Ministry JUNE 2021 of Defence ISSUE 171 Police TALKTHROUGH

HQ on the move

Also New fleet on the horizon inside MDP marks 4th anniversary of Project Servator TALKTHROUGH Contents 01 10

CC Intro Crime Command 14 22 28

Diversity and Inclusion Fitness update HQ move 32 36 44

The Fleet Our People Project Servator 50 56 58

QEC visit Well done and thank you MDP in the Social Media

TalkThrough Managing Editor Talk Through is distributed free to Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) Norman Hicks employees, stakeholders, partner organisations and customers. [email protected] Copies may be seen outside the MOD and it is published on GOV.UK. While the editors take great care to ensure all material Photography produced is accurate, no liability can be accepted for errors or Neil Parry, Paul Kemp omissions. Views expressed in Talk Through are not necessarily Design endorsed by MDP or the MOD. All editorial submissions must Design102 be cleared by the relevant MOD authorities. © Crown Copyright 2021 www.gov.uk @MODPolice @ministryofdefencepolice TALKTHROUGH

CC INTRO

1 TALKTHROUGH Chief ’s Foreword

The very best of public service shown by you all

Chief reflects on MDP’s pandemic response

By Chief Constable Andy Adams

o quote Bernie Sanders: Once the return to normality Financial model T“Difficult times often commences, it will be a time or some time, we have bring out the best in people.” for personal and professional Fbeen trying to establish a And that has been the case reflection, including what better financial model for MDP throughout the pandemic: we in the MDP have learned – everyone agrees our current whether you are a colleague and how we can use those model doesn’t work – and we who has delivered our lessons for the future. are seeking one which places operational response, Whatever that learning brings, the money back in the hands someone who has found one thing is for certain: I am of the people who we provide ways to ensure the front immensely proud of the work the service to. line continues to receive you have all done during the everything it needs, or a friend last 12 months. That gives our customers to a colleague (or their family) choices on how they when they are in dire need of COVID-19 has come at a manage risk and allows us support, you have brought a cost; not just the obvious to accentuate how policing smile to my face because you personal impact, but a should be used as part of an have demonstrated the very financial one. That financial integrated security model. As best of public service. challenge, coupled with the professional police officers, changes Defence is now who are fit for the service we I am guessing, though, that I seeking to achieve through deliver, we should be used in would be stating the obvious the ambitions laid out in the the role we are trained and when I say many of you are Strategic Review (SR), will lead equipped for and deployed all looking forward to a return to reduced finances in many in ways that maximise our to relative normality. As many parts of Defence, as money resourcing capabilities. colleagues begin to receive is prioritised towards the their vaccine (over 450 have ambitions the SR contains. as I write this piece) it is We will not be immune from hoped we will be doing that that and I thought I’d quickly sooner, rather than later. lay out some of the approach we might need to make in order to respond. 2 3 TALKTHROUGH Chief Constable’s Foreword

It’s what I have described structure which has ‘people are now controlled and annual many times as ‘blue doing issues’ at its heart. I am – rather than the race we have what blue do’. If we can grateful for the hard work had to fill significant gaps in achieve a new financial model colleagues have put in to the last few years. Again, an and focus our activity on the supporting you in the lead outcome for which several of ‘policing’ requirements we up to our moves. They will you have to be thanked. cement our place in Defence. do everything they can to deal with issues that are Since I last wrote an article for If we can do that in as within our purview and point Talk Through, several selection efficient and effective way you in the right direction to processes have taken place. as possible then we assist manage those things which I congratulate all those with the financial challenges you need to resolve. who have been successful Defence faces. Fortunately, and extend a welcome to we are already doing much The next year or so will colleagues who have joined to be efficient and effective – significantly change our the Force as a result, be they transforming our headquarters headquarters and training police officers or civil servants. and training are examples, as environments and I am is fitness harmonisation. But grateful for the activity The results of the recent there is a requirement for more of very many people to Superintendent and Chief during the next few years and deliver that. Inspector selections much of our ambition is laid demonstrate a few things for out in our business plan for Closing the gap me about police recruitment: 2021/22. hange is not just opening up selection internally Coccurring in our physical and externally attracts As we move towards the environment, it is also superb internal and external implementation of the occurring with personnel talent. If you are talented Operation Jute work and the too. This coming year will there is nothing to fear from move to RAF Wyton becomes herald the closing of the competition from colleagues a reality (together with new gap between the number outside MDP. training sites at Southwick of personnel we need to I would argue that, based Park and Coulport) many of deliver for Defence and upon the impact of those you will be relishing the idea what we have. of a new purpose-furnished who have been selected, working environment. That has been a five-year we are better for the broad exercise and involved experiences we can draw Others will be apprehensive considerable work by upon from policing inside to leave Wethersfield, recruitment, HR, training and and outside of the MDP. particularly if that also means stations. A tremendous effort leaving a site which has been by all and a stabilisation of I can’t promise that the next your home as well as your resourcing for the first time year will be easier than the workplace. I know many since 2012. last – our challenges may will also have to move your not be pandemic focused, private homes. We have also, finally, arrived but they will require similar at a point where most ranks collective energy – but what Change brings anxiety, and are occupied by substantive I am convinced of is the that is why we have invested personnel and where they are capabilities of you to meet in establishing a programme not, the selection processes them. #proudtobeMDP 4 5 TALKTHROUGH Force response to COVID-19

been overwhelmed by the commitment, resilience Chief praises ‘keep it and resourcefulness that you have demonstrated going’ spirit at COVID-19 throughout the past year and for that, on behalf of the Chief Officer Group, landmark I send a huge thank you to you all.

