Category: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

A recent commissioning service saw Revd. Matthew Hopley, formerly Lead Chaplain of Warwickshire Police, installed as the new National Police Chaplain for UK Policing.

The service took place at the newly opened Trinity Church in central Birmingham where Matthew was previously on staff as a Pastor. Dignitaries joined with policing colleagues from across the UK along with the local congregation and Matthew’s family and friends. During the uplifting service Matthew affirmed his commitment to the role and was formally commissioned.

Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands, Sir David Thompson QPM, gave the opening greeting, followed by Revd Dominic Jones, Chair of PCUK gave the ‘charge’ setting out the requirements of the role.

A multi-faith act of unity then followed in support of the nation chaplain and as a visual representation of chaplains being beckons of hope. This was led by  volunteer police chaplain Imam Mohammad Asad MBE, lighting the first of a series of candles. A short address from Trinity Church’s Pastor Kirk McAtear was a prelude to a formal commendation to the role from Chief Constable of Warwickshire Police Debbie Tedds.

Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Chaplaincy, then formally received Matthew into his new role.

National Police Chaplain Revd. Matthew Hopley, said:

“It is a great honour to be appointed into this role and to accept the responsibility of leading Police Chaplaincy as we collectively work to enhance the pastoral and spiritual care of around the 250,000 officers, staff, and volunteers across UK policing.

“My previous experiences of supporting front-line policing provide great understanding and empathy of the highly demanding and often stressful duties that our officers and staff face on a daily basis. I look forward to increasing our welfare support to policing through chaplaincy teams who are a fantastic source of pastoral care and encouragement, and to working alongside police leadership as we continue to serve the needs of our communities. The trustees of Police Chaplaincy UK and I, look forward to building on the tremendous legacy of Canon David Wilbraham.”

Deputy Chief Constable Maggie, National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Chaplaincy, said:

“On behalf of the National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing, I am delighted to receive Revd. Matthew Hopley as our new National Police Chaplain.

“I know that he will support our policing code of ethics and help us serve our communities with courage.”

The formal yet friendly occasion was supported by the Honour Guard and Brass Band from West Midlands Police, the Cadets of Warwickshire Police, and Trinity Church’s own band. The service concluded with the ‘Police Prayer’ shared by volunteer chaplain, Major Vic Kennedy of the Salvation Army.

A thank you from Revd. Matthew Hopley

Please see the 4 minute highlight and thank you video from Revd. Matthew Hopley, which you can watch here.

Recording of the full service

There is also a link to the recording of the full service here.

Police forces have arrested 1,874 criminals and closed 245 county lines used by county line gangs to sell drugs, 660 weapons and eight XL Bully dogs across the country during a seven-day long intensification week.

County Lines is the term used to describe drug dealing where mobile phones are used to supply drugs from large cities to towns and rural areas. County Lines are run by ‘Line Holders’ and the runners, often vulnerable people, deliver the drugs. The system of drug distribution leads to serious violence and exploitation.

Police forces across the country have taken part in the national county lines intensification week cracking down on drug traffickers.

National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for County Lines, Commander Paul Brogden, said:

“County Lines remains a top priority for policing and our latest intensification week figures shows further inroads policing has made into these criminal networks with 245 county lines closed during the week. We have targeted the drug dealers who destroy lives and communities with over 1,800 criminals arrested.

“County lines drug dealing is linked to the most serious violence, demonstrated through the horrific weapons seized across the week, where we saw 660 weapons seized, including 96 firearms, 466 bladed weapons, 98 other weapons including hammers, nun chucks, batons and knuckle dusters.

“We have a prevention-first approach to tackling county lines, stopping people being drawn in, whilst working to prepare communities for the impact of county lines and protect children and vulnerable adults, safeguarding them from harm, along with relentlessly pursuing offenders, and last week we safeguarded 1,653 people, of which 51% were children.”

