Death of a retired Police Officer : Superintendent Reay Henderson

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer : Superintendent Reay Henderson (ex Durham & Northumbria)
Reay had been suffering  ill health for some months and died on Tuesday 16th December 2014. 
He  initially joined the Durham Constabulary and served at Hartlepool and on the S.I.S until the amalgamation in 1974 when he transferred to the Northumbria Police area,  working in many parts of the Force, including the Sunderland area, achieving  the rank of Superintendent. After retirement he moved house to Shotley Bridge.
The funeral is to take place at 12.30pm on Monday 29th December 2014 , at Mountsett Crematorium,  Dipton, near Stanley(Post Code DH99JP). Details will be posted in the Chronicle in due course.

Death of a retired Police Officer : D.C. Thomas Herries

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer : D.C. Thomas Herries, aged 94 years who died on Tuesday, 9th December, 2014.
His next of kin is Francis BUDKIN (daughter) and son in law Peter Budkin.  ( Service details not available from family)
The funeral will take place on Tuesday, 16th December at 10.15am, at Darlington Crematorium.
Family flowers only.
Donations in lieu to St. Teresa’s Hospice or Marie Curie Funds. Offering plate will be in the crematorium.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Explosives Handling Course, Catterick Camp 1960’s

Many Thanks to Steve Hodgson for supplying this picture of an Explosives Handling Course, at Catterick Camp in the 1960’s.

Officers from the Special Incident Squad & H.Q. CID attended

Back row: Lawrie Hodgson, Brian McDonnagh , Paddy Farrell, Maurice Soady, Dennis Cullen,
Army Major running the course, Jim Strachan, Harry Scott, Stan Davison
Front row : Army Sgt, Steve Coxon, Gordon Bacon, John Glendenning, Stan ?, Army Sgt, Bernie Price.

Inter Services Post Joint Operations

Many thanks to Norman Davison for this photo from an Inter Services Post Joint Operation, which was an emergency dialysis cabin lift at Annfield Plain, Catchgate area to Hare Low, Birtley.

Pictured are : Traffic North Officers: Peter Thomas, Ken Bailey, Bill Newby, Norman Davison, Brian Jones,
pilot & co. pilot. R.A.F. Air/ Sea Rescue

Can anyone identify the Traffic Officer far right ? (Many Thanks to Frank Hewison, for identifying Brian Jones)

Paws Up Christmas Cards are now available…

Paws Up (The Durham Police Dogs Benevolent Fund) are delighted to announce their first ever production of a festive greetings card.

These are now available to order on line at the Paws Up shop.
Just click on the image to be taken to the merchandise page at www.pawsup.org.uk
As ever, all proceeds are to help our retired four legged colleagues.

Please note that this is ONE card only ...
It is reversible, with an image on both sides and designed to appeal to people of all ages !

One side shows our very own drugs detection dog -
Police Dog 'Dexter' posing amongst presents with Paws Up mascot 'Bob'.
On the reverse is a lovely festive image of 'Bob' only.

 
The cards are A6 in size and come with an envelope.
Full colour, printed on 300 Gsm card and left blank inside for your own message. 

For mail order / on line sales, we are selling these exclusive cards in packs of 10 for only £5 - including P&P.

They have a limited production of 1,000 cards available.

Support our local retired Police Dogs : Paws Up Calendar 2015

The ‘Paws Up’ team have been busy preparing the 2015 calendar and it is now available by

CLICKING HERE

The calendar costs £8 including post and packaging and has some fabulous pictures of our local Police Dogs.

Get yourself a great calendar and you will also be helping to support these dogs after their working lives are over

Life Should Mean Life–Sign the E-Petition

PC Geoffrey Fox, Det Con David Wombwell and Sgt Christopher Head were murdered in 1966

The recent announcement of the parole board that Harry Roberts, who was found guilty of the murder of three police officers, was to be recommended for release has prompted an e-petition calling for a  Compulsory Life Tariff for Murder of the Police.

To sign the petition use the link below :

Click Here to View/Sign E-Petition

The President of NARPO Ian Potter has described the release of the notorious police killer Harry Roberts, who was jailed for life for murdering three unarmed officers in Shepherd's Bush, West London, in 1966 as ‘a disgrace and an insult to the families of the victims and yet another demonstration of how this Government have scant regard for policing in this country.’ Roberts was released from Prison on Tuesday(11/11/2014) despite opposition from various police bodies including the Police Federation. Ian Potter said ‘ A large number of our members will have been serving at the time of this heinous crime, which at the time sent shock waves through the Police Service owing to the nature of this callous and cold blooded murder of three unarmed Police Officers carrying out the job they loved. This man should never have been considered for release and should have remained incarcerated for the rest of his life for committing this cowardly act, which was an offence against both the victims and the nation as a whole. We wholeheartedly agree with the comments made by the Police Federation amongst others and our thoughts are with the victims’ families and our NARPO colleagues who served with the victims at the time of their deaths. I now call upon this Government to urgently introduce legislation that ensures life means an ‘entire life sentence’ for the killers of police officers.’

Is this how we start a Steel Band ?

This photo was taken outside of Durham City Magistrates Court in 1970 and taken from the Northern Echo.

If I remember correctly,  Clishy “Hendo, is this how we start a Steel Band?”

(The real story was that these items were recovered from the main Durham to London railway line by Tom Clish… disaster averted and a commendation for Tom)

In pic left to right, Jeff Wittingham? Tom Clish, Peter McNulty and John Henderson.

Many Thanks to John Henderson for sending in the photo.

PS. Tunic’s and ‘Bulled’ boots – Those were the days

THINK! Don’t Drink Drive 50th Anniversary Advert

The 11th hour of the 11th Day of the 11th month

Remembrance Day is also known as Poppy Day.

It was first observed in 1919, however until 1945 it was called Armistice Day. Traditionally there is two minutes of silence at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month because that was the time (in Britain) when the armistice became effective in 1918.
Today, in the UK Remembrance Sunday is also observed on the Sunday nearest to November 11th. So, in the United Kingdom, two minutes' silence is observed on November 11 itself, and on the second Sunday of November. Remembrance Sunday, ceremonies are held at War Memorials, all over the UK and over the years it has become a day to commemorate not just the sacrifice of servicemen and women but the suffering of civilians in times of war.

Remembrance Sunday is commemorated by church services around the UK and a parade of ex-service personnel in London’s Whitehall. Wreaths of poppies are placed on war memorials from the Cenotaph, a war memorial in Whitehall, to the tiniest war memorials in villages all over Britain. Small wooden crosses are placed in Gardens of Remembrance as private acts of remembering individual losses and suffering and people pin poppies to their coat or jacket.