Lived experiences As the UK marked the anniversary of the first national Here, we reproduce excerpts from a transcript lockdown in March with a Day of Reflection, Chief of an internal video, in which officers and staff personally Constable Andy Adams issued a public statement, affected by COVID-19 recall their lived experiences. praising the response that had been shown by his Their recollections have been anonymised to We have continued Now, a year on, as we officers and staff. protect their privacy: to deliver for our enter springtime, there customers and have is a feeling of hope I was extremely ill and done everything we and a sense that there felt terrible both mentally e said: “I join everyone In a message to staff, ACC We have dealt with possibly can to ensure is light at the end of and physically. I was today in reflecting on the Dave Long, Gold Commander the demands of H the safety of the MDP the tunnel, with the suffering with extreme past year, remembering those for the Force response, also home‑schooling, we have workforce by providing vaccination programme fatigue, major respiratory who, sadly, have passed away looked back with pride at kept our distance from Personal Protective being delivered at pace issues, loss of smell/ and reflecting on our own what the Force had achieved, our loved ones for long individual experiences. mixed with sorrow for those Equipment (PPE) on a and various rapid testing taste and sleepless periods of time, we have we have lost. scale that none of us facilities becoming more nights. I feared what cared for loved ones who envisaged 12 months widely available I personally would like COVID was doing to my He said: have been ill and we have ago, being fully to thank our people body and what damage grieved for those friends, committed to operating in the communities The past year has But we cannot and must it would do in the long relatives and colleagues through COVID-secure we serve for all they been unprecedented not become complacent. run. Nearly a year on, that we have sadly lost. compliance. have done and all and challenging for The threat of COVID-19 I have made a good they continue to do, every one of us, in is still here, and it is recovery, however still to ‘keep it going’. both our working As a Force, we have We have also played something that we will suffer with ‘long COVID and personal lives, adapted, developed our role in the continue to live with symptoms’. I experience and we have all been and modernised our implementation of the over the coming months days when I suffer with I encourage you to take personally affected ways of working, rising new policing powers and beyond. In my role extreme fatigue and still a moment to connect by the pandemic in to every challenge we and regulations that as Gold Commander haven’t fully regained my with someone today and various ways. have faced throughout have been introduced for the MDP COVID-19 sense of smell or taste. I urge anyone who needs the pandemic. by the government and response, alongside ACC support to reach out. devolved administrations. Andrea Bishop, I have Stay safe.”

6 7 TALKTHROUGH Force response to COVID-19

After testing positive, I enjoyed a good level hypersensitivity of my joints and muscles were All I wanted to do was moving my muscles and I experienced the main of fitness prior to COVID teeth when eating and very painful. My skin hurt sleep and this continued joints were sore, painful symptoms of a high and am recovering, drinking. Then it really and taking a shower was for the next ten days. and swollen, my chest temperature, continuous but six months later, kicked off on day two, awful. Breathing became My breathing was fine felt as if it was bound in cough, fatigue, and I still have good and pretty much everything difficult and blood so long as it was all tight bandages, standing breathlessness. The bad days – sometimes from high grade fever, oxygen levels became I did. Talking on the to do the washing up symptoms lasted for a I can breeze through a dry coughing fits, low. Before COVID, I phone, sitting up to eat, left me so exhausted I few weeks and although 7.6 Multi Stage Fitness intercostal (ribs) muscles used to enjoy jogging on visiting the bathroom all had to sit down for two not feeling at my best I Test (MSFT), other times racked with pain from a regular basis. I could sent the room spinning hours to recover and returned to work. After I struggle for breath exertions of coughing, do 5-7 miles easily. around me. I spent my skin and the inside a week or so, I began at the top of a flight high blood pressure and Previously, I had run two about 10 days laying of my mouth was sore to experience the of stairs. I have also a high resting pulse and marathons and several on my back sleeping and bled really easily. symptoms again this been left with chronic a real feeling of pain and shorter distances. I have and breathing and still When walking, I felt as time they seemed to laryngitis which affects anxiety. The news and managed the job fitness felt wave after wave if I had a stone caught appear worse than when my voice. Thankfully my mainstream media is full test to level 7.6 without of exhaustion pushing in my calf muscles, I first tested positive for family members have all of ‘bad’ news regarding a problem. Recently, me down and spinning which my GP suspected the virus, namely fatigue recovered, for which I this disease, and rightly after COVID, I tried the the room around. I lost to be blood clots in my and breathlessness. am really grateful. so, but that does not test and couldn’t get count of the days. When superficial veins.” I had to have another help you when you have past level 5. I now find I was finally able to start period of time off work it. Everyone is an expert, any physical activity I tested positive for for six weeks. My doctor and no one is. I would difficult and have to COVID-19 in November diagnosed me with long suggest that you be stop after a few minutes. 2020 and had no COVID and advised more selective in your symptoms at all. Having me to rest. I have since consumption of news COVID didn’t affect I haven’t had any of returned to work, and and media relating to me, unlike my other the main three COVID after a period of phased this serious and worrying family members. I symptoms, so no return I am now on full disease, which we must tested positive again in temperature, cough, operational duties. not take lightly. January, as I was tested and no change to my within the 90 days, they sense of taste or smell. I contracted COVID-19 weren’t sure if this was I’m a 54-year-old I woke up feeling a bit as a result of visiting a because of COVID-19 officer who contracted under the weather, with restaurant for a quiet still in my system or if it COVID possibly from a headache and mouth family meal during the was new. I also had no my daughter in early ulcers, neither of which Eat Out to Help Out symptoms at this time January 2021. First, I are unusual for me, I put Scheme last August. either. COVID-19 hasn’t had mild cold symptoms my symptoms down to All four members in affected me or impacted with a high temperature, being run down and tired my party had different on any of my fitness and tested positive for after a busy weekend. COVID experiences, health going forward.” COVID and a few days Three days later, I yet despite being the The disease came on later became very ill. I realised I wasn’t just a youngest and fittest in suddenly within me, a was extremely fatigued, bit run down and booked the group, I developed sneeze, a sore throat so much that I couldn’t a COVID test which the worst symptoms. then a cough. Then get out of bed. All my proved positive.

