Tuesday 23 January 2018

Death of a retired Police Officer : Inspector John Malcolm CRAIG

It is with regret that we have to report the death of a retired Police Officer : Inspector John Malcolm CRAIG, 75 years of age, who died in hospital on Thursday, 18th January, 2018 after a long illness.
Malcolm was appointed to Durham County Constabulary in 1961, serving at Chester le Street & Edmundbyers. He then served on Motor Patrols at Hartlepool and later in the Special Incident Squad based at Aycliffe and Sergeant on Motor Patrols.
He transferred to Cleveland Police with the reorganisation on 1st April, 1974 , retiring on medical grounds in the rank of Inspector in 1987/8.
He does not leave a widow.
He has two sons Andrew & Ian and two grandchildren.
Malcolm was the elder brother of Alan Craig, who also served in Durham Constabulary.
The ceremony of cremation on is to take place at Stranton Crematorium, Hartlepool (postcode : TS25 5DD) at 2.30pm on Friday, 2nd February, 2018.
No flowers by request.
Donations in lieu of flowers to the Hartlepool Hospice.

Thursday 11 January 2018

Durham Constabulary set to recruit new police call handlers

supporting-images-staffrole2_origDO you have what it takes to make critical decisions in emergency situations?

Think you could be the reassuring voice at the end of the phone for people during their hour of need?

Want a career at the frontline of policing? One which will challenge you, excite you and where no two days are the same?

Durham Constabulary are recruiting new police call handlers to work in the Force Control Room answering both 999 and 101 calls.

Applications open at 9.30am on Monday, January 15 and close on Tuesday, January 30. If a sufficient number of applications are received prior to the closing date the advert will be closed.

Following a paper sift, successful candidates will be provided with a detailed information pack. This will include guidance on the assessment centre process and interview skills and techniques.

Assessment centres will be held between February 12 and March 2, followed by interviews which will take place week commencing March 5.

Chief Constable Mike Barton said: “Our police call handlers are at the very heart of Durham Constabulary – they are the first point of contact for people in their hour of need, and deal with some of the most harrowing and distressing situations people will ever face in their lifetimes.

“To be a police call handler you need to be confident, hard-working and have a real desire to make a difference to people’s lives.

“You’ll also need to be able to think on your feet in a fast-moving and high pressured environment, and will have the ability to remain calm and composed when making critical decisions in emergency situations. The role is challenging, but extremely rewarding.

“If you think you’ve got what it takes to become a police call handler at one of the country’s best performing police forces, we want to hear from you.”

Ron Hogg, Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington, said: “This is a really important role. Police call handlers are the first voice from the Constabulary that many people speak to. It’s a rewarding role and I encourage people to apply.”       

To apply, visit durham.police.uk/join-us

Tuesday 9 January 2018

A Traffic officers dream car ?





A couple of photos sent in by Robin Dodd... Slightly better than the old Rover SD1's ?

PCVC to increase Police element of Council Tax by less than £1 a month on average

Police officersIn response to pressure from Government, Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner Ron Hogg has decided to increase the amount of Council Tax which goes to the police service, known as the precept, by 7.09%. This equates to an increase of £8 a year, or 15p a week for a property in Council Tax Band A. Members of the public are being asked to comment.

Ron Hogg said: “The Government has reduced the funding for policing in Durham and Darlington every year since 2010.   We now have around 360 fewer officers than in 2010 – a reduction of 1 in 4.”

“I have been lobbying the Government for some years, to fund policing fairly. I did not expect the Government to respond by placing an additional burden on Council Tax payers. However, in my view they are abdicating their responsibility to protect our communities. This has put me in a position where, if I do not introduce this increase, I will be reducing the income of Durham Constabulary this year, and for every year afterwards.  It will inevitably mean fewer Police Officers in the community, preventing and solving crime.  I cannot do that without risking the safety of the community. The Government’s decision to relax the cap on the precept equates to an extra 15p per week for a property in Council Tax Band A.”

“Durham Constabulary is already the most efficient force in the country according to HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services. That’s a consequence of the force’s commitment to innovation, making the very best use of the money available. We continue to challenge every facet of our business in order to find further efficiencies, but this gets harder every year. I welcomed the Government’s recent announcement of pay rises for Police Officers, but they have not provided me with the funding for this.”

Councillor Lucy Hovvels, Chair of the Police and Crime Panel said:

“Panel Members understand current financial pressures placed on policing budgets and support the Commissioner’s approach to seek comment from residents on this proposal”

The public are able to comment on this proposal until Wednesday 31 January 2018. Residents are can provide their views in a number of ways, including:

  • Through the website www.durham-pcc.gov.uk
  • Through Facebook or Twitter (search for Durham PCC)
  • On telephone on: 0191 375 2001
  • Through the online survey available here: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/4083427/Tell-me-what-you-think-Policing-Funding-for-2018-19
  • At the AAP Boards during January 2018
    • 10 January 2018 - 4together AAP Board
    • 10 January 2018 – Mid Durham Rural AAP Board
    • 16 January 2018 – East Durham Rural Corridor AAP Board
    • 18 January 2018 – Spennymoor AAP Board
    • 22 January 2018 – Chester Le Street AAP Board
    • 24 January 2018 – Teesdale AAP Board
    • 24 January 2018 - Derwent Valley AAP Board
    • 24 January 2018 – Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP Board
    • 30 January 2018 – GAMP AAP Board

Sunday 7 January 2018

AGM of Durham NARPO – Monday 8th January 2018

 
Date for your Diary…….
Monday 8th January at 1930hrs

The Annual General Meeting of Durham NARPO, with guest speakers from Force Executive,PCC and Federation.
The National President of NARPO is attending along with Regional and Area reps.  The CC is unfortunately busy but his Deputy Jo Farrell is attending along with the PCC Mr Ron Hogg.
The Federation JBB Secretary will also be in attendance
All members welcome to attend and participate
Ideal time to meet your old colleagues and friends.
Please try and see if you can attend, meet / vote for who you want on the committee and see the hard work they are doing throughout the year on your behalf

There is a bar at the premises & light refreshments are provided
The meeting will be held at the Durham Indoor Bowling Centre, Pity Me, Durham, DH1 5GE



View Durham Indoor Bowling Club in a larger map


Thursday 4 January 2018

Death of a retired Police Officer : Chief Superintendent Raymond Thompson

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : Chief Superintendent Raymond Thompson who was an Additional Member of the Durham Branch and a Full Member of the Gateshead Branch of NARPO.
Mr Thompson died peacefully on Thursday 28th December 2017. aged 87yrs.
He retired from Northumbria in 1987 having first served in Durham prior to the 74 boundary changes.
The funeral will take place at 10am on the 22nd January at Fellside Methodist Church, 54 Ancaster Road, Whickham, NE16 5BJ  followed by cremation at 11am at Mountsett Crematorium, Ewehurst Road, Dipton, DH9 9JP.
Light refreshments will be available at Sunniside club after the service.
All his old friends and colleagues are welcome to attend. Family flowers only please with any donations to Alzheimer's uk.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sergeant 385 Henry Henson

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : Sergeant 385 Henry Henson, who passed away on the 18th December 2017. He was aged 91 years.
He does not leave a widow but he leaves a son Michael
Mr Henson joined Durham Constabulary on the 30th November 1953 and from HQ training he served at Blaydon, Horden, Dene House and Peterlee. On June 1969 he was promoted to Sgt and he went on to serve at Durham City, Meadowfield and then Framwellgate Moor.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to the Blind Veterans UK
The funeral will be taking place on the 10th January at 10am at Durham Crematorium, this will be a private service only.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

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