History states that it was the poem 'In Flanders Fields' written in 1915 by Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian Medical Officer, that captured the imagination of the British people in the dark days of trench warfare on the Western Front when so many young soldiers failed to return. Six months before the Armistice, McCrae was brought on a stretcher to a big hospital on the French coast and saw the cliffs of Dover from his room. He died that night and was buried in a cemetery above Wimereux. Before he died, he said to the doctor: "Tell them this . . . If ye break faith with us who die, we shall not sleep." An American woman, Miss Moina Michael, wrote a moving poem in reply and bought 25 red poppies, wearing one herself as a way to keep faith with the war dead; a French woman, Madame Guerin, came up with the practical idea of making and selling artificial poppies to help ex-service men and their dependents in need.

Britain's first Poppy Day was held in 1921 and the money raised helped children in war-devastated areas. The Royal British Legion opened its own poppy factory in London in 1922 to give practical help in time of need to all who have served in the armed forces and their widows and dependents. The paper poppies that are worn today are made by ex-service personnel and are sold by representatives of the Royal British Legion, an organisation of ex-servicemen and women. Today, they make more than 35 million poppies and 65,000 wreaths for the annual poppy appeal. Poppies grew in great abundance in the shell-torn fields of Flanders during the War. Because of its abundance it became the symbol of remembrance of two world wars.

Newly Promoted Inspectors Course. 1979

Newly Promoted Inspectors Course. 1979
Joe Alderson, Tom Soulsby (Northumbria), Matt Longstaff, John Bell (Northumbria), Lloyd Luke, Barrie Bell (Northumbria), Terry Stonehouse? (Cleveland)
Alan Craig (N.Yorks), Norman Davison, John Burke (Cleveland), Alan Campbell ( Director of Studies),
Ronnie Haine (Northumbria Instructor), Angela Shaw (North Yorks) Jim Strachan

Many Thanks to Norman Davison for the photo

The new Durham Constabulary Headquarters

Durham Constabulary has recently taken ownership of a state of the art new Headquarters facility, designed to provide everything needed for the challenges of modern-day policing.
It replaces the old building, which was constructed in the 1960s and was no longer fit for purpose.

The new-build, which staff moved into during August and September, is positioned opposite the old base at Aykley
Heads,Durham. It houses call handlers and dispatchers, as well as other central services including the force’s
executive team, and the finance, human resources, criminal justice, intelligence and information technology
departments.There is also an office for Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg.
Chief Constable Mike Barton said:“A few years back we took a look at our existing headquarters, the on-going
maintenance cost for a building that was becoming a bit of a money pit, and the feasibility of maintaining it longer
term, and deciding it was time to do something about it.
“The build of the new headquarters along with the on-going developments across our estates were essential for us to police effectively in the 21st century”.
“We now have around 600 people housed under one roof, and have moved a selection of other departments out to other locations in order to streamline operations.
“Our old facility was out dated and had become a drain on resources, costing far too much of our budget each year to
maintain. The gas bill is 0% and the electricity is 6% of the former HQ. All these savings mean £750k per annum -
which pays for 17 police officers.We took the decision to invest in our future and develop a purpose-built central hub.
We’ve been able to deliver this project on time and within budget due to the commitment of our small estates team,
who have worked tirelessly over the past few years to make this happen.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg said: “I am delighted that we have taken ownership of a new headquarters
building that is constructed to an extremely high standard, and is designed to last 60 years”.
“Durham Constabulary headquarters staff now operate in an open-plan work environment,which lends itself to
smarter team working between separate departments. I firmly believe that this can only make the service we offer the
people of County Durham and Darlington even better.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in the development of the new build and for their on-going
commitment to improving the estates facilities across the organisation. It’s also important to note that we own the
buildings – they are not PFI contracts which are now proving very expensive to maintain”.

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC 1187 George Edward Atkinson

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer :  PC 1187 George Edward Atkinson, of Howden le Wear, who died on October 31^st aged 74yrs, .
PC Atkinson was appointed by West Riding Constabulary on the 14^th September 1959.
He transferred to Durham on the 30^th September 1965, where he served until he was medically retired on the 28^th February 1985.
He leaves a wife  Betty, daughter Gillian & sons Andrew and Christophe.
The funeral service will take place on Friday, 7^th November 2014, at 10.45am in the Howden Le Wear Methodist Church, followed by Cremation in the Wear Valley Crematorium. Family flowers only, donations in memory may be left at the church for Church Funds. The service is not private.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Latest edition of the Durham Peeler now online

NARPO chairman Alan Watson has been burning the candle at both ends to once again to produce the Winter 2014 edition of the Durham Peeler.

Please CLICK HERE or on the image to view the magazine

To ‘catch up’ on previous editions of the Durham Peeler visit the website at :

http://www.durhamnarpo.org.uk/p/durham-peeler.html

Police Federation Magazine for October is now online

Police Federation Magazine for October is now online on the website.
To view the magazine please click HERE and then click on the individual thumbnail image on the page

Death of a retired Police Officer : Inspector Ronald Bell (Ex Durham & Northumbria)

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer : Inspector Ronald Bell (Ex Durham & Northumbria) who died on Monday 27^th October 2014, aged 89yrs.
Mr Bell joined Durham County Constabulary on the 22^nd May 1948 and served at Horden,Stockton,Billingham,Port Clarence & Billingham Crime Cars.
He was seconded to British Police Cyprus between August 1958 and February 1959 and on return was promoted Sergeant at Darlington in 1960, also serving at Seaham and Easington before being promoted to Inspector in October 1967 and was transferred to Sunderland where he served until he retired in September 1976 (Northumbria after amalgamation in 1974)
He was a Founder member of the Durham County Constabulary Male Voice Choir in 1948 and sang until May 2014 a total of 66 years
He is survived by his son John, a former Durham Police Officer (PC 494) and partner Dorothy.
The funeral will be held at  Ewesley Road, Methodist Church Sunderland SR4 7RJ at 12.45pm Friday 7^th November 2014, followed by cremation at Sunderland Crematorium  SR4 7RS 1.30 pm.
There will be a buffet at the Rosedene, Queen Alexandra Road, Sunderland SR2 9BT after and all friends are invited
Any donations to the British Heart Foundation
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time
Picture below shows Ron in his Billingham Car Crime days....