8 9 TALKTHROUGH

CRIME COMMAND

10 11 TALKTHROUGH Crime Command

Crime Command

Drug dealer jailed after MOD Police Crime Command operation

lose working with Detective Superintendent I am proud of the CMerseyside Police Raffaele D’Orsi, Head of officers and staff leads to arrest. Intelligence and Investigations involved in securing for MDP Crime Command, such overwhelming Drug dealer Jacob Bullen (26) said: evidence against Bullen was arrested in possession of just over 1 kilogram of cocaine that has resulted in This is an outstanding with a street value of £75,000, him pleading guilty milestone in an electronic currency note and being sentenced counting machine and multiple safeguarding the within 43 days of his mobile phones. communities of arrest. The MDP Crime Merseyside and the Command will continue His arrest in Everton, MOD from those pursuing all threats to supported by Merseyside predisposed to peddle the MOD, its personnel, Police, followed a proactive class A drugs to enhance assets or estates, in intelligence gathering police their criminal enterprises. whatever form they may operation by MDP Crime take, or wherever they Command detectives. may originate from. Bullen, who was already on a suspended sentence for possession with intent to supply controlled drugs from a previous offence, pleaded guilty to a similar offence at Liverpool Crown Court, where he was jailed for a total six years and eight months on Friday 29 January 2021.

12 13 TALKTHROUGH

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

14 15 TALKTHROUGH Diversity and Inclusion

My career highlights include 2. Hannah, PC Dog Handler I’m so proud to say that I planning for the initial arrival will soon be the first female Diversity and Inclusion of the Queen Elizabeth MDP police dog instructor Carrier at Portsmouth, setting and as part of my training up the first Women’s Staff role I look forward to assisting round-up Association within Defence, and supporting other women being the first female Initial to progress in a police dog Firearms Commander in the handling career. MDP and working with some International Women’s Day weapons as their male 1. Fiona’s story truly superb people. 3. Kirsty, Marine Unit Police colleagues. There has clearly Hannah works as a dog Constable 2021: Choose to Challenge I am a single parent of two been huge progress, but the handler. © Crown copyright. inistry of Defence police children (now adults). As they need to encourage more officers share their were growing up, I was able to I joined the MDP in 2008 with M women to pursue a career stories and perspectives. pursue my career goals, with the aspiration of becoming a in armed policing still exists. the support of my fantastic dog handler. I was lucky to With the theme for this year’s achieve this at my first station. As Chief Inspector Fiona Kerr, parents and family, and the International Women’s Day I am currently based at HM Chair of the MDP Gender flexibility and support of my (8 March) being ‘Choose to Naval Base Devonport with Network, explains: managers and colleagues. I Challenge’, we focused on the worked permanent nights for my two specialist, explosive ongoing challenge to improve Fiona began her MDP career a time, to assist with childcare and drugs search dogs. Kirsty is a Day Skipper at representation of women in Recruiting female in 1987. © Crown copyright. and I was always first in HM Naval Base Portsmouth. the Ministry of Defence Police officers remains a queue for breakfast club at As an MDP dog handler, My MDP career began in © Crown copyright. (MDP) and more widely in UK challenge for us as it is the primary school, wanting to my role includes tracking 1987, as a Constable at Clyde suspects, property searches armed policing roles. for many police firearms get home to get some sleep! I joined a Home Department and I’m very proud that I have for evidence at crime scenes, units in other forces, now returned to the station as Police Force when I was This year marks the MDP’s Being a single parent in any drugs searches and defensive and we’re committed to a Senior Police Officer. When 18 years old and after just 50th anniversary, having first career is always a question searches for VIPs. I deploy improving representation I first joined, I was issued with over 10 years, I decided been established in October of forward planning and to Defence locations across of women in the MDP. a small pistol, an equally small that I wanted a change. I 1971. At that time there were having a support network the UK and provide specialist truncheon and handbags and researched the MDP and was no female police officers in and a continuity fallback. In support to other police forces. skirts were the norm. interested in the opportunity the force. It was not until 1974 Our officers, including the MDP, I can personally Throughout my career, I have to carry out unique specialist that two female sergeants myself, are sharing our vouch for the fact that raising After a few years, I transferred always been particularly policing roles. transferred into the MDP stories about joining children on your own is not with the MDP to London and interested in how dogs learn from Police. The a barrier to success, with I am currently qualified as the MDP and our lived I had the opportunity to carry and develop within their roles. first four female recruits then policies, diversity networks a Royal Yacht Association experiences working in out both armed and unarmed This has now led me to a new started their training in 1975. and understanding managers (RYA) Day Skipper at HM armed specialist policing duties, gaining promotion over career path as an instructor, there to support you along Naval Base Portsmouth and The MDP is now a very roles, to show the range time and transferring to iconic to deliver training and develop the way. I’m working towards a RYA different and much more of career opportunities UK sites such as Portsmouth police dog teams within Coastal qualification. My diverse organisation, with available. and Whitehall. the Force. I’m so proud to proudest moment so far has women represented at all say that I will soon be the been passing an Operational ranks, from Constable to first female MDP police dog Firearms Commanders’ Assistant Chief Constable, instructor and as part of my course. working in the same roles, training role I look forward with the same kit and to assisting and supporting other women to progress in a police dog handling career. 16 17 TALKTHROUGH Diversity and Inclusion

