Category: Uncategorized

In an uncertain UK with all the Brexit negotiations concluding the pandemic crisis, opinions and speculations… if I had some advice in what we should be thinking…. it would go something like this today…. At this time of year many families with children will be planning to enjoy a family and festive time together. Yet others spend a lonely Christmas or yet another lonely Christmas on their own sadly so many do. Equally there are many who have lost a loved one this year they think about that someone whom they have lost that was an influence in your lives and they are sorely and deeply missed. Each and every person in this world is important and you have a purpose no matter your social background, religion or beliefs, it does not matter how much money you have what car you drive how big your house, I would like everyone to be at peace this Christmas but sadly life isn’t always like that as we are seeing.

However I would ask of you all just take a couple minutes out of your busy days and go stand in front of a mirror and close your eyes. For that few seconds think of where Britain is today and recall all the wonderful achievements that we have made in today’s world. The medicines that we have invented Hospitals where we care for the sick people broken in body and mind. The incredible surgeons who do work to save so many. Think about the Drs and nurses in hospitals working in constant stressful roles, the Police, Fire services, RNLI, first responders all these incredible people keep going against overwhelming odds. The Infrastructure that we have built up to manufacture items that our forefathers could only have dreamt of, our transport and Telecommunication systems for example the Channel Tunnel huge developments. In UK we mainly live in warm homes and take for granted so much the welfare system, simple things like having a daily bath or shower spare a thought many in the country do not have this. I appreciate that while some people in UK go hungry they will have regular food at some point in their bodies – Unlike other adults and little children somewhere in the world who suffer in war zones and circumstances so awful you cannot imagine.  Then think about all those men and women who gave their lives so we can have the freedom that so many readily take for granted today. Think about the sacrifices in days gone by and those still making those sacrifices. Remember those who fought in the First World War and on the many battlefields of the Second World War, the Royal Airforce and Navy. Many of these brave members of military knew deep down that their chances of returning back alive to their families in the UK were very slim but for us today they fought against dictatorship and gave so much. Now open your eyes and look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself what is it that you could do for this Country and for others without being rewarded for it. Emotive question I know as in today’s society not everyone thinks like that. So what can you do?  It really doesn’t have to be anything big. Those who follow me on here and talk to me know my passion for respect and doing what’s right.  In your life the world around, you could try harder and be a little more polite, maybe a little more helpful, a little more tolerant at home at work or on the road these things are simple acts but go a huge way to stopping anger. To give without receiving should be a privilege you enjoy. Never lose sight of the fact freedom that we have and continue to be given, was fought for by others who gave and still give so much.

So all I ask is that you think about what you can give as well as what you can get, giving something is not giving all you have. As you walk away from the mirror please think about taking responsibility for the ramifications that occur because of your actions or what you have done. Stop blaming others for things that you are responsible or partly responsible for hard yes but again brings peace. The strong should help the weak and the wealthy should support the less fortunate. Finally let’s get back that lost respect that great British community spirit and respect for law and order. Do not accept any person no matter what the circumstances assaulting 999 family this is not part of their job. If you see this happening support those 999 family member’s because we owe them so much. Defend those who defend us all it matters truly.

Respect for others as well as yourself matters history shows this great country  you live in was built on respect and understanding. Caring for others giving more than we take back. Trust me when I say the feeling of helping someone and expecting nothing in return is the best feeling in the world. As we move into that season of goodwill when most will enjoy wonderful days at home with families spare a moment  to think not everyone will be able to do this. Our emergency services Police, Fire, Ambo, our Military, our Carers, Drs, Nurses, first responders, the list is endless but all these wonderful people are part of this great country we should never forget. See any of them say hello, buy them a coffee or food show how much you care it matters to them and will make a huge difference.

We are a great country, we are great people some lose direction, some take a wrong path in life often for the saddest of reasons. But we all have an opportunity to be good take it.

