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Every weekday morning we bring you the sector’s freshest news stories, starting today with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the appointment of Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service’s new chief, Nikki Watson, who is the subject of an ongoing investigation by the independent police watchdog.
There’s also a story about a successful Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) operation in the City of London which led to a number of arrests, seized vehicles and intel captured.
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Uncertainty continues in Northants after panel quizzes fire chief amid controversy about her appointment
Local politicians in Northamptonshire gathered yesterday at a confirmation hearing for the new fire chief but it was clouded with uncertainty as Nikki Watson is subject to an ongoing investigation by the independent police watchdog, the IOPC.
Members of the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel expressed discomfort at being asked to take part in a confirmation hearing for the Police and Crime Commissioner‘s preferred candidate as they did not know the detail of the IOPC investigation. More via Emergency Services Times
Met Police chief ‘deeply concerned’ over officer number shortfall
The Met Police is facing a “deeply concerning” shortfall in officer numbers amid recruitment struggles, the commissioner has warned, adding public sector pay levels are an issue.
Sir Mark Rowley said the Met would be 1,400 short at the end of March. More via BBC News
Tougher laws to protect children from sexual abuse announced by Home Office
Children will be better protected from sexual predators under plans brought forward by the Home Secretary yesterday.
There will be a legal requirement for anyone in regulated activity relating to children in England, including teachers or healthcare professionals, to report it if they know a child is being sexually abused. More via Home Office
Kingsbridge Police front desk officially re-opened
The Kingsbridge Police Enquiry Office was officially opened yesterday morning in front of a gathering that included local politicians, police officers and even students from Kingsbridge Community College.
The blue ribbon was cut by the town’s Mayor Cllr Philip Cole at the invitation of Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall Alison Hernandez. More via Kingsbridge & Salcombe Gazette
Major incident declared as WW2 bomb found in Plymouth back garden
A major incident was declared in Plymouth yesterday after an unexploded World War II bomb was found in a back garden in Kayham.
Devon and Cornwall Police declared a major incident and evacuated properties within 200 metres of the bomb on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence posted on X that bomb disposal teams were on the scene to help make the device safe. More via Sky News
Kent fire service contract with Eurotunnel to end
A contract for Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) to provide cover at Eurotunnel is to end in 2025.
KFRS has been providing fire cover at the crossing for 30 years, under a separate arm to its day-to-day public services. Eurotunnel says it is to consider alternative fire service providers over the next year after KFRS withdrew from the contract. More via BBC News
Successful ANPR operation in the City of London
City of London Police recently carried out an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) operation that led to a number of arrests, seized vehicles and intel captured.
The force uses ANPR technology to help detect, deter and disrupt criminal activity at a local and national level. This includes travelling criminals (those using the road network to avoid being caught), organised crime groups and terrorists. More via City of London Police
Complaint against controversial new chief of South Wales fire service was partially upheld
A complaint against the new chief of crisis-hit South Wales fire service was upheld before his appointment, it has emerged.
Four elements of the complaint were found by North Wales fire service to represent “learning opportunities” for Mr Millington and three to be “minor learning opportunities” for him. More via Wales Online
Ambulance boss admits ‘much more’ to do after paramedics speak out over sexual harassment and misogyny
The head of the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives has admitted to MPs it needs “to do much more to make the experience of student paramedics better” after Sky News revealed they face misogyny on a “weekly, if not daily basis”.
Daren Mochrie was giving evidence to the women and equalities committee when chair Caroline Noakes raised our investigation – which found female paramedics experience “incessant” misogyny and harassment from colleagues. More via Yahoo! News
GMP players to comprise one third of GB Police Rugby League squad to tour Australia
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) will provide a third of the playing squad, the captain and the assistant coach when the Great Britain Police Rugby League squad tours Australia in February and March.
Seven players plus assistant coach James Forster make up the GMP contingent in the tour squad that will play two matches down under. More via GMP