Death of a former member of police staff : Miss Marjorie Preston

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired member of Police staff : Miss Marjorie Preston, who died on 25^th October 2014 aged 79 years.
Former colleagues will recall that Marjorie worked in Finance dealing with Pay and Pensions for many years and retiring in 1993.
The funeral arrangements are now confirmed and the service will be held at 11am on Monday 10^th November at St Mary Magdalene Church, Belmont. The service is not private and friends are asked to meet at church
Marjorie will be dearly missed by her many friends and our thoughts are with them at this sad time.

Death of a former member of police staff : Audrey Fidiam

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired member of Police staff : Mrs Audrey Fidiam, who died on 28^th October 2014, aged 86 years.
Audrey worked for Durham Constabulary for 36 years based in Traffic for many years and retiring from the Welfare Office on the 30^th April 1987.
Audrey leaves a husband, Jack (ex Chief Superintendent with Durham),  daughter Allyson, grandson Adam and son-in-law David.
The funeral service is not private and friends are asked to please meet for a service at Durham Crematorium on Thursday November 6^th at 11.00am. Family flowers only please, any donations in lieu will be shared between St. Cuthbert's Hospice, Durham  and Great North Air Ambulance and a collection plate will be at the Crematorium for those who would wish to donate.
Our thoughts are with Jack and his family at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 374 Adrian Lacey

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer, Sgt 374 Adrian Lacey, who died on the 19^th October 2014, aged 81 years.
Mr Lacey leaves a widow Patricia and a son Tim.
Mr Lacey retired from Durham Constabulary in 1986.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday 29^th October 2014 at 11.15am, this will take place at Darlington Crematorium. The service is not private.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to the Friarage Scanner Appeal, these can be sent c/o John Blenkiron & Sons Ltd, Funeral Directors, Victoria House, 21 Queens Road, Richmond, DL10 4AJ
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Remembrance Service at the new Police HQ

The Remembrance Service will be held at the new Police HQ at 1030am on Tuesday 11^th November. 
The event will include:
 
A rededication of the honours boards from the old Police HQ

A dedication of the Garden of Remembrance

Normal Remembrance Service

Paws Up Calendar 2015

The ‘must have  ‘accessory’ for 2015 is at the printers - the ‘Paws Up’ Calendar.

The calendar has been produced to raise funds for the Durham Retired Police Dogs Benevolent Fund

These limited edition calendars are A3 in size and feature twelve pictures of  of our four legged friends for you to view over the next year.

A calendar can be yours for only £8 including P & P

If you would like to order please click on this link :

http://www.pawsup.org.uk/p/merchandise.html

There’s lots of other Paws Up ‘goodies’ on this page and it’s the right time of year to be buying a present for your friends and spreading the word about Paws Up

Order now as last years calendars sold out very quickly.

Orders will be sent out as soon as we receive the calendars from the printers

Federation Magazine : new updates

Police Federation Magazines for April through to October are now online on the website.

To view the magazines please click HERE and then click on the individual thumbnail images on the page

September CPI figure released

The Office of National Statistics has today released the Consumer Price Index for September 2014 as 1.2% down from 1.5% in August.

For those eligible for Pension Increase, Police Pensions will rise by 1.2% in April 2015

Death of a retired Police Officer : Chief Inspector 1388 Gordon Smith

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer : Chief Inspector 1388 Gordon Smith who died on 2^nd September 2014, aged 71 years.

Gordon joined Durham Constabulary in 1960 and served as a Police Cadet for two years before being appointed as a constable on 1^st April 1962 when his first posting was to Consett.  He later served at Bleach Green, Whickham then at Stockton where he undertook roles on Beat Duty, as Divisional Car Driver and in Motor Patrols. He continued to serve with Motor Patrols moving to Durham in March 1968.  In 1971 he was attached to Fingerprints returning to Motor Patrols in 1972.  In 1973 he moved back to Consett, leaving there in 1976 on promotion to Sgt at Durham City.  In 1979 he was seconded to Dishforth as an Instructor returning after 2 years to work at Durham City then at Meadowfield Section.

He was promoted to Inspector and had a further secondment as an Instructor from 1983, serving two years at Pannal Ash, Harrogate.  Gordon returned to force in 1985 initially at Chester-le-Street then in Force Training where he was promoted to Chief Inspector.  After he left Training he went into Control Room and then Criminal Justice Admin retiring on 25^th May 1997.

Mr Smith leaves a widow Vivienne, daughters Julie and Louise, sons-in-law Rex and Steve and grandchildren Ana and Alice.

Gordon’s funeral has already taken place and our thoughts remain with his family during this difficult and sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sergeant 73 George Robson

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : Sergeant 73 George Robson who died on the 28^th September 2014, aged 88 years.
George does not leave a widow.
George was Sgt 73, and he retired on the 31^st March 1978, from the Driving School where he spent many years.
The funeral Service will take place on Thursday 9^th October 2014, at 11.15am at Darlington Crematorium.  Family flowers
only by request but donations if so desired may be left at the Crematorium or with the family and will be passed to Alzheimer’s UK. 
Friends and former colleagues are asked to meet at the Crematorium.  George’s family have extended an invitation to join them
at his daughter Carol’s home, 31 Troon Avenue, Darlington for refreshments after the service.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer : David Hodgson

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of retired Police Officer David Hodgson of Willington who died on the
29^th September 2014, aged 95 years.
David was the beloved husband of Winifred and much loved dad of Jeff and partner Lyn. Also a dear brother,
brother-in-law and uncle. David will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.
The service will take place on Monday, 6^th October 2014, at 12.30pm at the Wear Valley Crematorium in Coundon.
The service is not private.
Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu to Help for Heroes may be left at the Crematorium.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC938 Eric Richard Hall

It is with regret that we have to advise you of the death of a retired Police Officer - PC 938 Eric Richard Hall who died on 28th August 2014 after a short illness, aged 86 years.
Mr Hall retired from Durham Constabulary on 1st July 1984, having served his later years at Traffic South & Traffic Admin.
He leaves a daughter & son, Christine and Robert and father-in-law of Colin. Adored by grandchildren Mike, Ruth, Laura and Matthew and great-grandchildren Holly, Evan, Nuala, Rowan and Freddie.
The Funeral is to be held on Monday, 8th September. Would family and friends please meet for service in Darlington Crematorium at 2.45pm.
Family flowers only please. Donations if desired may be sent for the Alzheimer's Society c/o Whitehouse Funeral Service. 11 West Auckland Road, Darlington. DL3 9EJ.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 156 Robert Elleanor

It is with regret that we have to advise you of the death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 156 Robert Elleanor who died on 10th August 2014, aged 95 years.
Mr Elleanor retired from Durham Constabulary on 14th March 1973. 
He does not leave a widow but will be much missed by family and friends.
The Funeral service is to be held at 1.15pm on Thursday 28th August 2014 at St Luke’s Church in Ferryhill.  This will be followed by Cremation at Durham Crematoruim at 2pm.  The service is not private & all are welcome to join family & friends following the Crematorium at St Lukes.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Widow’s Pension for Life

An enduring injustice in the 1987 Police Pension scheme is that those in receipt of a widow or widowers’ pension under those scheme rules lose their pension if they remarry or cohabit. Although improvements have been made to this aspect of the police pension in subsequent schemes, the provisions were not made retrospective in their affect so most police widows are still in the position of losing their pension in these circumstances. We believe this provision is demeaning and not an appropriate condition in a modern age and it should be abolished.