My move to the MDP is, The MDP also had, and 5. Nicole, T/Police Sergeant I am very proud of everything a great experience. I This part of the training for me, the best move I’ve still has, the largest Marine Clyde Support Team that I have achieved so far particularly appreciate course took eight made. My most memorable policing capability in the UK and the MDP has well and the amount of effort weeks in total, which experiences include escorting and that was a specialist area truly lived up to my hopes that individuals have encompassed the study the HMS Queen Elizabeth of policing that I was keen to for opportunities to progress put into my training, of law and how to act and HMS Prince of Wales get into. and develop in a specialist especially considering as a police officer within carriers, whilst having to policing career. the challenges brought real life scenarios. negotiate a busy sea channel The best thing about my about in the current Additionally, I was trained carrying passenger ferries and career with the MDP has been Women in policing profile pandemic, that have to protect myself and commercial shipping. My next the variety, from the Atomic challenge… I aim to become Weapons Establishment To mark International permitted me to be my colleagues through Women’s Day, DSTL used an MDP Marine Unit Sergeant. sites in Berkshire, to the Nicole is a T/Police Sergeant here today. Personal Safety Training, its Intranet to profile female Operational Support Unit, to at HM Naval Base Clyde. utilising the equipment personnel associated with the HQ Operational Training © Crown copyright. I was issued with, such 4. Sally, T/Chief Inspector its work, including Porton At the start of my Operational Delivery and and Capability Centre, to as PAVA spray, baton I always wanted to be a police Down-based MDP Constable career, I was based Special Escort Group the Marine Unit at HM Naval and handcuffs, as well officer and before joining the Rebecca Stinchcombe. at MDP Headquarters Commander Base Portsmouth, to a range as understanding certain MDP I studied and graduated Wethersfield, with 39 of secondments at MDP HQ, pressure points on the with a BA (Hons) in Criminal Rebecca said: other students who I have enjoyed them all. body. Additionally, I Justice. I decided to join came from such a broad I joined MDP in August studied various interview One of my proudest moments the MDP because I wanted range of backgrounds. last year and arrived techniques when dealing was representing the MDP a role that offered a stable Some were ex-military here in mid-December. with both suspects as part of Operation Herrick, work ‑life balance and plenty and one was even an So far, my journey with and victims. where I had the great privilege of opportunities for promotion air hostess. of mentoring the Female and career development. my new career has been Afghan Police. I was also The final part of my very proud to qualify as I’ll never forget when I Sally is an Escort Commander a Team Leader within six graduated as a new recruit training involved nine on the MDP Special Escort months of joining the Special from ‘Orange Class’ with weeks’ firearms training Group. © Crown copyright. Escort Group (SEG) and my super excited daughter at Devonport, where watching throughout, dressed we were joined by the After graduating with a consequently becoming the in orange for the occasion! degree in Archaeology, I first qualified MDP female addition of former Home After my graduation, I was ran the Students’ Union Escort Commander and Office police officers then immediately deployed and then went on to hold Rail Convoy Commander. who were transferring as part of Operation management roles in sales into the Ministry of I am now working towards Temperer, following the and catering before starting Defence Police. my goal to achieve substantive Manchester Arena attack in my policing career. Chief Inspector rank and I 2017. Now, almost four years I chose to join the MDP look forward to continuing to into the job, I’m working Within this part of because I wanted to work develop in my career, whilst as a T/Police Sergeant, I’m the course I learned in a role where I could encouraging and mentoring a Force Personal Safety how to handle and specialise as an Authorised my colleagues to help them Training Instructor and I lead use Glock, Taser and Firearms Officer, right from achieve their full potential too. the Clyde Support Team in Heckler and Koch MP7, the beginning of my career. delivery of Project Servator, the standard issue protester removal and search firearm for the MDP requirements. here at Porton Down.

18 19 TALKTHROUGH Diversity and Inclusion

This course allowed Dogs have played an challenge me. A career We also wanted to be from the MDP Gender, More information on these me to understand the important part in my life in the MDP offered me able to acknowledge LGBT+ and Disability events can be found on the importance of firearms in and I very much hope the opportunity to do the various elements network. The event was MDP Sharepoint page and in the protection of national to be able to go on and something out of my that come with race.” attended by both civilian the next issue of Talk Through. assets, as well to train to be a dog handler. comfort zone, a real she added. and police officers in The REACH Staff Network become more confident challenge with a range the MDP. encourages participation from in handling these of career pathways that On the back of this change, • International Day for I come from a Service everyone in the organisation weapons. Additionally, appealed to my sense the network has elected the Elimination of family; my father having to participate in its events, the course also covered of adventure. committee members: Racial Discrimination served in the Royal as diversity is about all of us. firearms tactical 21 March 2021 – the Air Force. I decided to If you have any questions or employment, property PC Moses Williams – Chair REACH Staff Network join the MDP to permit queries and you would like searches, containment PC Shaz Ahmed – Vice Chair put out a social media to take part in any network me to play my part in of buildings and vehicles post showing its support events, please contact the serving, protecting Princess Hercules for this day along with stopping and searching. team on MDP-BAME- and connecting with – Communication and sign posting of how to Engagement Officer [email protected] the wider community. MDP REACH Staff Network report hate crime. Both sections of this I specifically requested Yasmine Long – Secretary update Throughout the months course really pushed to serve at Porton Down Formerly known as the Other highlights of the past of January to March 2021, me to limits that I never as I knew the position MDP Race Network, on few months have included: various working groups thought I was capable of here would be varied 11 March it was agreed by created the REACH action achieving. I thoroughly and interesting. members to change the • For UK Race Equality Week plan, revised the network’s enjoyed each part of name to the REACH Staff REACH ran a campaign on terms of reference, started the course; I would say social media in which the Though my family live Network – Race Ethnicity planning for Black History my favourite part of this and Cultural Heritage. MDP Race Champion, the in Wiltshire, and I am a Month and future race-related course was the firearms Network Chair and Vice diversity dates. country girl at heart, I element as you could REACH Communication and Chair and Superintendent have never visited this really get your teeth into Engagement Officer, Princess Sandy Stewart made These included the network’s part of Wiltshire before. it and tie everything that Hercules, told Talk Through: pledges, as to things they official launch on 30 March, I am pleased to say that you learnt throughout would do better to help an all-staff dial-in on 8 April, I very much enjoy both with guest speaker Mike the course together. “This was a unanimous promote racial equality living and working in this decision after a detailed in the workplace. Franklin discussing diversity and his lived experience part of the world. discussion at our • MDP Cross Network – through his policing and I feel lucky that I network meeting. One International Women’s other roles; Thai and Nepali am able to work with of the main reasons for Day celebration was In my spare time I enjoy New Years in April; Stephen such a great team facilitated by the REACH running, cooking and our change to this new Lawrence Day (21 April) and feel supported Staff Network from art. Before joining MDP, name is that we wanted and World Day for Cultural and welcomed within an intersectionality I studied art and worked to be more inclusive Diversity for Dialogue and the MDP and DSTL perspective. This event at Dyson headquarters. and create a name that Development (21 May). family here at Porton was held on Microsoft I enjoyed working there, matches the supportive Down. I have always Teams on 9 March 2021 but I wanted to do nature of our network. loved working with at 13:00 hrs, where there something completely animals, horses and were five different speakers different that would really dogs in particular.