JG

26\11\2018

In an uncertain UK with all the Brexit negotiations, opinions and speculations… if I had some advice in what we should be thinking…. it would go something like this today…. At this time of year many families with children enjoy a family and festive time together while others spend a lonely Christmas or yet another lonely Christmas on their own sadly so many do. Equally there are many who have lost a loved one this year they think about that someone whom they have lost that was an influence in your lives and they are sorely and deeply missed. Each and every person in this world is important and you have a purpose no matter your social background, religion or beliefs, it does not matter how much money you have what car you drive how big your house, I would like everyone to be at peace this Christmas but sadly life isn’t always like that as we are seeing.

However I would ask of you all just take a couple minutes out of your busy days and go stand in front of a mirror and close your eyes. For that few seconds think of where Britain is today and recall all the wonderful achievements that we have made in today’s world. The medicines that we have invented Hospitals where we care for the sick people broken in body and mind. The incredible surgeons who do work to save so many. Think about the Drs and nurses in hospitals working in constant stressful roles, the Police, Fire services, RNLI, first responders all these incredible people keep going against overwhelming odds. The Infrastructure that we have built up to manufacture items that our forefathers could only have dreamt of, our transport and Telecommunication systems for example the Channel Tunnel huge developments. In UK we mainly live in warm homes and take for granted so much the welfare system, simple things like having a daily bath or shower spare a thought many in the country do not have this. I appreciate that while some people in UK go hungry they will have regular food at some point in their bodies – Unlike other adults and little children somewhere in the world who suffer in war zones and circumstances so awful you cannot imagine.  Then think about all those men and women who gave their lives so we can have the freedom that so many readily take for granted today. Think about the sacrifices in days gone by and those still making those sacrifices. Remember those who fought in the First World War and on the many battlefields of the Second World War, the Royal Airforce and Navy. Many of these brave members of military knew deep down that their chances of returning back alive to their families in the UK were very slim but for us today they fought against dictatorship and gave so much. Now open your eyes and look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself what is it that you could do for this Country and for others without being rewarded for it. Emotive question I know as in today’s society not everyone thinks like that. So what can you do?  It really doesn’t have to be anything big. Those who follow me on here and talk to me know my passion for respect and doing what’s right.  In your life the world around, you could try harder and be a little more polite, maybe a little more helpful, a little more tolerant at home at work or on the road these things are simple acts but go a huge way to stopping anger. To give without receiving should be a privilege you enjoy. Never lose sight of the fact freedom that we have and continue to be given, was fought for by others who gave and still give so much.

So all I ask is that you think about what you can give as well as what you can get, giving something is not giving all you have. As you walk away from the mirror please think about taking responsibility for the ramifications that occur because of your actions or what you have done. Stop blaming others for things that you are responsible or partly responsible for hard yes but again brings peace. The strong should help the weak and the wealthy should support the less fortunate. Finally let’s get back that lost respect that great British community spirit and respect for law and order. Do not accept any person no matter what the circumstances assaulting 999 family this is not part of their job. If you see this happening support those people because we owe them so much. Defend those who defend us all it matters truly.

Respect for others as well as yourself matters history shows this great country  you live in was built on respect and understanding. Caring for others giving more than we take back. Trust me when I say the feeling of helping someone and expecting nothing in return is the best feeling in the world. As we move into that season of goodwill when most will enjoy wonderful days at home with families spare a moment  to think not everyone will be able to do this. Our emergency services Police, Fire, Ambo, our Military, our Carers, Drs, Nurses, first responders, the list is endless but all these wonderful people are part of this great country we should never forget. See any of them say hello, buy them a coffee or food show how much you care it matters to them and will make a huge difference.

We are a great country, we are great people some lose direction, some take a wrong path in life often for the saddest of reasons. But we all have an opportunity to be good take it.

JG

A few thoughts time to step up  …. 04\10\2018

For some time we have known of the budget cuts applied to our hard working Police Teams and the overriding effect this has on their already strained ability to undertake the tasks presented to them in every shift. The Police Officers role is now so diverse and includes so many areas not normally expected of a law enforcement Officer this is a fact.