The link below is to a petition seeking a change to this provision and we would encourage members to sign it. 

E-PETITION

Death of retired Police Officer - PC 1646 Eric Alderton

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of retired Police Officer - PC 1646 Eric Alderton, who died on the 9^th August 2014, aged 82 years.
Mr Alderton leaves a widow Anne Alderton and a son Eric.
The funeral service is taking place on Monday 18^th August 2014 at 1530hrs at Durham Crematorium, the service is not private.
Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the British Heart Foundation.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer - PC 1275 Arthur Soppitt

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer - PC 1275 Arthur Soppitt, who died on the 7^th August 2014. He was aged 78 years.
Mr Soppitt was medically retired from Durham Constabulary on the 2^nd June 1984.
Mr Soppitt leaves a widow and a daughter.
The funeral service will be taking place on Monday 18^th August 2014 at Durham Crematorium at 1300hrs, the service is not private.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Former policeman from Crook with multiple sclerosis to be pushed round BUPA Great North Run for charity

A FORMER policeman who developed multiple sclerosis after running the first ever Great North Run is tackling this year's race in a wheelchair.
Ossie Outterside, 67, completed the Newcastle to South Shields half marathon in 1981 with pal Norman Clarke.
They were two of the 12,000 runners to cover the 13.1mile course while raising funds for charity.
Mr Outterside succumbed to multiple sclerosis 21-years ago. He is now in a wheelchair and is a resident of Bradbury House, Crook, County Durham - run by Leonard Cheshire Disability.
He is part of a team, which includes staff members and fellow resident John Broadley, 49, who has spina bifida.
The pair will be pushed round the half marathon course in their wheelchairs by care home staff on September 7 as part of the race.
Mr Outterside spent 26 and a half years as a police constable covering Darlington, Newton Aycliffe, Bishop Auckland and Barnard Castle.
He said: “I liked running when I did the first race and we raised quite a lot of money for good causes.
“It was hard but there was a great atmosphere. I ran the Great North Run twice. I’m looking forward to this year’s race and I’m especially looking forward to the finishing line.”
Michelle Cooper, Debi Parker, Carol Carr and Sarah Bowes who work at the home, on Worthington Close, will push the wheelchairs.
Care home volunteers Jason Bailey and Glyn Burlingson and Mrs Parker’s husband, Steven, will also help.
Fellow staff member Olena Rusa is also running the race but not as part of the wheelchair team.
They are all aiming to raise £2,500 for Leonard Cheshire Disability to use to help Bradbury House patients.
Mrs Parker said: “We’ve been to Hamsterley Forest to do some training. We pushed the wheelchairs for about five and a half miles.
“We’re going to do some more training. It will be hard but we will be taking turns with the pushing and we’re excited and looking forward to it. We hope to take three hours.”
To sponsor the runners visit justgiving.com/BradburyHouse/ or text LCDB69 plus a cash figure to 70070.

Who is the Sgt ??

Photo shows PC Jack Blair on his Norton motorcycle (JPT404) but who is the Sgt next to him on the Norton (RPT156)

If you can help, please leave a comment below or email us at durhamnarpo@gmail.com

One for the Police Women

‘If Not Us Films’ are making a landmark and definitive feature length documentary for BBC FOUR that will celebrate 100 years of  women in the police to coincide with the centenary next year. They are currently looking to speak to police women who: Were the ‘first’… be it in the mounted branch, traffic officer, WPC to carry a gun, female police officer in their regional force, female police officer of an ethnic minority, to wear trousers, on a bomb disposal team etc.
Any retired policewomen who were part of the Women's Auxiliary Police Corps
If you were any of these things we’d like to hear from you.
You can reach the team on 01273 322717 or email :

molly@ifnotusfilms.com

Any volunteers to help with SSAFA

I am a volunteer organiser with SSAFA, The Soldiers, Sailors and Airmens Families Association (the oldest Military Charity in the world) While SSAFA nationally has a wide remit of services caring for those who are still serving or who have served in any of our armed forces, in County Durham we are mainly concerned with the welfare of ex-service personnel and their dependants.
We have a pressing need for volunteer caseworkers to visit our clients and identify their needs and then work to procure the resources necessary to meet that need.
We are particularly short of volunteers in the Durham and Derwentside areas.
Given the ethos of service within the emergency services and the fact that many of your members are likely to be ex-service  personnel, I therefore request that you might include an appeal for volunteers for SSAFA, in any NARPO circulations you may have.
While everyone in SSAFA Durham is a volunteer (we have no paid staff) we do pay out of pocket expenses and we give full training for any role undertaken (usually in our central office in London).
Our Address is SSAFA, RFCA, 53 Old Elvet, Durham City DH1 3JJ Tel. 0191 383 9452  (24 hr. answerphone)
Our office is open Monday and Thursday 10 am - 12.30 pm.
Thank you so much for your consideration
Kind Regards
Terry Walton

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 580 David W. Young

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the unexpected death of a retired Police Officer :  Sgt 580 David W Young who died on Wednesday 2nd July, aged 55 years.

Dave joined Durham Constabulary in 1982 and after leaving HQ training worked at Seaham Town and New Seaham before going into Peterlee ASU in April 1989.  From July 1989 to March 1990 Dave worked in CID at Peterlee before returning to Seaham.  In August 1991 he moved to Chester-le-Street, going on to serve at Sherburn in January 1996 and returning to Seaham in 1998 on promotion.  He went on to spend two years as Custody Sergeant at Peterlee and returned to Seaham from September 2001 until September 2004. Dave then worked on the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit in the North Area for 15 months before taking over the Executive Management lead at Durham Agency Against Crime.
He leaves a wife, Carole, who many of you will recall from her long service with the Constabulary.  Dave was also father to Rebecca, Matthew and Adam and to Emma.

