-
play0:00 / 5:03-
nottspolice A crime fighting scheme is expanding in Africa thanks to the support of Nottinghamshire Police’s Sarah Smithurst. Sarah, who is responsible for co-ordinating information passed to Nottinghamshire Police through the Crimestoppers charity, has helped to set up a similar scheme in Ghana. She was first contacted by police there after they heard about the success of Crimestoppers and decided a similar approach could help their fight against organised crime, particularly the drugs and firearms trades. In August 2009, the first Crimefighters project was launched in Accra, the country’s capital, with Sarah’s help and support. It works along similar lines to Crimestoppers, although the scheme is not independently run as it is in Britain, with calls handled by the Ghanaian police. It still allows for rewards to be paid for information which leads to the conviction of criminals. On Monday (February 14), Sarah will arrive in Ghana to oversee the introduction of the second Crimefighters scheme in Takoradi, the capital of the country’s western region. She said: “I’m hoping this will be just the beginning of the growth of Crimefighters across Ghana and potentially other African countries. “The original scheme is really proving its worth, with arrests being made as a result of information coming in about all sorts of crimes, but mainly drugs and firearms. “Businesses in Ghana have given their backing to the project and we have relied on their goodwill and support to really get it off the ground and get the message out there.” Sarah’s fortnight working in Ghana has been timed to coincide with the arrival of a huge container full of donations from people in Britain to help the Ghanaian Police Service and schools and orphanages in the Accra area. This will be the second container of donations that Sarah has arranged to be transported there since she first visited the country in 2009. She said: “On my first visit, I was there to support the police in working out how we could set up Crimefighters. While I was working with them, I saw how in need of the equipment and basic protective items that our officers are automatically given in this country. “They had no stab vests or high visibility clothing and are working in extremely challenging conditions, with little or no protection. Although their uniforms are very smart and they take a lot of pride in their professional appearance, basic protective equipment is not available to them. “I also wanted to see the real Ghana and went to visit schools and orphanages near the police headquarters. What I saw broke my heart and it made me realise how much we take for granted in this country. I knew I needed to do something to help.” When she arrived back in England, Sarah enlisted the help of National Police Aid Convoys, a charity started in 1993 by police officers in Nottinghamshire and continues to procure and deliver humanitarian aid across the globe. With the help of their dedicated band of volunteers, they helped her organise the packing and transportation of the first container to Ghana in August 2009 as well as the one that will arrive there next week. Sarah appealed to people across Nottinghamshire to donate whatever they could. She said: “I continue to be amazed at the generosity of people who have supported our work. Schoolchildren donated shoeboxes filled with toys and letters and photographs for their counterparts in Ghana. “Couples who have no children of their own went out and bought nappies for the orphans. Six police forces donated surplus or decommissioned equipment, including batons, riot shields and high-visibility jackets. Local businesses, schools and hospitals also donated equipment which will change many many lives for the better.” To get an idea of the scale of the Nottinghamshire public’s generosity, this container, measures 40ft by 9ft by 7ft, weighs 8 tons, will take six hours to unload and there is not a spare inch of space on board. Sarah, who was made an honorary Superintendent in the Ghanaian Police to thank her for her support for Crimefighters, said: “I can only thank the people who have helped so much to make this dream of mine a reality. It is worth all the effort when you see the smiles on the faces of the people we are helping and you know that we are really making a difference.” Visit our website http://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk Become a fan on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/nottspolice Follow us on Twitetr http://www.twitter.com/nottspolice Watch us on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/nottinghampolice
-
-
play0:00 / 10:10-
nottspolice This podcast, from Women's Aid and DirectGov, gives useful advice and tips on where to get help if you are experiencing domestic violence. It also features an interview with Sue Haile, the manager of the National Domestic Violence Helpline. For more information on where to get help and advice if you are experiencing domestic violence, visit http://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/domesticviolence
-
-
play0:00 / 0:40-