20 21 TALKTHROUGH

FITNESS UPDATE

22 23 TALKTHROUGH Fitness update

Force given more time to reach fitness standards

The College of Policing (CoP) has agreed to review the MDP Firearms Training Licence in April 2022, when it is due for renewal.

his means the effective The INM work, which is The DPF has said it will Tdate for officers to be currently ongoing and which agree to a scientifically based compliant with the fitness the Federation is fully engaged standard, as long as the standard for the Authorised with, will provide scientific process to reach it is agreed Firearms Officer CT role is verification of an appropriate and the standard is relevant now 31 March 2022. fitness standard for the AFO to MDP’s role and that the CT role. time leading up to the new Whilst this movement of the 2022 deadline will constitute deadline gives officers more This will be achieved via an a ‘cut off’ for officers who time to improve their individual exercise that will be endorsed have not achieved the newly fitness levels, there should by the National Police Chiefs agreed national fitness be no doubt that no further Council (NPCC) Armed standard, as defined by the extension can be justified or Policing and Fitness Testing work carried out by the INM. will be sought by CCMDP. Working Groups and which involves the CoP (Physical The benefit of the extension Employment Standard – PES). to the cut-off date, is that the work the Force is undertaking, The Force has managed to with the support of the accelerate that programme, Defence Police Federation so that the INM will report on (DPF), to validate a fitness the VO2 max/MSFT levels by standard with the Institute of March 2022. Naval Medicine (INM) will be completed at the same time.

24 25 TALKTHROUGH Fitness update

DOfit Programme Officers are encouraged, by The course really helped both the Force and the DPF, To help officers attain the me knowing that others to attempt ‘best effort’ up to required fitness standard feel like I do, we can the 7:6 level, which will ensure for their role, in June 2020 keep pushing ourselves. they are able to meet the new the Force introduced the AFO CT levels as identified Defence Occupational Fitness by the INM, as the Force is It’s really good that the Programme, known as DOfit, confident the required level which is a health, wellbeing MDP has made this will increase. and fitness programme, course available for us. available to AFO-CT officers The programme is a who require support to person ‑centred, health The one-on-one talk achieve level 7:6 on the behaviour change during the DOfit was Multi ‑Stage Fitness Test intervention, developed by crucial – I felt I was being (MSFT) or equivalent. the Institute of Naval Medicine listened to and received in partnership with Public Officers participating in specific advice. Health England (PHE). This the DOfit programme are evidence-based programme learning how, progressively, has been designed by This was the reset to improve fitness, including nutrition, physical training training within the limitations I needed. and behaviour change of any injuries, the benefits of subject-matter experts. improving dietary quality and This course was better planning food intake around Since its launch in the Armed than I expected. work and non-work routines, Forces in 2016, DOfit has and how to lose weight in a proved highly impactive, healthy and sustainable way. providing participants with the knowledge, skills and support DOfit courses are being to implement positive health routinely run via regional behaviour changes. ‘hubs’ across the MDP geographical area, to ensure Here is what some of the as many officers can access MDP DOfit participants this programme as possible. have said so far: The DOfit course is free to the individual and is delivered I would go as far as to by MDP Fitness Instructors say this course has been who are trained as Defence life‑changing, for the Health and Wellbeing first time in a long time Advisers (DHWA) by the I feel that I will achieve Force Dietitian and Institute my goals. of Naval Medicine.

26 27 TALKTHROUGH

HQ MOVE

28 29 TALKTHROUGH HQ move

or the visit to the Palmer The group was given a tour of Project Jute also covers the FPavilion at RAF Wyton, the site, led by the project’s provision of new training HQ move less than near Huntingdon, Mr Adams principal architect, Enrique facilities at Southwick Park, was accompanied by Chief Solas, who also showed near Portsmouth and RNAD Officer Resources and a computer-generated Coulport on the Clyde six months away Planning, Justin Oliver and impression of what the in . Head of Business Systems, finished interior will look like. David Old. The Palmer Pavilion Work to ensure a smooth refurbishment is due to be Also in attendance were transition from the current HQ completed in September, Chief Constable Andy Adams, accompanied by senior Rotimi Akinsiku of the at Wethersfield is well under followed by fitting out by Defence Estates Optimisation way, under the umbrella of third-party suppliers and staff, was shown around what will be the new Force team (DEO) and Jo Weston, ‘Project Jute’, with regular staff the first occupants arriving Operations Director for the updates and a timetable in in mid‑October, with further Headquarters from October this year. Main Contractors involved in place for the order in which moves taking place over the the building’s refurbishment, departments will be moving. following few months. Willmott Dixon. The Force training department will move next year.

