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 8 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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Cash machine raiders jailed for total of 31 years

Ten men who raided cash machines across England, causing an estimated loss of half a million pounds to the ATM industry, have been jailed for a combined total of 31 years.

Richard Billiington (28), Ricky Mayo (26), Christopher Skuce (29), Danny Dempsey (41), Jason Worsley (28) and Craig Robinson (25), all from East London and Essex were sentenced at Southwark Crown Court today, Friday 31 July, for their part in the conspiracy to steal from and damage cash machines.

Four others, Kenny Crossley (34), Ricky Cornwell (22), Wesley Nelson (28) and Darren Bryant (25), were sentenced previously for their part in the operation, which at one point saw the group commit 24 thefts and attempted thefts in the space of seven months.

Two other members of the group, Trevor Glover (33) and Tommy Williams (29) are wanted by police on conspiracy charges.

A/Detective Inspector Paddy Kerr, whose team led the country-wide investigation, codenamed Operation Flatline, said that amongst other locations, the group raided ATMs in Devon, Somerset, Norfolk, Hampshire and as far north as Stockport, Greater Manchester.

“The group often operated in teams of between 2 and 4 and would sometimes strike several locations in an evening.

“They predominantly targeted railway stations, drive-through restaurants and service stations under the cover of darkness and used angle grinders and crow bars to access the free-standing ATMs, on occasion simply carrying away the entire machine.

“However from our investigations into the thefts it soon became clear that the group was operating throughout England and as a national police force BTP took over the investigation on a national level.”

London South detectives subsequently received intelligence that enabled them to identify the group members, who were arrested during a series of dawn raids at addresses across East London and Essex in March 2008.

The total loss to the ATM industry for this type of offending in the last two years is believed to be in excess of £2 million, including the theft of cash and damage to ATMs.

Detectives attribute around a quarter (£500,000) of the loss during that period to this particular group.

DI Kerr added:

“This was a national investigation, covering Devon to Manchester, involving 11 other police forces and co-operation with ATM companies to catch and bring this unsophisticated yet determined group of thieves to justice.”

Judge Christopher Hardy commended A/DI Kerr, Detective Sergeant Jeremy Walley, PC Carole Holmes and Ed De Sa, of the Force Intelligence Bureau, adding that he was “impressed by the dedication of the officers” during what must have been a “difficult and detailed enquiry into a serious and widespread conspiracy.”

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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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Operation Cavalry

London South officers made a number of arrests on Wednesday, 29 July, as part of Operation Cavalry, an investigation into a violent assault by suspected political extremists at Welling Station in March 2009.

Coordinated early morning raids took place at 16 addresses across London, the Home Counties and Yorkshire which resulted in 15 arrests and the recovery of a large amount of evidential material.

The operation was planned and led by Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Williams, Detective Inspector Paul Langley and Detective Sergeant Sam Blackburn, who were assisted during the planning and execution of the operation by numerous officers and staff from London South who provided specialist support in many forms.

The suspects were also of interest to other agencies, including Special Branch, the National Public Order Unit and colleagues in other forces. The operation also raised considerable interest at the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

Superintendent Martin Fry said: “This was a large scale operation of significant national interest and the Area was very much in the spotlight. There had already been some very positive feedback from various quarters about the planning and the preparation for yesterday’s operation and following the very successful outcome there has been yet more praise.

“I would like to congratulate those involved in the planning of the operation and to thank everyone who was involved in delivering such a fantastic result on Wednesday.

“I am aware that many officers were required to travel considerable distances, stay away from home overnight and work extended hours and I am grateful to you all for your devotion to duty, dedication and professionalism.

“Yet again the officers and staff of the London South Area have shown that you not only routinely deliver results that are the envy of others but when it comes to the more challenging, complex and large-scale operations we are also the market leaders.

“Well done to everyone involved.”

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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 police 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 Human Resources, 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.   

“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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Changes to counter terrorism strategy

From Monday, 27 July, BTP’s counter terrorism strategy changed as Operation Pegasus took over from Operation Alert.

