UK Policing News

An £11 million plan to fund a “reserve force” of firearms officers in London to tackle a Paris-style terror attack has been approved. http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/london-approves-11-million-reserve-force-of-firearms-officers-approved-to-tackle-parisstyle-terror-a3427526.html

A police officer who twice turned up for work over the alcohol limit has been sacked. A Thames Valley Police behaviour panel heard PC Graham Johnston was found to be more than twice the allowed limit when he reported for duty in May. The panel heard it was the second time the Amersham-based officer had turned up for work under the influence of alcohol. The force said it hoped his dismissal sent out "a strong message". Police rules state officers must not have more than 13mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. On 20 May, PC Graham was breathalysed and found to have 31mcg per 100ml. 'Strict rules' On the previous occasion, on 25 June 2015, he …

Armed officers have already been patrolling Nottingham's Old Market Square Armed police from forces in the East Midlands are set to patrol "busy and crowded places" over Christmas following the Berlin lorry attack. The East Midlands Operational Support Service said officers will be visible in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire. Ch Supt Mark Holland, from Nottinghamshire Police, said there was "no specific threat" to the region. He said similar "deterrents" were being adopted in other major UK cities. Mr Holland said the deployment of Authorised Firearms Officers (AFOs) was happening in Sheffield, London and Newcastl…

Two serving Metropolitan Police officers have been issued with final warnings after falling asleep on the floor at a crime scene in east London. http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/metropolitan-police-officers-handed-final-warnings-after-falling-asleep-at-a-crime-scene-in-east-a3426841.html What can one say to this.

A police officer who received a bravery award at Downing Street killed herself as she struggled with her workload and management who were 'out to get her', an inquest heard today. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4055470/Hero-police-officer-mother-two-35-given-bravery-medal-Downing-Street-saving-drowning-family-hangs-struggling-work-saying-bosses-her.html Very sad news.

Supt Andy Bennett said the use of pava spray in custody areas had "decreased significantly" A police force has been sometimes using incapacitating spray on detainees "inappropriately", a watchdog has said. The HM Inspectorate of Constabulary said Avon and Somerset Police needed to pay immediate attention to its use of PAVA spray on people in custody. Supt Andy Bennett said the spray meant you could be less physical with some prisoners who are not complying. He said: "We've done retraining and a lot of scrutiny and we've seen the use of PAVA decrease significantly." The report, jointly written with HM Inspectorate of Prisons, also called the physic…

Charlotte Peters worked for the Met's sexual offences unit A police officer who had sex in a McDonald's toilet with a rape victim she was assigned to help has been jailed for 22 months. Charlotte Peters, 33, from Luton, was based in the Met's sexual offences unit and was the victim's point of contact with the force. Peters, who was called "predatory" by the Southwark Crown Court judge, first kissed the victim at a refuge. She admitted misconduct in public office. 'Dirty little secret' The court heard Peters was trained to recognise the victim's vulnerability and was in a "position of trust" according to prosecutor Kate Bex. Pet…

PC Dave Wardell said "the legend is back" after Finn tracked down a suspect the day after returning to work A police dog who nearly died after being attacked while chasing a suspect has helped to make an arrest the day after going back to work. PD Finn was stabbed in the head and chest while on duty in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, in October. He had life-saving surgery followed by 10 weeks of recuperation and only returned to work on Monday. His handler, PC Dave Wardell, tweeted to say: "OMG the legend is back" after Finn tracked a suspect who was hiding. "Muddy boots, happy dog, happy handler = prisoner in the cells," a subsequent tweet said. …

West Midlands Police closed part of Stratford Road after device was found at the West Midlands Police Museum http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/police-closed-down-commuter-road-12345946

A 78-year-old grandfather was brutally attacked and left with a broken jaw and left for dead after for just £119. He was attacked on his own doorstep after being followed home with his pension. Tony Kells was brutally attacked and screamed ‘i’m a 78-year-old man please leave me alone’. All the attackers wanted was his pension. He was attacked with a weapon 6.30pm and 6.41pm on Wednesday outside his home in Pool Farm Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham. Tony was planning on using the money for Christmas presents for his family. The attacker is described as black, of medium build and around 5ft 8ins, with short black hair and small scars on his face. West Midlands Police c…