The intensification week, which ran from Monday 4 March to Sunday 10 March, saw:

• 1874 people were arrested.
• 660 weapons seized, including 96 firearms and 466 bladed weapons.
• Over £2.5m worth of Class A & Class B drugs seized.
• 6.2kg of Crack Cocaine, 8.8kg of Heroine, 30kg of Cocaine and around 13,000 Cannabis plants seized.
• £1.8m in cash seized.
• 1,653 people safeguarded.
• 1,284 cuckooed addresses visited.
• Eight XL Bully dogs

Policing Minister Chris Philp said: 
“County lines gangs inflict harrowing damage and misery, using violence and intimidation to exploit children and vulnerable people to do their dirty work.

“Our police forces work incredibly hard every day to break up these criminal networks and I want to pay thanks to our officers for their continued efforts to tackle this vile activity.  

“Our plan to crack down on illegal drugs through a whole-system approach is working, as set out in our 10-year Drug Strategy, backed by a record £3 billion funding over three years- including a new target to smash another 1,000 county lines by August.”

Highlights

Across the week, officers up and down the country concentrated efforts to crack down on county lines.

• Northumbria Police executed five warrants which resulted in 16 arrests, £16,000 cash, E-bikes in excess of £10,000, gold bars worth £1000, one sword, one machete, three cars being seized.
• West Midlands Police rescued two children in Crewe that were missing on County Lines. Both were safeguarded, in conjunction with Birmingham Childrens Services and a fast-time investigation conducted to identify the perpetrators. This led to arrests in Crewe and Birmingham, with class A drugs seized. Two men were charged with drugs supply and modern slavery offences.
• North Wales Police working in partnership with Merseyside Police, British Transport police and other partner agencies carried out various activities throughout the week which resulted in Class A and B drugs being seized as well as weapons such as machetes, knives and air rifles.  26 offenders were arrested and approximately £10000 cash was also seized.
• Derbyshire Constabulary arrested a man for modern slavery offences and seized Cannabis, a gas powered air pistol, mobile phones and a suspected stolen quad bike.
• Thames Valley Police conducted a warrant in Oxford where drugs valued at £250,000, £15,000 in cash, designer items including a Rolex watch and an Audi SQ5 were seized.
• Merseyside Police ran an educational programme, supporting local schools with young people who may be at risk of being groomed into crime and missing school as a result. A boxing programme three days per week after school hours to divert young people and encourage them to exercise and improve mental health was also provided.
• Derbyshire FA supported the Children’s Society #LookCloser campaign during the County Lines Intensification Week engaging with over 50,000 people.
• A Crimestoppers campaign, including a bespoke ‘Fearless’ campaign for young people, has been running all week across the country, warning of the dangers of County Lines and offering the helpline number to anonymously provide information. As part of this campaign a number of key areas were targeted with geo-located promotion of key campaign messages.
• North Wales Police Neighbourhood policing teams and school liaison officers also undertook activities to engage with and educate vulnerable members of the public and over 2000 young people across the area.

County lines drug dealing is linked to the most serious violence, demonstrated through the weapons seized across the week, including knuckle dusters, machetes, and knives.

Safeguarding victims

Young children and vulnerable adults are often groomed to run drugs from one city to other parts of the country. Grooming is often followed by extreme violence and coercive behaviour.

Across the last week, 1,653 were actively safeguarded, with police forces working with relevant services and charities to help safeguard children and vulnerable adults, using a variety of options available to them, including specialist support referrals, strategy meetings, safety plans created and Modern Slavery Crime reports.

Police can also bring victimless prosecutions for modern slavery offences, just one of the many ways officers are protecting young people. Victimless prosecutions ensure children and vulnerable adults are spared the ordeal of having to go through the court process to give evidence and face the violent and abusive individual responsible for their suffering.

Missing people delivered national webinars to 1,180 professionals to raise awareness of the Safecall service, a confidential and anonymous helpline and support service for young people and family members in England and Wales that are affected by county lines and criminal exploitation. The service also provides confidential support and advice for professionals in relation to their work with an exploited young person or family. Call or text 116000 for free, 9am to 11pm, 7 days a week.