However, the area covered by Section 44 has been reviewed and does not include Dorset or Wiltshire. Officers covering these areas must use alternative powers to exercise a search.

Operation Pegasus is BTP’s Counter Terrorism Strategy and sets out a revised patrol strategy and other tactics formerly included in Operation Alert.  But it also includes a great deal more and has been drawn up to align BTP’s activity with the Government’s long term CT strategy, known as “CONTEST”.

“Officers will be fully briefed on the changes as part of the normal tasking process,” commented ACC Alan Pacey.  “This is essentially a change of emphasis, with CT activity being fully integrated into all police activity and Areas having more flexibility about when and where deployments are made.

“Having said that, there is still a national framework and Pegasus includes a list of Standing Requirements.”

Under Pegasus, Neighbourhood Policing Teams and local officers have an enhanced role in building links with communities, gathering community intelligence and so helping to disrupt terrorists who may be preparing attacks.

Pegasus emphasises positive patrol activity, with officers being CT aware in everything they are doing.  The Standing Requirements included in the strategy cover the availability of levels of command and specialist resources, such as search teams, 24 hours a day.

Powers given by Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 remain one strand of BTP’s counter terrorism tactics.

“It’s important that officers make sure they are fully briefed on the latest Section 44 guidance and the criteria for when the power should be used,” says Chief Inspector Chris Dreyfus from the Counter Terrorism Support Unit.  “The quality of stops is the most important element and each one is an opportunity to engage with and reassure the public.”

A new version of the S44 stop and search leaflet - to be used by officers to give to the public - will be sent out to stations across the Area this week.

The new smaller leaflets are silver coloured are designed to replace the existing dark blue leaflets, which should be destroyed.

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Rich picture briefings

London South officers who have not yet attended a Rich Picture briefing, designed to raise awareness of counter-terrorism issues, are asked to attend one of the below dates.

The briefings will be held on:

• Tuesday 18 August - Ivason House training room - 1pm

• Wednesday 19 August - Holmes House briefing room – 2pm

• Wednesday 26 August - Ivason House training room – 1pm

• Thursday 27 August - Holmes House briefing room – 10.15am

• Friday 28 August - Holmes House briefing room – 10.15am

Subject to line manager approval, officers are asked to contact A/Inspector Geoff Saunders via email to confirm which date they would like to attend.

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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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Complementary health treatments for BTP staff for £1 a week

The Transport Benevolent Fund (TBF) provides financial reimbursement for complementary health treatments to its members for £1 a week.

Anyone who works for BTP is eligible to join the TBF, which is not a health insurance service but a charity set up during World War One to help transport workers through financial hardship.

It costs £1 per week to join which then allows you to claim back amounts you spend on complementary therapies such as osteopathy, chiropractic treatment, physiotherapy, acupuncture, homeopathy, reflexology, Chinese medicine, aromatherapy and chiropody. In most cases there is no fixed limit on the amount you can claim.

It also provides financial help for things such as loan of medical equipment, legal advice, hardship grants and prescription season tickets.

The TBF does not cover anything that is standard in regular health insurance, it is for complementary treatments only.

The £1 a week covers the member, their husband, wife or partner, any dependent children and can be deducted directly from your payroll. To find out more and request a brochure, go to www.tbf.org.uk.

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LS vacancy

Please note the following vacancy which is currently available on London South Area:

Position: Intelligence Researcher – Area Intelligence Bureau

Closing Date: Friday 14 August 2009

Please see the attached document for more details.

To apply for this post, please complete and return the attached application form to the London South Area Human Resources Office at Area Headquarters.

Prior to the closing date, candidates will need to submit their application through their appropriate line manager for comment.

The application should also be accompanied by an up to date copy of the candidate’s PDR and sickness report.

Applications should be sent to Parminder Mann  - C/o – Area Human Resources,  8A Ivason House, London Bridge Street – SE1 9SG.

For further information concerning this vacancy please contact DS Cooper on 020 7904 3543.

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