30 31 TALKTHROUGH

THE FLEET

32 33 TALKTHROUGH The Fleet

Internal systems will be configured New fleet on the horizon ergonomically for crew comfort. The craft has been designed to support a crew of three, A major new programme is under way, to replace the with up to four additional securely forward seated old diesel-driven craft in the MDP Marine Unit fleet, with passengers, to deliver MDP needs across 16 modern jet-drive vessels, at a total cost of around all operational profiles. £30 million. Inspector Stypulkowski will be engaging with the project team and the contractor to develop an OCC supported nspector Brian McArdle, Once all craft have The craft will have training course and syllabus to Iof HQ Marine Support, been delivered the enhanced ballistic train our 341 complemented explains: number of variants of protection, including Marine Unit officers. Police Launches will ballistically protected The Police Patrol Craft reduce from four types forward‑facing windows The first vessels are expected (PPC) project will provide to two (all jet-drive), to Defence standards, to be available in the first half the MDP with a highly streamlining training providing the coxswain of next year and will be rolled out over a three-year period manoeuvrable jet drive and maintenance and crew additional from then. vessel with the latest requirements. protection. maritime safety and This programme comes security technologies. ahead of another major The project will also Design has utilised the project, to introduce 24 new deliver an additional latest vibration seating replacement Rigid-Hulled The project craft will launch at each technologies and WBV Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) to replace an aging fleet base‑port location monitoring and display the MU fleet, at a further of legacy propeller which will bring the fleet systems, in addition to cost of £16 million. driven craft ranging from to a level commensurate engineering solutions 18m‑14m with a single with customer/MDP to reduce noise profile. craft solution bespoke to statement of need. MDP operational needs The craft will have enhancing the existing Although specifics a stabilised thermal Island Class Fleet. are not known at the and low light day/ moment, the craft user night imaging system, requirement articulated with autonomous max length 15m, max functions and a draught 1.3m, max long-range acoustic beam 4.5m. communication device.

34 35 TALKTHROUGH

OUR PEOPLE

36 37 TALKTHROUGH Our People

DCC appointed Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Suffolk

Message from Chief Constable Andy Adams:

I am pleased to be able to inform you that on Friday (26 February) the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Clare, Countess of Euston, announced the appointment of Gareth Wilson, our DCC, as a Deputy Lieutenant for the county of Suffolk. This prestigious position recognises Gareth’s public service in the county of Suffolk over a number of years, during his time as its Chief Constable, and since joining the MDP. I know you will join me in congratulating him.

38 39 TALKTHROUGH Our People

Deaths in service Bismark. He joined the C Ifor Williams received he Chief Constable Admiralty Constabulary in Pa Royal Humane Society Thas regretfully had 1962 and served at Rosyth, Award, for his life-saving to announce the deaths also serving at Coulport and actions, from Dstl Porton in service this year of Workington, where he was Down Chief Executive Gary Inspector Paul McNamara a dog officer for a few years Aitkenhead. before moving to Faslane in and Constable William PC Williams and a colleague (Billy) Ritchie. 1975, retiring ten years later as a Sergeant. rescued a critically injured aul, who was based man, who had been stabbed, Pat USVF Menwith Hill, On Christmas Day a launch n March, on behalf of and applied live-saving lyde Group SPO he Force has also passed away on 27th January. and RHIB from Clyde ICCMDP, PCs Goodier, pressure to his wounds. CSuperintendent Sandy Tsaid goodbye to PC He is survived by his partner, Marine Unit gave a brief Lloyd and Horton, from Stewart also bade farewell Lee Gristwood, Defence Wendy-Louise and his son, demonstration offshore from Easington, received Royal Retirements to PC Jimmy Orr, upon his Community Police Officer Walter’s home in his honour. Alex. A private family funeral Humane Society awards n May, we said farewell retirement from the MDP at Winchester Garrison. for their life‑saving actions, after more than 40 years’ Lee retired in December, with took place in Hull, on 8 March. The Chief Constable extends to Chief Inspector Kim and PSs Loose and Dixon I service. Jimmy served over 17 years’ MDP service. his condolences on behalf of McDonaugh, from the Ops illy’s death occurred received Level 4 Skills for as a dog handler and the entire Force to Walter’s team at MDP HQ, who has on 16 January. He was Justice certificates in Police Authorised Firearms Officer B family. retired after 41 years’ service. stationed at RNAD Coulport First Line Management. at HMNB Clyde. and is survived by his wife, Well done to all. Gillian and children, Craig and Amy. ongratulations to MDP Ctrainer and Special Permission was granted to Constabulary Inspector allow for a socially distanced David Howse, on being Police Guard of Honour at awarded a Billy’s private funeral, which Medal in the 2021 New Year took place on Wednesday Honours. It was his second inally, we mark the 10 February, at Woodside honour, having been given Fretirement after 30 years’ Crematorium, Paisley. the Proud to Serve Suffolk lso retiring, in April, was service, of PC Gordon Presentations n March, the MDP team at Award in 2018, for his work CC MDP Staff Officer Connor, who joined MDP The Chief Constable has A NRTE Vulcan, said farewell ongratulations to PC with the county’s Special Inspector Christine Cameron, I in 1990 and has served at extended both his and the to PS Alan Snedden who has Wilks and PC Tunbridge, Constabulary. who said: “I’ve thoroughly RNAD Coulport and NRTE entire Force’s condolences C retired from the Force after from Regents Park Barracks, enjoyed my MDP career, Vulcan during his career. to both officers’ families. 38 years’ service. who recently received their having worked in some of the Certificate in Policing from finest teams, with the most eanwhile, in December, Death of PS Walter Moffat Chief Constable Andy Adams. incredible people.” the Senior Police Officer – retired M at the Salisbury Plain Training C John Large, We bid a fond farewell to ormer MDP officer Walter Area, PS Alan Swanwick, from Menwith Hill, Christine, who had clocked Moffat passed away on P retired after serving with F was presented with his up 35 years’ service when Saturday, 11th June, aged 98. the MOD for an impressive commemorative coin she left. 42 years – joining the MDP Walter served on HMS King for 30 years’ service, by Superintendent Mark Sellers. in 1990, after serving for George V and was aboard 12 years with the Army. when they helped sink the Congratulations John and thank you for your service.