The funeral service is to be held at 1.15pm on Monday 14th July 2014 at Elvet Methodist Church, Durham City, to be followed by cremation.
Parking around the church can be problematic so anyone attending the service may need to take this into consideration when planning their arrangements.
Friends and former colleagues are asked to please meet at church, and Carole and family have expressed an open invitation to join the family for refreshments at The Stonebridge PH, Durham, after the service.
Family flowers only would be preferred however anyone wishing to make a donation, in lieu of flowers in Dave’s memory, is asked to consider making this to St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham City please.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

The Police Mutual Wellbeing Zone

Message from NARPO HQ
The Police Mutual Wellbeing Zone has now gone mobile see attached and below for Instructions on how to install.
Mobile App
Great news! The Wellbeing Zone is now available as a Mobile App – on iOS, Android and Blackberry platforms.
In partnership with PMAS, we have now completed the work which means your Wellbeing Zone site is now accessible via the PMF Wellbeing App.
We have updated your website so there is now a ‘Call to Action’ banner on your Landing Page with links to the private store pages, where your users can install the app. We have also put the details on the attached Login Flyer for you, and summarised below.
All your members need to do is visit the relevant Store Page link from their smartphone and follow the instructions to install the app –their site username and password will then allow them to login to the App.
They need to use the Store Page links, as distribution is not via the public app stores, because the ‘PMF Wellbeing App’ is a private, bespoke business B2B application.
Installation details:
iPhone:
·         Install only available directly via policemutualfoundation.wellbeingzone.co.uk/appstore/iphone
Android:
·         Install directly via policemutualfoundation.wellbeingzone.co.uk/appstore/android
·         User can also search on 'PMF Wellbeing Zone' in Google Play Store and install directly from there.
Blackberry:
·         Install only available directly via policemutualfoundation.wellbeingzone.co.uk/appstore/blackberry
Please circulate to members

National Police Training Centres Reunion

Members will have seen the recent notice regarding a reunion for past trainers at Pannal Ash, Central Planning Unit, Newby Wiske, Dishforth and Durham Police Training Centres.  The response has been very good and a large attendance will take  place at the Holiday Inn, Harrogate on Wednesday 8^th October 2014.
Overnight accommodation, dinner and entertainment  at special prices , including drinks, make this an attractive event.
The organisers have received several requests from former trainers from other training centres and because the venue is sufficiently large, we have now decided to open the occasion to ALL former trainers at Ryton, Bruche, Chantmarle, Ashford and Cwmbran.  Tables will be arranged to ensure that everyone will be with former colleagues.  Spouses and partners are most welcome.
It should be a unique reunion of those responsible for initial training of police officers in the 60's,70's and 80's and a good night is guaranteed.
A reduced two night package at the hotel is available making it even more attractive for those travelling long distances.
Please contact either
Dave Tingle :  dave@tinglefamily.net  tel 01909772713  or
Brendan Lally :  bplally146@sky.com
for detailed information of cost etc

Death of a retired Police Officer :Chief Superintendent William (Bill) Hills

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of retired Chief Superintendent William (Bill) HILLS , who died on 15^th June 2014, aged 77 years.
Mr Hills joined Durham Constabulary 13.11.1956 and served at HQ Training, Darlington, Birtley, Motor Patrols, HQ Research Department, as the Chief Constable’s driver, and as an Instructor at Harperley Hall, before returning to Motor Patrols.  In 1969 he was promoted to the rank of Inspector and went on secondment to the No 2 District PTC as an Instructor, returning to force in 1971 in HQ Admin.  In 1972 he returned to Darlington,  then undertook roles in Training and the role of Deputy Sub-Divisional Commander at Sedgefield.  In 1982 he was appointed Superintendent and headed the Community Relations Department moving on to be Deputy Divisional Commander at Bishop Auckland from 1984.  In 1989 he was promoted to Chief Superintendent and headed the Uniform Operations Department until his retirement in March 1992.
He leaves a widow Pat and two adult sons.
The funeral will take place at 13:30hrs on Wednesday 25^th June 2014 at Elm Ridge Methodist Church, Darlington. This service is not private but is to be followed by a private cremation.
Family flowers only by request please.  Donations in lieu of flowers, if so desired, can be made to Parkinsons UK – a plate will be available in church.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC 566 Harry Victor Parish

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer :  PC 566 Harry Victor Parish who died on the 27^th May 2014 aged 87 years.
Mr Parish retired in 1983 having served at Barnard Castle.
Further details are not known regarding Mr Parish's service details.
Mr Parish does not leave a widow but leaves a son Jonathan and a daughter Janet.
The funeral service will be held at St Mary's Church, Newgate, Barnard Castle on Thursday, 5^th June at 12.15pm.
The service is not private.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC 702 Robert (Bob) Bell

It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of retired officer ex PC 702 Robert (Bob) Bell who died peacefully at home in Spennymoor on Sunday 25^th May,  aged 90 years.
Bob was appointed to Durham Constabulary 6^th September 1947 and retired on pension from NECRO on 17^th June 1977  
He had  previously served at HQ, Easingwold, Stockton, Spennymoor, Kimblesworth,  Framwellgate Moor, Durham, Traffic Patrols, Special Incident Squad
Before joining Durham Constabulary Bob served with the RAF from 19^th Sep 1942 – 07 Feb 1947
He does not leave a widow but will be much missed by family and friends.
Funeral service is to be held at 1.15pm on Monday 2^nd June 2014 at St Paul’s Church in Spennymoor.  This will be followed by committal at Durham Crematorium. Family and friends are asked to meet at church.  There has been a request for family flowers only but donations if so desired may be given to Marie Curie and Macmillan Nurses.

DogWise 2014 - Sunday 18th May 2014

This year our DogWise event will be held at East Durham College Houghall Campus on Sunday 18th May 2014 from 10am – 4pm

 

ENTRY IS FREE!*

*NB - Parking is limited so there will be a charge of £5 per car you wish to park on the campus grounds.

Dogs are of course welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times.

