will not surprise you that the demand for our service starts to increase from about 5pm until very late in the evening and on some days into the early hours of the morning.  Additionally we face severe demand on Saturdays in relation to events and football policing.

Our current rosters (of which there are several across the Force) do not meet the demand profile as most have as many officers on during the day as later in the evening.  I feel certain that like me, you would want to deliver the best possible service to the railway community.  We can only do that by improving the alignment of our officer availability and the demands for our assistance.

The roster that you will be asked to vote on (informally known as roster 9:4) will considerably improve the alignment as mentioned above.  I aim to ensure the 9:4 roster is adopted throughout the Force and only slight differences between areas will be allowed.  The general rest day pattern will remain consistent across the Force.

I fully understand that rosters are an extremely emotive subject for front line officers.  I have therefore attempted to strike the best possible balance between the needs of the Force and the needs of officers.  The proposed roster has 135 rest days in a year and consistent rest day breaks of 3 days. 

I also fully understand that I need enough of you to vote in favour of the roster if it is to be adopted Forcewide from 10 January 2010 as hoped.  I therefore, ask you to consider the options and then support me to bring in a pattern of work that will make a positive difference to the service we deliver. 

Your Area Federation representative will explain the voting mechanism to you, but I would like to make it very clear I am resolute in my belief that we need to improve our availability at the time of increased demand.

I would also like to make it clear that the current position is unsustainable.  If the required amount of votes is not achieved, the Force will have to implement a standard 40 hour 5 shift roster pattern.  I genuinely hope that this does not become necessary.

Your Area Senior Management Team will also be briefing you on this issue over the next couple of weeks. 

I really hope you choose to support me in this initiative and look forward to providing an even better service from January 2010.

Alan Pacey

Assistant Chief Constable (Operations).

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New Section 44 leaflets

The Area Media and Marketing department recently sent out BTP’s new ‘Section 44: Stop and Search’ leaflets.

You should have received them in the post and if not, please be assured that they are making their way down to you.

Please destroy the old leaflets and all officers should make themselves familiar with the new literature.

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Couple attack unsuspecting pregnant woman

A woman who attacked a heavily pregnant victim alongside her boyfriend at St Neots station has been jailed, following a BTP investigation.

Tracey Stonnell, 34, and Danny Crow, 24, both from Huntingdon, were in court for a number of other criminal offences and were jailed for 16 months and four years respectively.

The couple approached the victim, who was with a male friend, as she was walking on the station platform. Stonnell kicked the pregnant victim in the stomach numerous times, while shouting abuse at her. The victim’s friend was threatened with violence by Crow when he attempted to call the police. The couple left the victim - a former girlfriend of Crow’s - on the platform after the attack. 

The victim, 18, of St Neots, suffered a black eye, cuts on her nose and bruising on her body as a result of the attack. Her unborn child was unharmed.

PC Richard Kane, investigating officer, said there was a large amount of intelligence on the couple’s movements and the places they frequented from local police. 

“After compiling a list of possible addresses in order of the most recently visited I briefed the Operational Support Unit who became involved due to the ‘Violent’ markers against the couple’s PNC record,” said PC Kane.

The OSU assisted in the subsequent arrest and search of Stonnell and Crow’s property. Officers found mobile phones containing threatening messages the victim had received before and after the assault. 

“This was a vicious attack on a pregnant lady and I am pleased both of these violent offenders are no longer free to commit further offences,” PC Kane added.

“I would like to thank all officers at Peterborough and the OSU, and to Chloe Quinlan, of the Criminal Justice Unit, who attended both hearings and played a large part in preparing the case.”

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Incoming phone calls to PDAs

Officers are warned that some PDAs have been receiving unwanted phone calls from a telephone number ending 757066.

Should you receive a call from a number ending with these digits, do not answer it but instead press the red phone button to cancel the call. Please do not engage in conversation with any callers.

The Mobile Data Team is working with BTP’s service provider to resolve the issue.