James Simmonds-Read, National Programme Manager at The Children’s Society, said:

“In a concerning trend, criminals are increasingly targeting and manipulating children into taking part in financial activity which is often criminal and dangerous, while benefiting the people making it happen. Sadly, financial exploitation is often connected to other forms of abuse. What may start with sharing bank details and the promise of easy cash can then turn into threats of sexual abuse or children being made to hold or move drugs for criminal groups. It’s a serious problem which needs attention to protect children from being exploited.

“Financial exploitation can happen to any child, in any village, town or city regardless of their background. While criminals don’t care about the children they target online through gaming and social media platforms, or places like shops and cashpoints, we know the public do care about keeping children safe.

“For this #LookCloserweek, we want to raise awareness about the child victims of financial exploitation and how to spot the signs a child or young person is being financially exploited.

“If you see or suspect a young person is being exploited, please call the police on 101 or 999 if there is an immediate risk. If you’re on a train, text the British Transport Police on 61016. Alternatively, you can contact the NSPCC for advice on 0808 800 5000.”

Victims of County Lines exploitation also received support from Catch22, a not-for-profit, one-to-one specialist support service for young people under 25, helping children escape drug gangs in four priority locations – London, West Midlands, Merseyside and Greater Manchester, where young people are often targeted.  

Catch22 will safely make contact with young people who have been referred by safeguarding partners, such as the police and children’s services, and work with them to exit their involvement in County Lines activity.

Johnny Bolderson, Senior Service Manager, National County Lines Support and Rescue Service, said:

“County lines organised crime groups who exploit children and young people have a devastating impact on our communities. Children and young people affected by county lines are often manipulated and coerced into committing crimes or sexual acts. Specific to exploitation via county lines is the requirement to travel out of area to support the selling of drugs – this removes the support network around the victim and makes them more vulnerable to exploitation.

“The Catch22 County Lines Support and Rescue service is funded by the Home Office until April 2025 and works with children and young people and their families across London, the West Midlands, Greater Manchester and Merseyside where the majority of county lines run from. In our specialist service, our Caseworkers provide one-to-one support to children and young people up to 25-years-old, and their families. We deliver an out-of-hours rescue service to children and young adults who have been found in an exploitative situation and need a safe return home.

“Once in our service, our Caseworkers provide a confidential and bespoke service for each individual. We tailor our interventions to meet the needs of the individual and make referrals to the wider services that they may need, including mental health, substance misuse, sexual health and other support. We’re here to help them understand what county lines is, why it can be difficult to recognise and what the impact can be. We work with partners to safeguard young people and support them to find positive ways forward in line with their hopes and aspirations. The service is delivered in partnership with Kooth, Abianda, The REIGN Collective, Crest Advisory and SafeCall.”

Anyone can refer in, including young people themselves. You can find the Support and Rescue service referral forms on the service website for more information. For more information and useful resources about Child Exploitation and county lines, you can visit our website. For example, you can download Catch On, our free educational resource about Child Exploitation aimed at pupils in Years 7 and 8 (aged 11-13). 

People should report any concerns to the police on 101. If on a train text British Transport Police on 61016. Dial 999 if there is an immediate risk to a child. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously online or call their helpline on 0800 555111. If concerns arise online people should also contact the relevant digital platform.

A revised national framework for England and Wales outlines how police forces will work to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG).

In December 2021, policing launched a national framework for delivery which laid out the immediate actions policing committed to take to build trust and confidence, relentlessly pursue perpetrators and create safer spaces. This revised framework, which covers the next three years, is the next step in ensuring policing is focused on outcomes that make a real difference to tackling the epidemic of VAWG.

In February 2023, the Home Secretary included VAWG within the Strategic Policing Requirement, which means that the national policing response to VAWG should be on par with terrorism and serious and organised crime.

The framework for delivery uses a ‘4P approach’, a tried and tested methodology that was developed in counter-terrorism.

The 4P approach ensures forces focus on being well prepared to tackle VAWG offending, that action is being taken to protect individuals, families and communities and that perpetrators of VAWG are being relentlessly pursued. This approach also has a focus on preventing VAWG, with a commitment from policing to support our partners in taking the lead to a whole system approach to tackle VAWG.

Police chiefs have committed to building trust and confidence among communities, and as part of the framework, forces will self-assess their local plans using a template developed over the last two years to identify best practice in the four key areas.

Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth, Deputy CEO of the College of Policing and National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Violence Against Women and Girls, said:
“The publication of the Angiolini report earlier this month laid bare the work policing must do to improve its response to violence against women and girls.

“Whilst we have developed our approach and capabilities to tackle VAWG in recent years, there is much more for us to do.

“We have been working at a national and local level to broaden our understanding of all aspects of VAWG, including how policing can better support victims and hold perpetrators to account through the criminal justice system.

“The 4P approach already helps police to tackle some of the most serious threats to our communities, and by including VAWG in the Strategic Policing Requirement, we are recognising as a society the gravity of the epidemic of VAWG.

“We must now galvanise progress in policing to ensure that we are doing all that we can to protect women and girls, and deliver against the priorities outlined in the framework.”

Assistant Chief Constable Samantha Millar, National Police Chiefs’ Council Strategic Programme Director for Violence Against Women and Girls, said:

“Setting a strategic direction for policing to effectively respond to violence against women and girls means that across the country forces will be able to better target their resources and capabilities to make meaningful improvements to the safety of women and girls.

“Our understanding of the threat VAWG poses to our communities is evolving all the time, which is why the voices of women and girls, and victims and survivors, are fundamental to how we move forward and drive progress.”

Chief Constable Chris Haward took up the post this week.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council have this week welcomed a new lead for Serious and Organised Crime.

Beginning his new post on March 4, Chief Constable Chris Haward will be responsible for leading the policing response to the national Serious and Organised Crime Strategy, recently published by the Home Office.

As part of the role, he will also oversee the coordination and strategic development of the Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) network on behalf of all police forces and the wider SOC System.

Chief Constable Haward will also work closely with the National Crime Agency as the organisation responsible for leading and coordinating the UK response to SOC , police forces and a wide range of partner organisations.

He is particularly keen to ensure the benefits of tackling SOC are tangible at a local, force level and will work closely with Chief Constables to continue the good work already started through the Clear, Hold, Build initiative.

Chief Constable Chris Haward said:

“I am delighted to be taking up such an important role, tackling threats that impact not only on our local communities but also national security. 

“I am a great believer in collaborative effort, seeing the whole system working together to tackle these threats and I look forward to working with the National Crime Agency (NCA), police forces and partners to ensure we do our very best to protect our communities from organised criminals.”

Spending much of his 33-year career focussed on intelligence and crime investigation, Mr Haward kicked off his career in Leicestershire working in CID and Intelligence before moving to the National

Criminal Intelligence Service (the forerunner to the NCA) specialising on heroin importation and supply for Interpol.

From here, his work led to the roll out of the National Intelligence Model and the national strategic and tactical tasking processes.  

While ACC in Derbyshire, Chris became the national lead for Surveillance and Technical Surveillance in 2016 and has held that portfolio since then.

He was later promoted to DCC, leading the East Midlands collaborated services including East Midlands Specialist Operations Unit (EMSOU) and the EM Major Crime Units before becoming Chief Constable for Lincolnshire Police in December 2020.

Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst, who leads the ROCU network said:

“I welcome the appointment of Chris Haward as the NPCC’s new full-time Lead for Serious Organised Crime.

“He brings with him a wealth of experience which nationally forces and the wider ROCU network will immensely benefit from.

“Organised crime devastates communities, threatens national security and destroys people’s lives and it’s important our work in this area continues at pace.

“I look forward to working with Chris and together, tackling the criminal gangs who are responsible for some of the most harmful criminality.”

National Crime Agency Director General, Graeme Biggar, said:

“Chris brings to the role a wealth of experience in tackling serious and organised crime.  I look forward to working with him to ensure the very best coordination between the NCA and policing as we together protect the public from serious and organised crime.”

Detention Officer, Alex Klaar, from Avon and Somerset was determined to give something back.

A detention officer with a passion for reading has started a specially curated library to help boost the mental health of custody detainees.

Alex Klaar, who works for Avon and Somerset Police, came up with the novel idea five years ago as part of a wider plan to reduce the frustration and anxiety of those in the cells as well as help boost adult literacy.

