No Raving at Glasgow Central

Thanks to all the officers involved in policing last week’s ‘Silent Rave’ at Glasgow Central station. The area’s pro-active intelligence and operational response ensured that a fraction of those intending to take part, turned up at the station. Entry was refused and the event passed without incident.

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144 Days in Prison for Staff Assault

David Cameron recently collected a 144 day prison sentence after pleading guilty to assaulting a ticket examiner on a train between Ayr and Troon last June.

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Steam Train Tornado Praise

Kind words have blown in from the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust for a well organised welcome for the Tornado at Waverley. The commented that the public were able to view the locomotive and take photographs at their leisure.

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31st Annual Cowal Police Tournament

The 31^st Annual Cowal Police Tournament takes places at Dunoon stadium between Friday 5^th – Sunday 7^th June 2009. There are 5-a-side tournaments for Under 8s, Under 10’s, Under 12s, Under 14s and Under 16s on the Saturday. Sunday sees tournaments for Under and Over 18s as well as an Over 35s tournament.

The event is run locally and is intended to help divert children away from antisocial behaviour.

Anyone working with a local group would be very welcome.  For further information contact Adam Kerr.

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Staff Suggestion

Carrying out plain clothes duties recently I noticed that the issue radio earpiece is very obvious. Is there an adaptor that would allow officers to use either mobile phone, or MP3 headphones whilst carrying out these duties?

We have contacted the Counter Terrorism Department who are looking into availability.

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Support Staff – Do You Want to be a Police Officer?

An internal recruitment window has opened for any BTP employees who wish to become police officers, with priority given to those who live near the police stations where vacancies exist.

Senior Recruitment Manager Sonia Howell said: “BTP recognises that our employees have valuable experience and knowledge and we therefore welcome applications from current BTP police staff, PCSOs and special constables wishing to become police officers.

“At present we would particularly invite applications from employees who live in particular postcodes (please click here to see the list).

“These are locations where we are currently short of applicants and anticipate filling vacancies over the next 18 months.”

The following eligibility criteria apply, in addition to the standard criteria to become an officer:

• Priority will be given to applicants who live in the postcodes indicated above
• If you apply for a location not within easy commutable distance of your current home, you must commit to relocating to that location at your own expense upon commencing training.  This must be considered a permanent move. 
• PCSOs and police staff must have successfully completed their probationary period and are subject to the tenure policy.
• Special constables must currently be serving at least 16 hours per month (and should remain doing so during the course of their application).  Special constables must also have reached independent patrol status.
• All applications must be supported by the applicant’s line manager / head of department.
• All applicants must provide their most recent IPA and sickness record and must demonstrate they are not in breach of BTP's sickness policy.
• There must be no outstanding disciplinary issues.

Please click here  to see the full intranet notice about the vacancies and how to apply.

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PMAS Update

Members with PMAS regular savings plans continue to benefit from guaranteed payouts. According to PMAS, you can be assured your investment is being managed carefully in these turbulent times.

You can still benefit from amongst the highest guaranteed minimum payouts and lowest costs in the UK.

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Traffic Information Websites

Transport Scotland and the Highways Agency have useful websites providing invaluable traffic information. See:

www.trafficscotland.com and www.highways.gov.uk

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F.A.S.T. – Stroke Website

F.A.S.T. is the national campaign to raise awareness of the sign of stroke and promote quick response.

It encourages people to call 999 immediately on detecting any of the signs of stroke – this will help reduce the risk of death and disability.

Face – has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?

Arms – Can they raise both arms and keep them there?

Speech – Is their speech slurred?

Time – Time to call 999 if you see any single one of these signs.

Visit nhs.uk/act fast

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Crimestoppers Triathlon Appeal

Crimestoppers is appealing to police officers and staff to sign up to the ultimate fitness challenge and take part in the Mazda London Triathlon.

13,000 people will swim, cycle and run along the course this summer, making it the largest triathlon in the world.

Crimestoppers has a number of places for the 2009 event, which will run over 1 and 2 August, and they are looking for officers and staff who want to support the charity.

Hannah Daws, from Crimestoppers, said:

“You don’t have to go it alone, if you want to take it a bit easier you can always make up a relay team with three friends or colleagues.

“It’s a fantastic event with a great atmosphere. Not only will you have a brilliant time, you’ll also be supporting a really worthwhile cause.”

For more information about getting involved, visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org or call Emma Fenwick on 020 8254 3200.

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