nottspolice If you suspect it, report it - that's the message of a counter-terrorism publicity campaign launched by the Metropolitan Police Service on Monday 13 December. Everyone has a role to play in fighting terrorism and the public are being encouraged to contact the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 if they see any activity or behaviour they think is suspicious. The two-week campaign consists of a 40-second radio advert which is being broadcast across England and Wales. The threat to the UK from terrorism remains real and serious and public vigilance and awareness is crucial in helping to create a hostile environment for terrorists. The advert recognises that some people may be reluctant to report suspicious activity or behaviour, such as a person taking an unusual interest in security arrangements, because 'Chances are, it's probably nothing'. But it goes on to encourage people to think 'But what if it isn't'? Just one piece of information could be vital in helping disrupt terrorist planning and, in turn, save lives. Assistant Commissioner John Yates, head of MPS Specialist Operations and Chair of the Association of Chief Police Officers, Terrorism and Allied Matters, said: "Recent events at East Midlands Airport and continued speculation about 'Mumbai-style' attacks serve as a stark reminder of the real and enduring threat we continue to face from terrorist groups. "These groups are constantly looking at new and inventive ways to launch attacks on the UK and our citizens. "We all know that the threats against us continue to diversify - from Al Qaeda-led and inspired groups, through Irish-related terrorism to right wing extremists. "The police and security services need the help of the public to protect the country from the threat of terrorism. We cannot do it alone. "We all have a responsibility to remain vigilant and aware and to report any suspicious activity. We must not become complacent. "I completely understand that some people may have concerns about contacting police with their suspicions, but let me reassure them that all information received by the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline is thoroughly analysed and researched by experienced officers before, and if, any police action is taken. "I would urge anyone who has information about suspicious activity to contact the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321." Police want people to look out for the unusual - some activity or behaviour which strikes them as not quite right and out of place in their normal day to day lives, for example: Terrorists need storage - Lock-ups, garages and sheds can all be used by terrorists to store equipment. Are you suspicious of anyone renting commercial property? Terrorists use chemicals - Do you know someone buying large or unusual quantities of chemicals for no obvious reason? Terrorists need funding - Cheque and credit card fraud are ways of generating cash. Have you seen any suspicious transactions? Terrorists use multiple identities - Do you know someone with documents in different names for no obvious reason? Terrorists need information - Do you someone taking an interest in security, like CCTV cameras for no obvious reason? Terrorists need transport - If you work in commercial vehicle hire or sales, has a sale or rental made you suspicious? IF YOU NOTICE SUSPICOUS BAGS, BEHAVIOUR OR VEHICLES WHICH POSE AN IMMINENT THREAT YOU SHOULD CALL 999 IMMEDIATELY
-
-
play0:00 / 1:09-
nottspolice Chief Constable Julia Hodson switched her focus to the city this week as she continued her opinion-gathering tour of Nottinghamshire. Earlier this month, the Chief announced a series of trips to visit various groups in the county to ask them for their feedback about policing. This week she joined two Nottingham beat teams at meetings they regularly attend to talk about the issues affecting the communities they look after. Ms Hodson explained: "It's essential the police are visible, accessible and responsive to everyone in Nottinghamshire and that includes me. I want to learn how people feel about safety in their neighbourhood, from as many of the varied communities in the county as possible, and discuss how we can improve their quality of life. "Collecting feedback from public groups such as the ones I will visit in Nottingham over the next few weeks will be crucial in helping to shape some tough decisions against a backdrop of unprecedented financial restraints." The Chief joined the Forest Fields beat team for the lunch-time curry buffet at the Forest Fields Community Centre, in Sturton Street, Nottingham, today (October 28). Hear her and chair of the Pakistan Forum Michael Ilyas explain how the police and community are working together to beat antisocial behaviour and make the area a safe place to live, work and visit. Visit our website http://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk Follow us on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/nottspolice Become a fan on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/nottspolice
-
-
play0:00 / 2:09-