The keen reader quickly developed a relationship with his local charity shop and began spending his hard-earned cash on dozens of books for all interests and levels – populating the shelves of Patchway Custody Suite.

Now, the library has been expanded across all custody suites in the force’s area and boasts hundreds of books suitable for all reading abilities, and in a range of different languages. It has also been welcomed by dozens of detainees, who are encouraged to select a book on arrival and given the opportunity to take it home with home upon release.

Today (Thursday) Alex’s incredible efforts are being recognised as part of World Book Day.

The NPCC is also highlighting Alex’s wider contribution as part of its first-ever Police Staff Week of Celebration and Recognition.

Launched with support from the College of Policing, the week hopes to shine a light on the individuals who play an important role within the policing family. Alex was selected for his work to help create a more positive environment and show the broader role police can play in their communities.

Alex said: “Detainees can often spend hours in the cells with little to distract them, leaving them frustrated, anxious or worried so offering them reading materials is a really simple but effective distraction tool.

“I am really passionate about reading because it has so many benefits and is great for our wellbeing. In a custody setting, reducing stress is really important as calming down detainees has a real positive impact not only on the individuals but also on officers and staff, who sadly can experience a lot of abuse.

“Since the library was introduced and expanded, hundreds of detainees have now benefited and been able to take books home with them. It’s been very well received.”

You can learn more about the work of our talented and passionate police staff by following our social media channels and using the hashtag #CelebratingPoliceStaff.

Dozens of experts and specialists have joined a new independent panel offering advice and guidance to a flagship plan to combat racism and discrimination in policing.

Yesterday (Tuesday) saw the launch of the national community reference group for the Police Race Action Plan.

More than 50 experts, ranging from lawyers, community leaders, communications specialists and academics, as well as current and former police officers and staff, came together at the event to hear more about the plan and contribute their specialist advice, guidance and feedback on its next steps.

This is another way the Police Race Action Plan will ensure it is getting independent advice and expertise, as well as through its Independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board.

Led by T/Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dr Alison Heydari, the plan is the biggest coordinated effort ever across every police force in England and Wales to improve trust and confidence in policing among Black communities.

The event heard from the likes of Dr Heydari and the former head of Counter Terrorism Policing Neil Basu, as well as about work to improve community relations by the Metropolitan Police’s neighbourhood team in Croydon.

There was also discussion on what the plan should focus on moving forward, which will be fed directly into the next iteration of the plan due for release this summer.

Dr Heydari said: “I am consistently blown away by the passion, support and ideas from our communities to support the Police Race Action Plan.

“The wealth of expertise that gathered in the room yesterday was remarkable and I cannot express enough my gratitude to those who came determined to drive positive change.

“I am determined to deliver meaningful reform for our communities and this new forum can really help us do that.”

Colin Burton, who will chair the national community reference group, added: “We have to do things differently if we want to deliver the ambitious vision outlined in the Police Race Action Plan.

“This means welcoming a new energy, ideas and approaches to how we do things. There was a vast amount of knowledgeable people in the room who want to help this plan succeed.

“Providing this knowledge with the right forum and platform to shape this plan can have enormous benefit to deliver meaningful change in policing.

“I want to play my own small part in delivering that.”

For more information about the Race Action Plan visit The Police Race Action Plan (npcc.police.uk)

From tackling Violence Against Women and Girls, to helping catch killers and championing the mental health of our first responders – we’re celebrating some of the unsung heroes of policing.  

This week sees forces across the UK come together to honour the contribution made by police staff.  

Launched by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), with support from the College of Policing,  the first ever Police Staff Week of Celebration and Recognition (Monday 4 March – Sunday 10 March) hopes to shine a spotlight on the individuals who play an important role within the policing family.

As part of the week, forces will be celebrating the contribution made by those working across all areas of policing – including call handlers, crime scene investigators, PCSO’s, as well as those who manage sex offenders in the community, analysts, fleet, finance and more.

It is also hoped the recognition will encourage other professionals to consider a future in policing.  

Chair of NPCC, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, welcomed the week of celebration and praised the contribution of police staff.  

