UK Policing News

Everyone in the BBC2 documentary Police Under Pressure was so downcast that they made the police drama Happy Valley look like escapist fantasy. Then again, in the summer of 2013, South Yorkshire Police had a lot to be miserable about: the legacy of the Hillsborough disaster, some of the worst crime figures in the country and large gangs of teenagers with nothing to do and nowhere to go. This visit to the troubled areas of Parson Cross and Page Hall in Sheffield gave us an in-depth understanding of local tensions and the drawbacks of a "Section 30" – the temporary order that gives police power to disperse groups suspected of anti-social behaviour. It's all for naught, th…

Officers across the country are increasingly showing a sense of humour on police force Twitter accounts Continue reading the main storyRelated Stories Social media 'half of police tasks' Officer's Twitter account back on Police use Twitter to report day From rescuing a pedestrian from a mischievous squirrel to removing Superman's car from the motorway - welcome to the colourful world of the police force Twitter account. Officers are increasingly embracing social media as a way to interact with the public and gather information about crime. But alongside the usual CCTV appeals, wanted men and stolen property, police are also turning to humour as a means of getting the…

West Midlands PCC Bob Jones dies aged 59 Bob Jones died suddenly at his home in Wolverhampton The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Bob Jones has died "in his sleep" aged 59. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-28108283 Seemed like a good PCC, a nice guy and a real ale campaigner too. RIP

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/27993343 LOL when I saw this Police in Surrey enjoyed a joke on Twitter about animals taking refuge in people's vehicles during winter :lol:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-foyle-west-28093092 Quite an intresting story, not something we hear of that often.

Labour's round-the-clock drinking laws combined with cuts to police budgets have led to policing in Manchester reaching "crisis point" Inspector Ian Hanson said changes to licensing laws - brought in by the Labour government in 2003 - had led to significant increases in alcohol-fuelled violence at a time when police budgets and officer numbers are being cut. Photo: Christopher Pledger A senior police officer has admitted the centre of one of Britain’s biggest cities is “too dangerous” after midnight and warned the police are unable to guarantee the public’s safety. Inspector Ian Hanson said changes to licensing laws - brought in by the Labour government in 20…

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-28090208 Looks a good move with budgets being tight.

West Midlands PCC Bob Jones dies aged 59 Bob Jones was elected to the role in 2012 Continue reading the main story Related Stories Cuts 'threaten 1,000 police jobs' Three city police stations to close Police sickness 'linked to cuts' The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Bob Jones has died aged 59. His deputy Yvonne Mosquito confirmed he had died this morning, describing his death as a "huge loss" to policing. Mr Jones was elected to the role in 2012. Labour MP for Erdington Jack Dromey tweeted: "Deeply saddened to hear the death of West Mids PCC, Bob Jones, a great champion of all that is best in British Policing & a very decent man." Link: htt…

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2673134/Police-detective-sacked-mistress-videotaped-snorting-cocaine-sent-bosses.html

Despite the risks they run and the errors committed, the police remain popular In the wake of the Mark Duggan case, a lot of commentators and politicians are asking – can we trust the police? The short answer is: of course you bloody can. But for those who like an argument with a few more facts, here it is. First, the police have gone through an institutional transformation in the last ten years and are considerably more transparent as a result. Far from perfect, but much improved. This is one of the few things we have New Labour to thank for (yes, you read that in the Telegraph). The police encouraged people to come forward with grievances and forced officers to take …

This is an interesting concept, I take it data from the relevant airline the guy was about to fly with was shared? A Dumfries man who had failed to pay a court fine was arrested at Manchester Airport, the Scottish Court Service (SCS) has revealed. The man, who cannot be identified for data protection reasons, had ignored warnings to pay the fine for failing to have proper car insurance. He was stopped while attempting to board a flight and only allowed to travel after he had paid in full. It is one of a range of actions which can be taken against fine defaulters. The case was revealed as the SCS confirmed the amount of fines being paid via its online service rose b…

Hillsborough Ride For The 96 bikes stolen at Anfield Six Irishmen visiting Merseyside for a charity cycle ride in memory of the Hillsborough victims have had their bikes stolen outside Anfield. Merseyside Police said five bikes were stolen from a van parked near the ground while the group were on a tour of Liverpool FC's stadium on Saturday. The group had been planning to take part in the Ride For The 96 starting at the Sutton Leisure Centre in St Helens. Liam Mulcahy, 34, one of the six, said they were "shocked" at the theft. Liverpool fan Mr Mulcahy said the group of friends, from Limerick, were disappointed not to take part in the ride. 'Few scumbags' "We were o…

From BBC News website http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28078857 'The government has started recruiting a reserve force of prison officers for England and Wales, the BBC has learned. The initiative was called the HM Prison Service Reserve by the Ministry of Justice, in a letter sent to about 100 ex-prison officers to gauge interest. Those who sign up could be called in on short-term contracts from August. The MoJ explained in the letter the move would help it respond to short-term demands, such as a rise in inmate numbers or "operational pressures". One prison officer who received the letter told the BBC: "The reason for this 'reserve force' being considered is the criti…

A 90-year-old woman was dragged off a street and raped in Greater Manchester, police have said. A spokesman said the woman's attacker covered her mouth and dragged her backwards in Spotland Road, Rochdale at about 06:45 BST on Tuesday. He said she lost consciousness and woke up on the floor having been raped. She then walked to a nearby butchers' shop and told staff she had been assaulted. Supt Alistair Mallen said it was "vile, wicked and despicable crime". The woman's attacker was described as white. Officers are reviewing CCTV footage, speaking to people in the area and carrying out forensic tests. "I am sure the entire community will share our revulsion at…

From the BBC: Complaints originating from social media make up "at least half" of calls passed on to front-line officers, a senior officer has told the BBC. Chief Constable Alex Marshall, head of the College of Policing, said the number of crimes arising from social media represented "a real problem". http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27949674 Half?!!! Seriously?