40 41 TALKTHROUGH Our People

Appointments

New USVF Group Superintendent appointed

fter serving with Home to share my experience Yulia Skripal, securing their AOffice Police Forces as well as learn about rehabilitation and recovery in Avon and Somerset, policing in a whole for a period of five months, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire new context. owning and mitigating all for 30 years, Superintendent risks, amidst significant Mark Sellers is relishing the political scrutiny. Some of the highlights of new challenge of being Group Mark’s career have involved Superintendent for the USVF He also commanded helping to support and Stations policed by MDP. operational deployments develop international Policing to develop complex and He told Talk Through: in Tanzania (2015) and Sierra culturally challenging Leone (2016), as well as environments globally, leading designing and delivering I left the police after active policing and partnership training packages to develop operations in support of 30 years and genuinely Military and Police leadership, thought I had moved Police and Military in: the and embed the UK Public British Virgin Islands, Cyprus, to a new chapter in my Order Command model at Oman and Morocco. life. I found after a year, strategic and operational however, that I was at levels ahead of democratic He has been married to Sam risk of losing my actual general elections, which for 28 years, and they have purpose, and at this passed with the highest level two daughters, Gabi (an intel point I was lucky enough of turnout and lowest violence analyst with ) to see the opportunity on public record. and Talia (an art student at presented by the MDP. Falmouth University). Mark also orchestrated and commanded the 24/7 He likes to spend time Several months on, I protection of victims of the travelling with his family am privileged to have Salisbury nerve agent attack and friends, but says that been welcomed into in 2018, by engaging with motorbikes, hill-walking, an organisation that Security Service, Counter Bath Rugby, and general Terrorist policing, and health recognises its strengths, fitness shape his time stakeholders to design, but does not shy away away from work. deliver, and command the from its challenges, and comprehensive armed gives me an opportunity protection of Sergei and

Superintendent Mark Sellers 42 43 TALKTHROUGH

PROJECT SERVATOR

44 45 TALKTHROUGH Project Servator

MDP continues to grow a network of vigilance

The first week of April marked four years since the MDP first adopted use of Project Servator, a policing tactic that aims to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the Defence community and public.

Project Servator was first Even at a distance, Project developed and introduced by Servator officers can still the Centre for the Protection use their specialist training of National Infrastructure to spot the tell-tale signs of (CPNI) and the City of London criminal activity or intent. Our Police in 2014, and is now Project Servator deployments Superintendent Steffen onsite resilience and Project Servator used by a growing number have continued, with suitable In addition to operational Morgan-Fisher, MDP Project our interoperable is founded on a of police forces in the UK, social distancing, during the delivery of Project Servator, Servator Strategic Lead, working relationships collective responsibility and Australia. COVID-19 pandemic and since late 2019, we have explains: with security partners. to be vigilant, and have expanded to include trained more than 950 people that approach is as In February 2020, among HM Naval Base Devonport to watch out for signs of Over the past year we important as ever. For potential criminal activity, This means that more 180 nominees at the annual and the surrounding area, have continued to build now, it remains vital that Government Security in and around the Defence people in and around with our officers often a network of vigilant people follow the rules Conference Awards, the sites from which MDP Project the sites we protect working in partnership with contacts across the to stop the spread of MDP received a ‘Highly Servator officers operate. now have a better their colleagues in Devon Defence estate and COVID-19, but the threat Commended’ Team Award and Cornwall Police. We From March 2020, See Check understanding of what in the surrounding of terrorism has not for delivery of Project Servator. are also currently trialing and Notify (SCaN) training to look out for and the communities. Using gone away; the need to Project Servator at RAF has been delivered remotely importance of reporting SCaN training and be alert in and around Menwith Hill, with joined-up by us, working with Base anything suspicious that security teams, partners, our Project Servator the sites we protect working alongside North they see or hear, or that stakeholders, local businesses deployments, we is still of the utmost Yorkshire Police. just doesn’t seem right. and employers. This training have further promoted importance. has been undertaken in a security minded accordance with the ongoing culture and enhanced COVID-19 restrictions.

46 47 TALKTHROUGH Project Servator

I thank all who have • Officers operating in highly Social media posts showing taken part in SCaN visible police uniform and our deployments in operation: training and engaged in plain clothes: so, some follow MDP on Facebook with our Project Servator you will see and some and Twitter and search officers during the past you may not. #TogetherWeveGotItCovered and #ProjectServator. year. Communities • Community engagement: defeat terrorism, and posters and QR codes (in by working together we replacement of handbills How you can help can all help to keep each currently) are used to • If you see or hear anything other, and the nation’s support deployments and suspicious or if something defences, safe. we’ll say hi if we see you, just doesn’t seem right, so feel free to ask us about trust your instincts and what we’re doing and why. MDP Project Servator – report it to a police officer what you will and won’t see • A range of supporting or member of security or resources (some you will staff immediately. We’ll do • Unpredictable see and some you won’t) the rest. deployments: you can that include: police dogs, • Reports can also be made expect to see officers armed officers, vehicle in confidence at pop up at any time, and engagement points, CCTV www.gov.uk/ACT anywhere in and around and Automatic Number Whitehall, Portsmouth, Plate Recognition (ANPR). • To report suspicious activity to the MDP, call 01371 Clyde, Coulport, • Joined-up working with Devonport, Menwith Hill, 854444. In an emergency, policing and security always call 999. the Atomic Weapons partners, including Establishment (AWE) the service police, the sites at Aldermaston Ministry of Defence Guard and Burghfield and at Service and other local other Defence locations police forces. and events.

