Page 9 - BedFed Dec2018 Flipbook

Force funding challenges
Sky News has produced a documentary highlighting the funding crisis facing the Force.
“We have long argued that Bedfordshire has really struggled under the current funding formula,” says Jim Mallen, chair of Bedfordshire Police Federation.
“This documentary shows how we struggle as essentially a small, rural force facing complex crime challenges that are more prevalent in the larger city areas.”
You can catch up with the documentary here: https://tinyurl.com/yavm8ve7
Tackling knife crime
Officers from the Bedford community team have spoken to hundreds of people as part of a day of community engagement about knife crime.
The team were on patrol ahead of Bedford’s Christmas light switch-on in the evening of 22 November visiting six locations across the town including the bus station and a number of supermarkets.
They spoke to more than 350 people about knife crime, the Force’s approach to tackling it, and gave advice to anyone concerned about it.
“Knife crime has increased nationwide and Bedfordshire is no different to many other forces. The Force has supported Operation Sceptre, the national campaign aiming to tackle this increase, but it has also organised regular days of action such as this recent event,” says Jim Mallen, Bedfordshire Police Federation chair.
“We need the support of the community to get knives of our streets and put a halt to the rise in knife-related crime.”
Inspector John Nichols, who led the operation, said: “Knife crime is a growing concern across the country, and by speaking to parents and guardians we hope they will feel confident to discuss it with their children and support them to make the right decision.
“Carrying a knife is not the answer and we have weapons bins at locations across the county where knives can be disposed of.”
Police officers, staff and volunteers were recognised at Bedfordshire Police’s latest Long Service and Chief Commendations ceremony at Police Headquarters in Kempston.
The event acknowledged outstanding work and marked the long service of six officers who started their careers more than 20 years ago.
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher also presented commendations to 11 officers and members of staff including seven who were commended for Operation Kruse, the Force’s largest ever group sentencing, after nine men were jailed for a total of 170 years following a night of gang warfare in 2016.
Four officers were awarded the Royal Humane Society Commendation Certificate for their contributions in saving the life of a man in mental health crisis when they worked together to get the man to safety.
Two special inspectors, Keith Jackson and Michael Rosato, received recognition as they
celebrated 10 years of volunteering with Bedfordshire’s Special Constabulary.
Chief Constable Boutcher said: “It’s a real honour to present these awards to members of team Bedfordshire who have shown real loyalty to the communities of Bedfordshire and the police service - either through long service or acts of kindness, professionalism and bravery.
“The commendations from this event show how officers and staff have thought outside the box and gone above and beyond to secure results they should be proud of. As well as officers working on big cases, the awards also recognised the vital behind the scenes work that takes place on a daily basis in all corners of the Force.
“It was a pleasure to present these awards in front of the families of our officers and staff, to show them the fantastic work carried out every day to protect people and fight crime in Bedfordshire.”
FORCE NEWS ROUND-UP
Chief’s awards ceremony
Community knitters support Bobby Buddies initiative
Knitters from across the region have inundated Bedfordshire Police with nearly 200 teddy bears to support children who are impacted by crime.
The donations have come after the Force put out a request to community groups, charities, refuges, knitting clubs and enthusiasts willing to get involved in the scheme.
The teddies, called Bobby Buddies, have been made to look like police officers. They will be used by Bedfordshire Police officers and victim care co-ordinators (VCCs) at the Signpost Hub when they talk to and support children.
The project is being rolled out by the hub, which provides free, confidential, emotional and practical support to those affected by crime.
VCC Zoe Davis, who is leading the project, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who has taken the time to knit one of the bears, which will be a great support for children who have experienced the trauma of crime.
“We are now starting to roll out the teddies and are handing them out to our community officers to use them as a communication aid and to comfort and reassure young children. The first Bobby Bear has been given to an eight-year-old who witnessed a hate crime.
“Her mother said it has really helped and has made her feel a lot more confident about answering questions her daughter has around the racial abuse she and her mother were victim to. She said it was a lovely gesture to show there are good people in the community. She also said the bear has helped soften the hurt.”
If you would like to get involved please contact Zoe Davis.
9