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Notice: Keeping Origin updated

All officers should be checking Origin self-service everyday and should ensure that their contact, duty and skills details are always up-to-date.

If officers do not check Origin on a regular basis, this can cause problems for the Rostering department when a team is required quickly and/or at short notice.

The key things officers need to be aware of when updating Origin include:

• Officers, especially those with special skills, e.g. search trained, PSU, POLSA, should make sure their contact details are correct and should include a home and mobile number
• Officers should check that their correct duties and shift patterns are on the system. Officers must update any changes to their duties to the Rostering team via email
• If you have any meetings which conflict with your pre-arranged duties or place of work, please use the commitment form and update the Rostering team
• Officers that are returning to work after a long absence tend to work restricted or light duties. Please make sure the Rostering department know if this applies to you and they will not place officers on normal duties

Ian MacDonald, Resource Centre Manager, said: “It is very important that all officers check the Origin’s self service and make sure all their details are correct and up-to-date.

“This will make the Rostering team’s job much easier and will help avoid complications later on.”

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Enfield man jailed for assaulting train driver

A man from Enfield has recently been jailed for four months for violently assaulting a National Express train driver.

Christopher Blackwell, 22, was sentenced to 4 months in jail and ordered to pay £100 in compensation to the victim and an additional fine of £35.

The good result is due to the successful investigation led by PC Ken Smith of the Staff Assaults team, based at Area HQ.

Earlier in the year Blackwell was holding the doors open on a train. When the train driver asked him to get off the train, Blackwell punched the driver in the face. Blackwell then chased the driver back to his cab and as the train departed, attempted to force the train doors to get to the driver again. 

The driver suffered slight swelling to his left temple area, as a result of the assault.

PC Smith said: “This was a senseless attack on an innocent member of rail staff who was simply trying to do his job.

“BTP will not tolerate assaults on members of staff and will make sure those who commit such acts will be punished through the courts.”

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Training opportunity: Sexual Offences Investigation Techniques course

The Area is inviting expressions of interest from Police and Detective Constables, including those on Pathway, who have completed their probation period and wish to be considered for the Sexual Offences Investigation Techniques (SOIT) course.

Six places are available and the course will take four weeks to complete, including an ABE course. It is expected to begin in November 2009. 

The course will provide officers with expertise and specialist knowledge when dealing with victims of rape and serious sexual assault. In addition, the SOIT post will offer SPP payments, mileage allowance and a mobile phone benefits.

Interested candidates will have to demonstrate experience in: victim focus, communication skills, knowledge of current rape legislation and a proven track record in investigation work. A selection panel will also consider suitability, attendance records and career development needs.

Supporting comments from your OIC will be required and you will also need to attach copies of your latest PDRs and sickness records, which forms part of your application.

Interested individuals should apply through their line managers stating the reason for their application via email to Detective Inspector Andy Rose.

Closing date: Wednesday 2 September 2009.at 12pm.

For further information, please contact DI Andy Rose on: 07771506373.

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Man arrested for assaulting two BTP officers

A man who assaulted two officers at Kings Cross  received a 36 week custodial sentence on Tuesday 28 July.

Ervins (Erwin) Stanke, 33, was one of a group of people who had been taken off a train at Kings Cross following an altercation.

When he was spoken to by Sgt Scott Darrah and a visiting officer from Leeds, Stanke, who was heavily intoxicated, spat in the face of both officers. He was arrested and charged with two accounts of assault.

PC Peter Crofts, investigating officer, said: “Both officers did an excellent job in dealing with the altercation and I am pleased that the courts took a firm line when it came to sentencing.”

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HR to switch to Business Centre

The transition of HR from Area to the BTP Business Centre in Birmingham continues according to plan.

Kealie Ahmad and Kate Tomkys, from the Business Centre, paid a visit to the Area Management Team on Monday 27 July. They gave a presentation on how the Business Centre has successfully taken on the Outer London Areas and just recently, FHQ. 

If you would like a copy of the presentation, please email Mike Lowe of the HR department.

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