DCC Ian Hopkins of GM Police
Tue, Feb 18th 2014 at 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Peter Mascarenhas introduces DCC Ian Hopkins of GM Police
Stewards:- Graham Tresidder*Lead & Jim Densem( Speaker's Report)
Talk by Ian Hopkins, Deputy Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police at the meeting held on 18 February 2014.
Ian joined the Police Service in 1989 as a bobby in Stoke-on-Trent and progressed throughout his career with experience in different forces and rising roles to his current position as Deputy Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police in 2011. During his career he has also had the opportunity to undertake higher education courses including an MBA.
He is currently responsible for Force Performance, the Force Change Programme and Corporate Communications.
Recently his budget has been cut and as about 83% of his budget is for 'people', the number of officers in GMP will fall from about 8,000 to 6,400 after the cuts, with a reduction also in administrative staff. Savings being made by collaboration with other forces in eg Human Resources, finance and with joint workshops. Fewer managers retained so other staff have been 'up-skilled'.
The Police Service is needed 24 hours a day 7 days a week for issues such as motorway accidents or closures due to suicide attempts. Noted a large increase in mental health issues. More time spent on keeping people safe rather than solving crime. Recent sex abuse cases added to the Police burden.
Digital engagement now an important tool to bring together communities.
Trust and accountability remain issues especially in the wake of the Hillsborough disaster.
GMP has an issue with serious organised crime, such as low level counterfeit goods, selling drugs in areas where the residents are vulnerable eg single mothers in council housing who may be intimidated into allowing gangs to grow cannabis in their house.
'Mothers against gangs' targets gang members both by traditional methods and via work with other agencies eg with local authorities for evidence of benefit fraud. There was a case of this recently in Trafford.
Counter terrorism is also part of the work in GMP.
Charitable work also important: last Christmas GMP raised £65,000 for projects in Ethiopia.
Report by Jim Densem