A brief timetable of events is as follows -
All timings are approximate

10.00 - Event open

10.20 - Opening address from Chief Constable Barton

10.30 - Durham Police Dogs display
11.15 - PawsUp address by Patron Mike Pannett
11.20 - Public agility. A chance for the public to have a go at our agility course under the guidance of one of our instructors... Just for fun
12.00 - K9 Pusuits display. See Gill and Andi strut their stuff and work their amazing dogs 'Tilly' and 'Goose' to music. As recently seen at Crufts !!
12.50 - Display by 'Scrappy' the Fire Brigade dog and his handler Lee Asprey
13.30 - Husky Rescue display
14.00 - TBC
14.30 - Durham Police Dogs display .. a second chance to see us make fools of ourselves !
15.30 - Public Agility
16.00 - Finish

Durham Peeler : Summer 2014

Chairman Alan Watson has once again been hard at work over the past few months putting together the latest edition of the Durham Peeler.

Click on the image to go to the Durham Peeler webpage where you can then click on the images of the Peeler and either read them online or download them to your own computer in pdf format

Members will shortly receive their printed editions through the letterbox.

If any of our readers has a story that you would like put into print, in the Durham Peeler then please email us on durhamnarpo@gmail.com and we will forward your details to the Editor – Alan Watson

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 598 George Felton

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of retired Police Officer : Sgt 598 George Felton who passed away on April 26^th, peacefully with his family, at Tudhoe.
George retired from Durham Constabulary on the 25^th May 1995 after serving at various stations throughout the County, including, Spennymoor, Ferryhill & Stanhope.
George was an adoring and loving husband to Mary, much loved dad to Catherine and Chris, dearest father-in-law to Phil and Lisa, devoted Grandpa to Katy, Lucy and Sam.
Friends please meet for Requiem Mass at St. Charles R.C. Church, Tudhoe, Friday May 9^th at 10.00 a.m. Cremation to follow at Durham Crematorium. Family flowers only by request. Donations if desired to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Message from Chief Constable. Mike Barton for information of serving and retired officers

We have just finished a £2m development of Darlington Police Station and you are all welcome to the open weekend between 10am and 4pm on Saturday 24^th & Sunday 25^th May. 

If you are interested in attending please book your place by either calling the Safer Neighbourhood Unit in Darlington on 01325 346221 or emailing DJSNU@durham.pnn.police.uk or by messaging us on Darlington's Neighbourhood Facebook page. 

Due to security issues only those who have booked will be allowed entry on the day.

Those were the days…. Durham Market Place 1960

Durham Market Place as it used to be.

 

PC Bob Bell, Durham Market Place about 1950 ?

Dick Collinson : about 1940 (Note tin helmet)

Pc 859 'Jim' Best taken approx 1945/46 when he was posted in Durham and living in the barracks in Durham City Police office

The Police Traffic Control Box in the Market Place in Durham City.
Notice the step halfway up the box, which officers used, to use to climb into the box as it had no door.
This was later changed as it was deemed undignified for an officer, particularly a WPC,  to climb in & out of the box
(Click on the images to view in the gallery) Video courtesy of www.britishpathe.com And…. as it was in 1944  

Durham Cadet Training School : September 1980

Many Thanks to Neil Spurgeon for providing the picture of the Durham Cadet Training School, taken September 1980.
Anyone who can help with names  ?  Leave a comment below

Neil is sitting down on the front row – far right.

Click on picture to view enlarged in NARPO gallery

Is Employment and Support Allowance deductible from an Injury Pension?

Will be of interest to those receiving an Injury Pension :

“We are aware that the position on this matter is varied throughout the country with some Forces deducting ESA and others not deducting it.

ESA is a direct replacement for Incapacity benefit so on first sight one would expect it to be deductible, however Incapacity Benefit is expressly detailed as a ‘relevant benefit’ under Schedule 3 of The Police [Injury Benefit] Regulations 2006; ESA however as it is a new DWP benefit is not so detailed.

In an effort to clarify the situation we recently wrote to the Home Office seeking clarification of the matter. The response we received from the Home Office included the following:

In principle, we believe it would be appropriate to change both the police pension and injury benefit regulations to make ESA deductible.

This obviously leads us to surmise that the Home Office are of the opinion that ESA is not deductible from an Injury Pension at present. The letter also makes it clear that Police Forces are responsible for administering pensions within the regulations and in view of this we suggest that those who are having ESA deducted from their Injury Pension write to their Force in an attempt to clarify the matter and receive back any monies unlawfully deducted.”

We have prepared a template letter for you to use to write to your Force see the website for more at: http://www.narpo.org.uk/index.php/pensions/injury-pensions.html

HAPPY EASTER

Steve Edwards

Deputy Chief Executive

01924 331 251

www.narpo.org

Death of former colleague Mary Elizabeth Welsh (nee Murray)

It is with deepest sadness that we have to advise you of the death of former colleague Mary Elizabeth Welsh (nee Murray) who died peacefully on April 12, 2014 aged 90 years.
Mary retired from Durham Constabulary in 1976 from HQ Crime Stats and in retirement she was heavily involved in establishing and promoting Neighbourhood Watch in Durham area.  She was also a proud volunteer Steward of Durham Cathedral for 24 years.
Mary was the dearly loved wife of the late Robert, mother of the late Donald, a dear grandma to Sarah, Emma and Louis, great-grandma to Faith and mother-in-law to Angie.
Friends and former colleagues are asked to please meet for service in Durham Cathedral on Wednesday April 30 at 2.00pm. Cremation to follow.
Donations in lieu of flowers please to Friends of Durham Cathedral by request. Refreshments to follow at the Court Inn, Court Lane, Durham, DH1 3AW.

Death of a retired Police Officer : Brian Snaith (Ex Durham & Northumbria)

It is with regret that I announce the death of retired Police Officer : Brian Snaith,75yrs, who died on the 30^th March 2014.
Brian Snaith joined Durham Constabulary in 1961,he then transferred to Northumbria in 1974 and subsequently retired on medical grounds from Northumbria in 1994.
e was a member of Northumbria NARPO and an additional member of Durham Branch NARPO
He leaves son's Michael, Paul & David
The funeral will be held on Wednesday 9^th April 2014 at South Shields Crematorium at 1pm, the service is not private.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Stroke Unit, South Tyneside District Hospital.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Staff member : John Kenneth Hall (Ken)

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Staff Member : John Kenneth Hall (Ken), who died on the 28^th March 2014. He was aged 55 years old.
He was a loving dad of Scott and Zoe, also a sadly missed brother of Peter, twin Gary and the late Pauline.
Ken Hall Joined Durham Constabulary on the 22^nd February 1983, he served as a Driver Maintenance Officer, until he was medically retired on the 14^th June 2010 after serving 27 Years and 3 months.
The funeral service will be taking place on Tuesday the 8^th April 2014 at 10.30am, it will be held at Durham Crematorium.
The family have requested family flowers only but donations can be made in lieu of flowers if desired to MIND, there will be a box provided at the crematorium.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

March edition of Police Magazine

The March 2014 edition of Police Magazine is now available to view on the site.