nottspolice Catch up with Nottinghamshire Police every week by tuning in to Cop Slot on Mansfield 103.2. The only radio show in the country presented by a serving Police Community Support Officer, Cop Slot gives you the chance to find out what your local officers are up to and give your opinion on policing. PCSO Gaynor Clements-Parker, who is based at Underwood, has presented the show for three months after taking over from Sgt Annie Wallis, whose stint in the hot seat lasted six years. Recent guests have included Chief Constable Julia Hodson, who talked about the force's success in reducing crime and the challenges for the coming year, Mansfield and Ashfield’s former Divisional Commander Chief Supt Simon Nickless talking about policing in the area and Sarah Smithurst, who co-ordinates Nottinghamshire's Crimestoppers appeals. To find out what you’ve been missing, tune in to Mansfield 103.2FM every Wednesday between 8pm and 9pm. For more policing news visit http://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk Follow us on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/nottspolice Become a fan on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/nottspolice
-
-
play0:00 / 0:50-
nottspolice Annual Awards: Community award presented in memory of PC Christopher McDonald PC Mark Lee has just received the Christopher McDonald Community Officer of the Year Award. The award was presented in memory of PC McDonald - the first Notts officer to be killed in the line of duty in 1978 while investigating a burglary in Worksop. PC Lee was commended for his dedication, self-motivation and positive approach and his work with the community in Worksop. Join us at the following websites: http://www.nottinghamshirepoliceawards.co.uk http://www.twitter.com/nottspolice http://www.facebook.com/nottspolice
-
-
play0:00 / 1:29-
nottspolice Nottinghamshire Police has teamed up with Nottingham Trent University's Centre for Broadcasting and Journalism to produce a new series of videos and audio reports documenting policing issues and events across the county. Students who are studying Broadcast Journalism are invited into the force to get an insight into the work of Nottinghamshire Police and build relationships with officers and staff across the organisation. The content they record and the resulting news packages, for television and radio, will be added to the students' portfolios to demonstrate the work they have completed as part of their course. The university has agreed that Nottinghamshire Police can publish the students' work on our website and social media channels, including YouTube and AudioBoo. In the first video in the series, Laurence Kennedy and Douglas Easton report on a local Brownie pack's visit to force headquarters and how the girls are learning about the work of the police and valuable lessons about keeping safe. They speak to the 8th Hucknall Brownies' Brown Owl Helen Ridley, who also works for Nottinghamshire Police, and ACC Paul Broadbent, who presented the girls with their well deserved crime prevention badges. To see a video of the visit, produced by the students, visit http://www.youtube.com/nottinghampolice For more policing news and information visit http://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk To find out more about Nottingham Trent University's Centre for Broadcasting and Journalism visit http://www.ntu.ac.uk/hum/centres/broadcast_journalism/index.html Follow Nottinghamshire Police on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/nottspolice Become a fan on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/nottspolice
-
-
play0:00 / 0:37-
nottspolice Chief Constable Julia Hodson described the awards ceremony as an "emotional rollercoaster" and said she was tremendously proud of everyone involved in the event.
-
-
play0:00 / 6:51-
nottspolice Nottinghamshire Police's Crimestoppers co-ordinator Sarah Smithurst has thanked the people of Nottinghamshire for their support in helping to fight crime and change lives in Ghana. Sarah visited the country in February to help set up a second branch of crime reporting scheme Crime Fighters, which is based on Crimestoppers in the UK. Sarah was called upon to give advice and support to introduce the scheme in Ghana, due to her long-standing work with Crimestoppers. Before her latest visit, Sarah appealed to the people of Nottinghamshire and further afield to donate items, such as toys, clothes, equipment and books, that could be given to a school and hospital. She also received donations of decommissioned equipment, such as stab vests and riot shields, from six police forces for donation to the Ghanaian Police Force. Arrangements for the items to be shipped to Ghana were made by National Police Aid Convoys, based at Mansfield. In this video, Sarah says thank you to those that have helped to really make a difference to people's lives in Ghana and presents some footage taken during the trip so people who have supported her appeal can see how their help has had an impact there. Special thanks to Richard Tempest-Mitchell, from Manor School, in Mansfield, who recorded much of the footage. Sarah is planning another trip to Ghana and is already appealing for more items to take with her. If you would like to donate any unwanted items, in good condition, contact Sarah on 0300 300 9999. For more news and appeals from Nottinghamshire Police, visit www.nottinghamshire.police.uk To find out more about National Police Aid Convoys, visit www.npac.org.uk Follow Nottinghamshire Police on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nottspolice Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nottspolice
-