48 49 TALKTHROUGH

QEC VISIT

50 51 TALKTHROUGH QEC visit

The joint efforts of team carrying out SCaN Similar to previous the MDP and PSoS training with members of operations all officers Successful multi‑agency management and HMNB Clyde personnel displayed dedication, planning teams have involved in the operation. flexibility and the operation marks successfully done this. This was a fully utmost professionalism However, we embraced collaborative operation. throughout, which the challenges to We had some significant was commented on carrier’s first visit undertake what was challenges in terms of by the Commander a successful policing COVID-compliance with of the Carrier and operation. multiple officers coming Chief Superintendent to protect this critical John Paterson, as the Chief Inspector Garry defence asset and with overall The ’s Fleet Flagship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, Richardson, SPO Clyde the assistance of MDP Planning Lead. Marine Unit, was assigned SHEP, in particular arrived at the Glen Mallan jetty, on the River Clyde in as the MDP Planning lead for Nikki Dutton, Phil Shaw This continues to the operation and alongside and Chief Inspector western Scotland, in March, as part of final preparations enhance the excellent phases, which involved Jimmy Carr, we put in working relationships planning and co-ordinating place COVID-19 risk before her first operational deployment. the marine and shoreside we already have in assessments to protect elements. place and shows our officers, this also the high regard we included COVID-19 Said Sandy: in the MOD Police tests prior to the he 65,000-tonne aircraft allowing them to continue He said: are held by the MOD arrival of officers. Tcarrier sailed regally along entering and berthing at Operation Clockface 4 and Police Scotland. the Firth of Clyde, after a Glen Mallan. Given this was the involved officers from two-week sea voyage, spent first time HMS Queen Clyde Marine Unit (CMU), Garry was grateful testing and trialling her latest Superintendent Sandy Lessons learned Elizabeth had visited the Portsmouth Marine for the continued equipment, before berthing at Stewart, MDP Clyde Group’s meetings with Police west coast of Scotland, Unit (PMU), Devonport support received from the new Northern Ammunition Senior Police Officer (SPO), Scotland are in the and also the first time Marine Unit (DMU), DM Operational Support Jetty for a routine onload of told Talk Through that the visit process of being any of the Royal Navy’s Glen Douglas, OSU Departments, Duties operational stores. – the first of a series of regular carried in preparation fleet had berthed at North, HMNB Clyde Offices, Boats Support, visits planned for both HMS for the future visits of HMS Queen Elizabeth is the Queen Elizabeth and her sister the new Northern Group officers, as well CT SECCO officers, the carriers – when we first of the Royal Navy’s fleet carrier HMS Prince of Wales Ammunition Jetty, as significant Police Clyde Support Team, do it all again! to visit the new £64 million – had taken five months of it was critical to get Scotland resources Logistics Officer, MDP facility, built by the Defence multi ‑agency planning. the planning correct for and MGS personnel. SHEP and special Infrastructure Organisation future evolutions. mention also goes to Under the operational name (DIO). Inspector Paul Stringer, of Clockface 4, it had been a Prior to and during PS Angus Livingston Operated by Defence huge logistical challenge, with the operation, joint Equipment and Support MDP working in partnership Project Servator (SPO – DM Glen (DE&S) through Defence with Police Service of deployments took Douglas) and Temporary Munitions, the Northern Scotland (PSoS) to manage place involving MDP Inspector Kenny Ammunition Jetty is the policing aspects of the and Police Scotland Dalgleish who assisted specifically designed to visit, both on shore and on and also involved the throughout the planning support the surface fleet, the water. and operational phases.

52 53 TALKTHROUGH QEC visit

Defence Secretary Captain Angus Essenhigh, HMS Queen Elizabeth Defence Secretary Commanding Officer, added: Ben Wallace said:

We are very proud of HMS Queen Elizabeth the close connection has a very proud our ship has with affiliation to Scotland Scotland, especially and it is only fitting she with our affiliated city returns before her first of Edinburgh. HMS operational deployment Queen Elizabeth later this year. embodies the best of British engineering and The £64 million craftsmanship, including investment into the new Scottish shipbuilding, Northern Ammunition and it is a privilege to Jetty reaffirms our return to her birthplace commitment to of Scotland. supporting our core capabilities and defence Pictures all estate across all corners Crown Copyright of the UK.

Although this was the first time HMS Queen Elizabeth had visited Western Scotland, she had been a familiar sight on the River Forth where she was assembled.

54 55 TALKTHROUGH Well done and thank you

Well done and thank you

Porton Down royal visits

From: Gary Aitkenhead, Chief Executive Dstl Porton Down

To: MDP Porton Down Chief Inspector Robbie Robbins

would like to express my As well as highlighting Dstl Isincere thanks for the time, as a national asset to both passion and dedication you HM The Queen and HRH invested in organising and The Duke of Cambridge, we delivering a successful visit of also catapulted Dstl in front not one, but two royal visitors of the world with national to Dstl Porton Down. The high reports of the visit. A visit standards and professionalism of this kind is priceless in shown by your team to ensure furthering our future impact the safety and security of our as an organisation. VVIPs was critical, and I have no doubt that the visit was his visit will go down as such a success due to you Ta highlight of my career and your officers’ involvement. – I hope you feel the same!

56 57 TALKTHROUGH

MDP IN THE SOCIAL MEDIA

58 59 Ministry of Defence Police

Members of the MDP’s rope access team in action on the cliffs near the Cornish venue of this year’s G7 conference.

Full report in next issue of Talk Through.

Photo © Crown Copyright 2021