Please click on this link or the image to go to the Federation, Police Magazine, page of the website.

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 1109 Dave Storey

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 1109 Dave Storey who died after a short illness as a result of a stroke, on Tuesday 25th March 2014, aged 53 years.
Dave joined Durham Constabulary on the 3rd October 1983, serving at stations throughout the south of the County and at HQ, retiring as a D/Sgt at Darlington on the 18th March 2014.
He does not leave a widow but he leaves sons Andrew and Ben
The funeral service will take place on Thursday 3rd April, 11am at St Cuthbert’s Church, Darlington, followed by cremation at Durham at 1pm.
The funeral & cremation services are not private.
Friends are invited to meet afterwards at Darlington Rugby Football Club, Blackwell Meadows, Grange Road.
Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the Stroke Association & Cancer Research
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Police Training Centres Staff reunion

Were  you on staff at  the training centres at Pannal Ash, Newby Wiske or Dishforth during the 1960s, 70s or 80s ?
Ever wondered what happened to those old friends you have not seen for a while ?
Would you be interested in attending a reunion ?
If so,Dave Tingle and Brendan Lally have taken the initiative to jointly organise a reunion on a date to be determined and ideally at a venue which would minimise travel for everyone. It is envisaged we would choose an hotel where,following an early afternoon arrival, we might meet in a bar lounge pre dinner or buffet and have an evening of enjoyment and reminiscing ["Ours were the best times" etc] before,where required,retiring to bed.  Departure after breakfast.  Wives,partners etc would of course be welcome
As we all know, many police forces seconded staff to the centres.  Northumbria, Durham, Cleveland. North, South and West Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Humberside, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, so we will be very  happy for this invitation to be passed to those areas 
If you are still in contact with anyone from those bygone days please do pass the invitation on
Any suggestions or comments will be welcomed.
To register your interest please contact Dave or Brendan on either of the following emails
dave@tinglefamily.net
bplally146@sky.com

Death of a retired Police Officer : PW Joan Hunter (Fickling)

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : PW Joan Hunter (Fickling), who died on Sunday 23^rd March 2014, aged 66 years.
Joan was appointed to Durham Constabulary on 20^th February 1967 and retired medically on 17^th November 1977.
Her next of kin is her sister Mrs Mary Barrass (also a retired police officer).
The funeral service will take place on Monday 31^st March 2014 at 12 noon at Durham Crematorium. This service is not private and friends and former colleagues are welcome to meet at the Crematorium prior to the service.
By request, donations in lieu of flowers are being split between Macmillan and Marie Curie Cancer Care.
Our thoughts are with Mary and Joan’s friends and family at this sad time.

Miners Strike 1984/1985

A few images of the Miners Strike of 1984 /1985 – which was a difficult time for a lot of Durham officers who were brought up in the mining villages of County Durham & had friends & family ‘facing’ them on the picket lines.. (Many Thanks to Martin Hall for providing these photo’s)

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC 53 John Eric Harrison

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of retired Police Officer : PC 53 John Eric Harrison (better know as Eric), who passed away on the 17th March 2014. He was aged 77 years.
Mr Harrison does not leave a widow.
Mr Harrison retired from Durham Constabulary on the 8th September 1983, having served some of that time in the Dog Section and also the Control Room.
The funeral will be taking place on Friday 28th March 2014 at the Wear Valley Crematorium in Coundon,at 10.15am, the service is not private.
Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the British Heart Foundation.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC 1165 John Colin Brierley

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : PC 1165 John Colin Brierley, who died on the 6^th March 2014, aged 86 years.
Mr Brierley leaves a widow Mrs Olwen Brierley.
Mr Brierley was appointed to Durham Constabulary on the 16^th October 1948, he previously served at HQ, Darlington, Alycliffe, HQ Information Room, Aycliffe West, Tasking & Co-ordination Command, HQ CID, he was then seconded to the British Police Unit in Cyprus (1957-1959) he then returned to traffic motor patrols, Special Incident Squad, Crime Support Unit, he then retired from Scientific Aids at Sedgefield on the 28^th March 1978.
The funeral service will take place on Tuesday the 18^th March at Darlington Crematorium at 1.15pm, the service is not private.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Butterwick Hospice Care, Bishop Auckland.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

B Shift Durham approx 1995 (Peter Langley)

Many Thanks to Liz & Dave Mitchell for sending us this photo of B shift Durham, taken outside of the old Durham Police station approx 1995. Peter Langley, who’s death we announced a couple of days ago is on the photo

Back row : John Austin, Liz Mitchell, Chris Mundell.

Front row : Dave Telford, Dave Turner, Steve Taylor, Mark Bradley, Mary Briggs, Sharon Robson, Alan Lunn, Peter Langley, Colin Dobson, Alan Kille and the Inspector out front is Neil Redhead

Conditions of service 1839

Many Thanks top Gordon Bacon who sent this to us, conditions of service from when he joined !! (In 1839).

(Gordon had it sent to him from a friend down south.)

Please note :

Shaving is unhealthy

Uniform worn at all times in case you are accused of spying on the public.

You cannot gossip with the public.

Carry your ‘bait’ in your top hat….

Have a bath before interview

Be prepared to be assaulted, stoned  or stabbed by the public

Looks like nothings changed !!

Any more old memorabilia lying around anywhere that we can put on the site ??

Please email :  durhamnarpo@gmail.com if you have

Death of a retired Police Officer : PC 778 Peter Langley

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer, PC 778 Peter Langley who died on the 21^st February aged 68 years.
Mr Langley retired from Durham Constabulary on the 14^th April 1997.
He does not leave a widow but he leaves a son Darren.
The funeral service will take place on Monday 3^rd March at 11am at Durham Crematorium, this will then be followed by refreshments at the Bay Horse, Brandon. The funeral service is not private.
Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the Air Ambulance Service.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

AGM of Durham NARPO – Monday 17th March

Date for your Diary…….

Monday 17^th March at 1930hrs

The Annual General Meeting of Durham NARPO, with guest speakers from Force Executive and Federation.
All members welcome to attend and participate
Ideal time to meet your old colleagues and friends.
(Please put the date in your diary and see if you can attend, meet your committee and see the hard work they are doing for you)
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

February edition of Police Magazine

The February 2014 edition of Police Magazine is now available to view on the site.

Please click on this link or the image to go to the Federation, Police Magazine, page of the website.