Be under no illusions the financial cuts the Police forces of this country are currently being railroaded into accepting, has already and will continue to affect our Policing standards. If the public were made aware of the current numbers of Police officers being turned out on patrol, in certain areas and at certain times of the day, they would be astonished and frightened. Our local Police team here in Dorset although up against these cuts have managed to maintain a very high standard of community care and response to incidents. This in my opinion is down to quite frankly hard work and dedication from these outstanding officers, supported by the PCSO team who are equally as professional in all they do. Obviously no Police force is ever going to tell you the true number of officers on patrol because criminals would use it to their advantage. Given time, what would happen is criminals and troublemakers will slowly become more aware there are much fewer Police about and their response to an incident is much slower. Can we let this happen? In my view we cannot, but how do we get this across to the decision makers who think up these very silly moves to cut budgets? There are huge savings to be made in other areas without penny pinching our Police budgets, charity begins at home, and home is the UK think about that! As one who is part of a great team I see a lot that goes on, the biggest failures I see is the lack of engagement by the public in support. There are so many things the public can do to help prevent crime. The public also have a duty to do all they can to protect themselves and property.

The coming weeks will see a gradual increases in crime in our area as well as others around the country I’ll wager, Christmas is coming and that’s a sure fire sign money is needed. I suspect that there may well be increases in robberies like off-licences, shops and post offices, burglaries in rural areas and thefts of items like tools, plant, and equipment from construction sites. Be on the lookout, be vigilant, do not leave it to chance, see it report it, help the Police in any way you can. Anything you do, any information you pass on 101 or 999 (in an emergency only) the help you give goes a long way to taking some of the pressure off these over stretched officers. Police forces like ours here in Dorset are being stretched but be assured their operational resilience is not getting weaker, one fact is for sure it is becoming highly likely that one day an emergency call will take longer than it should for a response, and I need to be very clear it is not their fault. Most of you know me what I do how I stand up for our guys and gals and right now the public must step up and do all they can to support these incredible Officers.

“Supporting the Blue”

JG

Reality 07\09\2018

As most who follow me here and on twitter know I work on the principles “do good and good comes back” and “respect counts” Want to share this with you all……

A few weeks back on a Friday evening and into the early hours of Saturday morning I worked alongside one of my colleagues based at Dorset Police station. We were on response so it meant whatever came our way we did our best to attend. There were a number of incidents to deal with during our shift, concerns for welfare, motoring offences, domestic dispute and very sadly one fatality. Again I saw first-hand the high standard of professionalism displayed by officers based at the Police Station in Dorset. I was privileged as a Police Volunteer to share and be part of that work and to witness what is actually involved in dealing with offenders and effectively making decisions and bring conclusion to each case. Members of the public have very little perception of what is involved in any incident and how much effort behind the scenes goes into bringing that case to a satisfactory conclusion within the law. Police work is about individual judgments made at the time based on the information and circumstances to hand. In many cases entering into difficult and sometimes potential life threatening scenarios. Yes Police officers are trained well, but not for every eventuality that is a fact. The role now includes medical assistance, mental health issues, social care it is now a huge task facing any front line officer and is now not just upholding the law.

Until like me you are part of that policing you will not fully understand what is undertaken each and every day by not only my colleagues at Dorset but all forces in the UK today. I want to bring to your attention the list below if you read it and understand it your views will be somewhat enlightened.

