Latest news from across the emergency services

Every morning, Emergency Services Times combs a significant list of sources to bring you the sector’s freshest news stories. Compiled into a single article, this daily news digest is an easy, single point of reference for emergency services news, saving you the time and effort of searching yourself. Don’t forget to bookmark this page and check back daily to stay abreast of the latest goings on in the emergency services sector.

Government approach to flooding resilience is ‘contradictory and self-defeating,’ says scrutiny Chair

The Government does not know if it is making the UK more resilient to flooding warns the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) as it criticised the government for having no overall numerical target for the UK’s level of long-term flood resilience.

The PAC published its report Resilience to Flooding early in January. It contains 7 recommendations for action by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Environment Agency (EA). More via Emergency Services Times

Grenfell survivors to confront executives of firms blamed for disaster

Grenfell Tower survivors will this week confront executives from companies blamed for the disaster, after they said that in the wake of the Post Office scandal it was increasingly clear that “those in power have lost their moral compass”.

Watch out for a full write-up by Emergency Services Times Editor, Catherine Levin, who will be attending on the first morning of the event at the headquarters of the Church of England in Westminster this week. More via The Guardian

UK police set up new unit to combat foreign spy threats

In response to heightened intelligence indicating potential espionage threats from China, Russia, and Iran, UK authorities have initiated a dedicated unit to counteract these risks, particularly in anticipation of the upcoming general election slated for the second half of this year.

Addressing the media on Friday, Matt Jukes, Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, emphasised the severity of the threat, asserting that it is currently at its peak since the Cold War era. More via First Post

Scottish fire takes a major step towards resilient telephony helped by MLL Telecom

Managed network services provider MLL Telecom has announced the successful implementation of an internet-based voice (VoIP) communications system at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) newly opened £12 million Cambuslang Asset Resource Centre (ARC) in Glasgow. This was delivered by MLL as part of its ongoing contract to provide SFRS with fully managed wide area network (WAN) services. More via Emergency Services Times

Avon and Somerset Police takes part in Channel 4 documentary to shine light on police misconduct

Avon and Somerset Police will feature in a ground-breaking Channel 4 documentary following the vital and challenging work of the officers and staff who investigate their colleagues.

The documentary aims to shine a light on an area of policing which acts as a guardian of the high standards expected of those who take the oath to serve and protect. More via Avon and Somerset Police

When search teams brave the elements, drones come into their own

Leicestershire was severely impacted by the recent flooding, meaning many areas were inaccessible on foot. It’s in situations like this that drones come into their own.

Emily Butt, drone lead for Leicestershire Search and Rescue, explains how the service is developing its capabilities to provide adverse weather support at major incidents. More via Emergency Services Times

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service supports Register My Appliance Week 2024

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service (WFRS) is urging all households to register their home appliances to ensure they remain in a safe, working condition for as long as possible.

As the ongoing cost-of-living crisis prompts more people to consider buying second-hand electrical goods, it’s vital to register appliances – whether new or used – so that manufacturers can inform people know if there is a safety repair or recall on their product. More via Warwickshire County Council

Help 4 Addiction’s Rehubs app now available free of cost for all police officers

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) has partnered with Help 4 Addiction and Rehubs to bring addiction support free of charge to all police officers who may be struggling with any addiction issues.

Police officers in England and Wales seeking help with de-addiction can now easily access the Rehubs app with a code that bypasses the need for payment. More via PFEW

Chobham Fire Station to be temporarily relocated during redevelopment works

Chobham Fire Station will be relocating to Woking in Spring 2024 as essential development works start at the on-call station.

The crew and all equipment will be based at nearby Woking Fire Station from April and during the construction period which is due to last for approximately one year. More via Surrey News