Forever Friends. Derick Hewitson and Basil Burton

Two ‘silverbacks’ getting acquainted with the delights of 'old' age???
Derick Hewitson (83 years) and Basil Burton (78 years) have been great friends and work colleagues over many years, both were serving in Darlington CID before retirement.  Two weeks ago, Derick was admitted to the Richardson Hospital, Barnard Castle, where he unfortunately suffered a minor stroke.
A week later, his pal, Basil Burton who in recent years has also suffered ill health, unfortunately fell and cracked a bone in his neck. His wife, Judy shared this photograph of the inmates and friends (she has coined them “silverbacks”).  Both are apparently making good progress.
I’m sure we all send them both our very best wishes.
Alan Watson, Chairman , Durham Branch , N.A.R.P.O.

PC 508 Norman Cuerdon & PC 1997 Bill Shanks (Mike 20)

Many Thanks to Bill Shanks who sent us this photo of himself and Norman Cuerden :

“The attached was taken in Bishop Auckland yard in 1973 just after we had washed the car, hence the tyre marks in the snow. The call sign was Mike 20 and we covered Crook and Weardale . The crew was Norman Cuerden and yours truly. It was taken by the SAO at Bishop to try out his new camera. It goes to show how hardy the Weardale car crews had to be  - shirt sleeve order in the snow or, of course, it showed we had no intention of getting out of the car in such weather!!!”

The car was a Vauxhall Victor 3300cc.

Norman and Bill were crewed together from February 1973 to mid 1974 when Norman married Jennifer and moved to Peterlee.

Norman who retired in 1987 after thirty years service,sadly died on 27th February 2010 aged 74 years. http://www.durhamnarpo.org.uk/2010/03/death-of-retired-police-officer-pc.html

Bill retired as Sgt in charge of motorschool on the 26^th October 1993, having been awarded the BEM in the New Years honours list of 93 in relation to safe driving talks he had been doing at various 6^th form schools

Death of retired Police Officer : PC 744 Paul Smithson

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of retired Police Officer : PC 744 Paul Smithson, who died on the 17^th January 2014 at home, he was aged 56 years.
Mr Smithson does not leave a widow, he leaves a brother Neil.
He joined Durham Constabulary on the 8^th March 1976, serving within Traffic for most of his service and retired on pension on the 7^th March 2006 after 30 years’ service.
After his retirement Mr Smithson spent 4 years in Greece he spent some of that time in Crete, he then moved to Spain where he lived in Oliva in Valencia.
The funeral service took place in a small town called Gandia, Spain on the 25^th January 2014.
Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to Cancer Research.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer : Supt. Archiebold (Archie) Campbell

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer, Superintendent Archiebold (Archie) Campbell who died on the 26th January 2014 at Sutton Hall Nursing Home, Skipton, aged 92 years.
Mr Campbell served at various stations, including Hartlepool as an Inspector, retiring from Bishop Auckland on the 3rd December 1981
Mr Campbell does not leave a widow, but has a son, Tom.
The funeral service will be taking place at Waltonwrays Crematorium in Skipton on Wednesday 5th February at 11am, the service is not private.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Police Benevolent fund.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time

Early cadet camp (1957) at Harperley–Who are they ??

These picture’s appeared in local paper’s on the 28th August 1957 and show the first Police Cadet Camp at Harperley Hall.

The title’s of the picture’s were ‘Training To Be Policeman’ & ‘Two Strong Pulls’

Can anybody recognize these cadets and did they become Policemen ??

If you click on the picture’s you’ll be able to view them in our photo gallery

Leave any comments below…

Many Thanks to Victor Brown for supplying the picture’s.

Police Federation Magazines

If you used to enjoy reading ‘Police’ the magazine of the Police federation then you can do it again by clicking on the link below which will take you top a new page on our website where we have provided you with links to the twelve issues from 2013.

We will try and keep this updated from now on so that you will be able to read the magazine on a monthly basis.

Enjoy reading the twelve issues from 2013

Click on this link : http://www.durhamnarpo.org.uk/p/federation.html

Or on the www.durhamnarpo.org.uk homepage click on Federation

Roads policing officers hit lowest levels and vital skills are lost, says Federation

The crucial role roads policing officers play in tackling crime needs to be recognised by politicians as levels plummet to the lowest they have been in recorded history, according to Federation lead.

John Giblin spoke of his admiration for roads policing officers and the critical role they play at the National Roads Policing Conference held this week.

He told delegates: “The last year has seen another significant decrease in police finances and front line officers and we now have the fewest number of roads policing officers in England and Wales in recorded history.  Yet the pressure and demands to meet operational requirements and service front line policing needs is as demanding as ever.  The service is losing vital skills, experience and operational resilience that are not being replaced.”

The theme of the conference is technology and innovation and Mr Giblin John spoke of the importance of setting standards and using the best equipment to benefit roads policing nationally.

At the conference, Patrick McLoughlin, Secretary of State for Transport, announced £120,000 in funding for station-based cannabis screening devices.

He added that a number of police forces will soon begin using to familiarise themselves with screening technology.“The new devices mean there will be no need to wait for a medical practitioner to advise whether a driver’s condition is the result of taking a drug. That will save time and money. We are also working to get mobile screening devices available.”

Mr Giblin said:  “We can catch more criminals, do more preventative work, gather more vital intelligence and apply that to front line policing if we could harness better co-ordinated equipment use and then make sure we operate it in a consistent way.”
He added: “Policing the roads is a serious, high public profile business and deserves far better understanding from some Chief Officers, PCC's, politicians and HMIC for what it does in keeping the public safe.”

Last year a roads policing officer on duty in South Yorkshire stopped a vehicle on the M1 using ANPR technology, which identified the vehicle as being uninsured.  That stop resulted in the arrest of a number of highly dangerous men intent on causing serious harm to communities through terrorist activity and they were subsequently jailed for long prison terms. 

He also addressed conference on the significant progress that has been made in the last 12 months in relation to managing and handling police pursuits.

Mr Giblin spoke of his respect and admiration for all roads policing officers who on average deal with the trauma and consequences of five deaths per day and twice as many serious injuries on our roads.  

He added:  “These incidents have an unimaginable impact on close family members and friends of the victims, yet police officers are also badly affected by what they have to deal with.  Road collisions require huge amounts of dedicated police time to investigate and support the victims.  Road closures cause untold chaos and expense to the economy, yet it's never ever mentioned by Home Office Ministers as an important role in modern policing.  Policing is not all about crime.  It’s also about dealing with tragedy and no more is that evidenced than by 2000 deaths on our roads each year.”