                                                    The Nine Principles of Policing

1. To prevent crime and disorder, as an alternative to their repression by military force and severity of legal punishment.
2. To recognise always that the power of the police to fulfil their functions and duties is dependent on public approval of their existence, actions and behaviour and on their ability to secure and maintain public respect.
3. To recognise always that to secure and maintain the respect and approval of the public means also the securing of the willing co-operation of the public in the task of securing observance of laws.
4. To recognise always that the extent to which the co-operation of the public can be secured diminishes proportionately the necessity of the use of physical force and compulsion for achieving police objectives.
5. 5. To seek and preserve public favour, not by pandering to public opinion; but by constantly demonstrating absolutely impartial service to law, in complete independence of policy, and without regard to the justice or injustice of the substance of individual laws, by ready offering of individual service and friendship to all members of the public without regard to their wealth or social standing, by ready exercise of courtesy and friendly good humour; and by ready offering of individual sacrifice in protecting and preserving life.
6. To use physical force only when the exercise of persuasion, advice and warning is found to be insufficient to obtain public co-operation to an extent necessary to secure observance of law or to restore order, and to use only the minimum degree of physical force which is necessary on any particular occasion for achieving a police objective.
7. To maintain at all times a relationship with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police are the public and that the public are the police, the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence.
8. To recognise always the need for strict adherence to police-executive functions, and to refrain from even seeming to usurp the powers of the judiciary of avenging individuals or the State, and of authoritatively judging guilt and punishing the guilty.
9. To recognise always that the test of police efficiency is the absence of crime and disorder, and not the visible evidence.

Every Police Officer works relentlessly to keep us all safe closing message is simple..

” Support them, Show respect to them”

JG

17\08\2108

Not written much in a long time workload and pressures of many things take a toll in daily life. Those who follow me on Twitter know I am still very active in my stance on respect and doing the right thing. Since my last blog I have joined Dorset Constabulary and my role now sees me involved in CCTV operations. As every day passes we see more and more incidents of violence the levels of stabbings,assaults and vile acts people do to each other growing. Many tweet and post on social media graphic images,make statements,give opinion sometimes without getting all the facts.

Be under no false illusion with live in worrying times, less front line Police greater population,failures to invest in resources needed,sadly adds to the situation.Some sentences on conviction relay the wrong message,victims feel failed not by the hard working Police teams but by the outcome of some trails whereby sentence fails to relate to the crime.I have this view and its supported by many who feel the same,if you assault a police Office there should be on conviction a mandatory custodial sentence relating to the severity of incident. We are living in unprecedented times things are going on now that in all honesty are at times hard to understand. Sadly in this country we have become soft. Let me explain...If you go to live in shall we say Dubai you abide by the rules, you will respect the culture, you will obey the authorities. If you do not your going to prison, then kicked out of country end of zero tolerance. Fact you drive your car down road park it outside supermarket leave the engine running knowing your car will be there upon your return. You can leave your wallet and phone on the bar go to the toilet and know when you come back it will be there. So who has got it right? We need to change our ways we need to bring back respect, discipline,understanding and above all proper sentences on conviction.

I saw a report this morning of London crime rates,90 murders this year, moped crime up,gang violence up,threats of terror up,what are those who can bring and influence change thinking? Social media rants fall on deaf ears we all do it on Twitter or FaceBook but in reality its not going to bring change. My fear for the future is that at some point the public will rise up and say enough is enough.This leads to total anarchy and wrong,educate to respect each other,focus on doing what is right earn your money do not steal it.Embrace your cultural differences,focus on making life good not violent.Violence proves nothing it adds fuel to the fire,enforce laws that make a difference. Bringing change sadly due to so many failures will take a very long time but understand one thing in my view having seen so much the route to this is "Mutual Respect"

Blog 16\03\2018

A view on Police with Social media engagement

Those who read my blogs and follow my Twitter account know first-hand that as a Police volunteer I actively promote and support the positive side of policing through that media. The essence of community Policing is to build mutual trust in both the laws and the Police officers who put themselves on the line every single day to uphold those laws. If and when it works, the result is a “win-win” for the Police and the community, less crime,less trouble for the Police and harmony for all. It is definitely not a “them and us” situation as a certain few feel at times towards the Police. That is a wrong mind set full stop. The “Police are the public and the public the Police” history tells you this. Understand the positive side of Police work and you will view things differently. There is a huge trend these days for Police teams to engage the public with social media platforms such as Twitter and FaceBook. This has proven over the past year or two to be very successful. Of recent weeks it has become apparent that some departments are changing the way Police can engage the public through these platforms. A large number of very active Police and popular accounts are being withdrawn and controlled by each forces communications department. Whilst this is a decision all warranted officers must adhere too it is a shame that those doing this do not see the huge benefit that this social media engagement actually gives both the Police and Public.