 “The role that staff play across UK Policing is not widely understood and deserves higher profile. Police staff are at the front line answering emergency calls, keeping detainees safe and helping to progress investigations in our custody and investigation centres, and informing and educating our communities.

“Police staff lead and run critical national services, work across governments to ensure the policing business functions effectively, develop new technologies  and keep us ahead of criminality by carrying out so many investigative and evidence gathering functions.  

“This week is all about recognising that vital contribution and showing the public that police staff, just like officers, play an important role in policing, keeping communities safe and contribute to effective justice.  There are so many exciting career opportunities.

“Our policing family is diverse and is made up of officers, staff and volunteers and the public should know that when they need us, we come together, serving as one to help.  

“I’d personally like to thank each and every staff member and volunteer for the huge role they play.” 

Gemma Stannard, head of the NPCC’s Strategic Hub said:

“As a passionate police staff member, I am in awe and proud of the contribution made by police staff nationally. 

“It is their expertise, dedication and professionalism which helps progress investigations, gets justice for victims, enables effective response to critical incidents and calls for service, and supports the workforce.   

“The majority of staff did not fall into policing but made a conscious decision to be part of the service because they want to make a difference and help others. It is important that we applaud this passion and continue to champion their contribution so we can encourage others into the service and recognise the impact staff have as part of the whole policing family, helping keep our communities safe .”  

Chief Constable Andy Marsh, CEO at the College of Policing, said:

“I’ve been privileged to work with so many inspirational and dedicated police staff throughout my career. I’m delighted to be celebrating police staff week as we take time to recognise the far-reaching contribution they make.

“Their expertise, dedication and commitment to public service are invaluable, yet all too often they are the unsung heroes of policing. Dealing with the public on the frontline, investigating crimes and working with communities to improve public trust, staff are there in every area of policing.

“It’s important that we take time to reflect on the work of police staff, particularly as the service continues to face ever-evolving challenges and increasing demand. Over the next few days I look forward to meeting and speaking to police staff from across the country and seeing inspiring examples of the work that police staff do.”

APCC Chair Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: 

“Preventing crime is not just a job for police officers. It takes a huge number of skilled and multi-disciplined workers behind the scenes to protect the public and ensure the services they receive are efficient, effective, well-organised and offer value for money.

“From studying fingerprints and managing our IT systems, through to call handling and keeping the finances in check, police staff play an integral role in the success of their forces. People are the lifeblood of any successful organisation and as PCCs, we join our colleagues across the criminal justice system in recognising the selfless and tireless efforts of our police staff this week. Policing would not be what it is today without the courage, teamwork and compassion of our unsung policing staff.”

Follow our social media channels to see more coverage and read more about our amazing police staff.  

Chief Constable Gavin Stephens responds to part 1 of the report published today 

National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens said: 

“The harrowing murder of Sarah Everard, carried out by a serving police officer, who abused his position of trust, has caused untold suffering. Wayne Couzens should never have been a police officer.  His offending should have been stopped sooner.  This should never have happened. 

 “Listening this morning to Lady Elish Angiolini’s clear findings of a catalogue of missed opportunities and red flags left me aghast.  Police leaders across the United Kingdom will feel the same and take this as an urgent call for action, and reminder of how far we still have to go. We are reviewing the recommendations in detail and I do not underestimate just how important this is for all of society.” 

“On behalf of policing I cannot adequately express to the Everard family how sorry we are to them and all those who loved Sarah.   

“Lady Elish spoke of others who have suffered and I apologise to any woman or girl who has fallen victim to abuse by a police officer.” 

“Across history there are crimes that send a signal to us all.  A signal not just about the depravity of the perpetrator, but one of problems in our society or failures in our institutions.  This is a glowing red signal to all police leaders that we must do everything humanly possible to enact these recommendations and change policing for future generations.” 

“We are taking action to ensure there is nowhere to hide in policing for wrongdoers, that our misconduct and vetting processes are reformed, and that our ethics and values are reset.  This report makes clear that we have much more to do to.” 

“We will not stop until the public, especially women and girls, get the police service they expect and deserve and their confidence in our role as protectors is rebuilt.”