Many forget that police officers are the same as you and me, they have lives, families and feel the same pain and sorrow we do. Communication between them and us as public is vital. It allows you to, ask questions, get up close and personal with your police teams and that breaks down barriers it helps them and ultimately you. Police working with the public via these platforms, builds a mutual trust develops partnerships opposing the law breakers, combating antisocial behaviour, Cyber-crime and all aspects of crime. This way of engaing is a very positive move in my opinion. To consider withdrawing and stopping such engagement via Twitter or Facebook is a step backwards in my humble view. I am sure many will agree being brought positive news and understanding what each day brings Police teams is a good thing. While that engagement can be at times humour based it shows the human side of Policing that we must all learn.Working on social media creates a bond between Police and the public a trust that be developed for the good of all. I respect that in some views there is a limit to what can be brought to the public but having that vital link is an enormous benefit.

Just my humble opinion but if it declines to a greater level as some are predicting resulting in more active accounts being withdrawn very sad day for Policing. Thanks for reading as one who cares passionately about our Police Teams felt I had to put my view across.

Crime prevention 2018 you and your property

So, what advice can we give?

If someone can get into your garden easily without attracting suspicion, it gives them more time to steal from you.

1 Are your fences and gates in good repair?

2 Do you have security lighting?
Low energy dusk to dawn solar lighting is environmentally friendly and cheap to run lighting for the side and rear).

3 Do you leave things outside all year (ornaments, furniture, and tools) that could be removed easily or used to break into your house?
Secure them in position or fill with heavy gravel to prevent easy carrying.

4 Are there overgrown areas where someone could hide?
Cut it back so you can see what’s going on. Gravel on paths and driveways can alert you to someone approaching so intruders will not be so keen. Prickly plants and trellis can provide extra protection from the intruder.

Sheds and outbuildings / garages

Without realising it, you probably have a lot of valuable property in your sheds and outbuildings and you don’t pay as much attention to security as you should. Power tools, lawnmowers, cycles, golf clubs etc. are all expensive to replace and attractive to thieves.

1 Has your shed survived the winter without damage, which could help a thief gain access?

2 Are your doors secured?
Shed doors are easy to get into so strengthen the door / frame.

3 Outside door hinges should be secured with coach bolts or non-return screws. Use strong pad bars and close shackle padlocks. Up and over garage doors can be secured by putting padlocks through the inside runners or by fitting padlocks with a hasp and staple on either side of the door. There are other effective devices available which stop the door being lifted. 5 lever mortice locks are the best on normal solid doors. Better still fit a security lock box which you can buy here > https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shed-securiry-Lock-Boxes-Bolt-Lock-Boxes-Block-Lock-sheds-garages-/162121518685?hash=item25bf320e5d

4 Are windows secured? Is the glass cracked but you haven’t got round to replacing it? You could use Perspex or polycarbonate sheet if well fixed. Use a window lock on opening windows and a strong grille or heavy wire mesh. Consider using net curtains to deter casual viewing.

5 Use an alarm – battery operated alarms may act as a deterrent. If you have a house alarm, you could have it upgraded to include your shed or garage. If the garage is an integral part of your house, make sure the alarm conforms to BS 4737.

6 If the garage is linked to your house, is the connecting door as well protected as the main door? If not, upgrade the door security now!

Property.

1 Does your insurance cover the shed and garage and all the equipment you store there?

2 Is everything post-coded so that you could identify it if it was stolen?
Most items can be post-coded by a variety of methods (etching, branding, paint stencilling etc.) and easily identifiable items will make them more difficult for a thief to dispose of and therefore less likely to take in the first place. Consider “Smart Water”

3 Do you have a note of serial numbers? Have you photographed any valuable items and put the photos somewhere safe?

4 Do you secure property within the shed / garage? So that even if someone did break into it, they would not just be able to walk off with all your valuable items? Chain cycles, mowers, ladders and tools to a strong anchor point such as metal rings fixed in concrete to the floor – use a close shackle padlock.

5 As sheds are not designed for safe storage, would it be better to have a strong lockable box or cage inside your shed – preferably fixed to the floor?

6 Ask your neighbours to keep their eye on your shed as well as the house and do the same for them in return. If you’ve hidden your shed so it can’t be seen, cut down some foliage so you’re not providing cover for a thief.

7 When you’ve made your garden, shed or any outbuildings more secure, remember to lock things away every time. It only takes a minute to pick something up and walk off, so don’t be tempted to leave everything out while you go inside for a cup of tea. And NEVER leave cycles unlocked.

Finally and well worth a call:

Speak to these guys about security products, locking devices, CCTV and anything that will help you protect your assets.                                                   

WWW.FABANDSITESECURITY.COM

Blog 23\08\2017

Respect for Police Officers

From the standpoint of community Policing, there is nothing worse to see than a member of the public hurling abuse, assaulting or spitting at a Police officer whilst in the execution of his or her duty. Those who read my blogs know firsthand that we as Business Watch New Forest and myself as a Police volunteer actively promote and support the positive side of policing. The essence of community policing is to build mutual trust in both the laws and the police officers who put themselves on the line every single day to uphold said laws. If and when it works, the result is a “win-win” outcome for the police and the community for sure, less crime and less trouble for the Police and harmony for all. It is definitely not a “them and us” situation as most feel at times towards the Police, it is wrong full stop. The “Police are the public and the public Police” history tells you this. Understand the positive side of Police work and you will view things differently. I often quote “respect cost nothing” and that fact is so true. Respect is a two way thing show some you will get it back.

Without detailing too much I have experienced first-hand at grass roots level, professional police work, the protocols they are warranted to follow and the compassion they show in dealing with  many very difficult cases. I was present one time at a tragedy on a New Year’s Eve whereby there was loss of life. For most of the night I was involved as a police volunteer alongside colleagues from two police stations. I consider myself privileged to see that side of Police work that the public never get to see. I can tell you now if those who flout the law, those who disrespect our police officers and those who do not understand Policing could have seen what I did, attitudes would change dramatically trust me. Sure I am a huge supporter and promoter of community Police work because I am involved but I am still a member of the public. Many forget that police officers are the same as you and me, they have lives, families and feel the same pain and sorrow we do. Communication and not being afraid to talk to them, ask questions, get up close and personal with your police team changes your attitude. When you have an emergency that involves, accidents, threat to life, domestic disputes, theft who do you turn too? When you need them they are there to help, that in my book commands utmost respect and understanding of what they do.

Police working with the public and schemes like ours,builds mutual trust develops partnerships opposing the law breakers,combating antisocial behaviour,Cyber-crime and all aspects of crime is a very positive move in my humble opinion. As every week passes we see more and more terrible things happening in our world, tragedy, death, destruction to a level none of us have experienced. Here in the UK we are now seeing terrible attacks against our way of life but not to a level others are seeing. Ask yourself why we can sleep safely in our homes? Because you know if something goes wrong we can rely upon the Police officers around the country to be there. There is so much work achieved behind the scenes that none of ever see,that work goes on around the clock to protect us.

All these incredible teams  ask is that we as members of the public show some respect for what they do and that is a very very small ask given the dedication shown by all. Next time you see a Police Officer,PCSO or NCA Officer take the time to say thank you for what you do,it will go a very very long way. Never forget……

” Respect cost nothing”

End