Category: Uncategorized

17\08\2016

Been an age since I wrote something on this blog page. Recent questions from Twitter followers made me think about updating a few words. I get a lot of great interaction on Twitter as many know I have a few followers and my account portrays huge suport and respect for 999 family plus a lot of humour whilst remaning respectful. In responce to those who messaged me with random questions heres my thoughts on my social media namely Twitter.

If like me you use social media to portray a message to your followers you can do this without the need to post obscene or graphic material or use too much profanity. You can interact enjoy good laughs and a bit of fun banter whilst remaining respectful. Dont get me wrong I am no snob Ill swear and shout with the rest but theres a time and place. Ill admit some of my humour is a little near the mark at times but as Kenny Everett said “Its all in the best possible taste”

One question I get asked quite often is why do I address senior Police officers the way I do in open chat ie Sir or Ma`am in my posts, simple answer is its called respect for that position. Being a volunteer you get to meet a lot of police officers all ranks and its professional courtesy and protocol to address them in such a way. Make no mistake I am 100% supporter of our Police Teams,both as a Police Volunteer and through my Internet presence. Having that involvment does play a part in how you conduct yourself.

But sadly you see many forget at times Police do a job that in reality most could not and would not want to do. In my world whether you agree or not that deserves respect,and as 2 recent attempted followers found out if you are offensive to my mind set your done,blocked good bye. Ill be honest many say to me John Im no ones boss on Twitter call me by my name and some I do in DM chats. For me its the way I was educated to be respectful. In my youth your local bobby was always respected and I have always kept that in mind. I have many Police officers following me and I follow them and I take great comfort in knowing first hand like you and me they are no different.  In responce to one banned followers rather unsavoury comments there is no “its them and us” who ever thinks that really is not on the same planet as most Police Officers do a job and I will use the term as always quoted “Like no other” Heres an old link worth a read > http://jgblog.co.uk/10-shift

Twitter is a great tool however only if you use it right and know how to get your message accross. The clue to my success on Twitter is in that. There are no boundaries you can chat with anyone from any walk of life but remaining respectful in my book remains paramount.The meme posts I create to get messages across work well I can get a lot looking at really important messages because people follow me for the respectful interaction. All this sounds terribly big headed but its not intened to be its in responce to some out there who asked. Cheers for reading…

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Just some thoughts on a really tragic few weeks 09\07

Not updated for a while but with the horror of both Orlando and now in Dallas firmly scorched into our minds I thought about time I shared some thoughts. There is no doubt we live in a world now so dangerous and violent its hard to focus on anything but the daily news of death,destruction,disaster and incidents so horrific its hard to believe we as human beings do these things. No blog post or social media rant can ever solve anything it just highlights a view. Resolution to this awful violence comes down to indivisual people I am afraid,their own mindset,view,prosective,belief influence on others what ever it is, this should never be forced upon anyone.

Like most I sat and watched in horror the incident in Dallas unfolding this week,to lose 5 Police officers have 11 more injured as a result of one mans view and hatred is appauling. In amongst the horror of fallen and injured Police officers we saw others charging towards gun fire without regard for thier own safety. Courage and resolve which many seem to forget to mention. Most media will focus on the shocking event,the injured or dying and give little if any praise for those dealing with it. Fundemantal mistake in my view as gloryfying the violence is what the person or persons commiting these acts wants to achieve. Enforcing their view or belief with violent acts to try and shock that belief into others.

Much media about lives that matter,well hey ho big surprise every life matters! no boundaries we are all here and should live in peace. Understanding,respect and tollerance of each other is so hard to achieve in todays world but if we could create this,it would go a long way towards curbing a lot of the horror.

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20\06\2016

Friday night saw me working along side our local Police Safer Neighbourhood Team on a 10 hour shift. In those ten hours we dealt with a number of incidents, nothing nasty or too shocking to be honest. I ran a live tweeting session about various bits of those incidents during that shift. That after much thought prompted me to think about some issues we dealt with and wanted to share those thoughts.

The police officers role is now so diverse, not just law enforcement but Paramedic, Social worker, Fire fighter and Mental health advisor! There is much reported and talked about on this very emotive subject it is truly a job like no other. The problem facing any FLO officer is further complicated by rules and fears no one ever sees and the long term effects of trauma take a toll. Resources are stretched to the limit lets be under no illusion response to some calls just do not happen as they should not through any fault of the police teams but those who apply budget restraints. On my Friday night shift units were called from some distances away to deal with the increasing number of 999 calls recieved at the control room.

Friday night in particular one incident highlighted my need to update the blog, a grade 1 incident thats a 999 call that requires immediate response. Upon arrival at the scene the dealing officer was confronted by a mentally disturbed gentleman carrying a lock knife. In this instance the man was-very unwell and fortunately for all very receptive to the police officer taking the knife and resolving his immediate concerns. The officer dealt with this methodically and professionally whilst showing utmost rspect and compassion for this man. We later played back the BWV footage(Body Warn Video) at station this is a huge benefit to all Police as gives alive every second report for later refural. This was an isolated incident whereby the outcome was peaceful but in most cases its not always that easy. Going into a situation like this facing a knife or weapon with no more than a stab proof vest and pepper spray is not easy but it is what in most cases any Police officer will do. Yes they do have back up by way of Armed Response teams but they are not always easily to hand on grade 1 calls.

I am a police volunteer a member of the public that gives up time to support police with any thing they can do to assist. Most volunteers avoid frontline and choose a support role behind the scenes. Not for me I want to be there seeing first hand seeing what goes on and as many know I go out a lot with my local SNT. There are things that my role allows me to do and things I cannot. But under the strict guidance of your police colleague if you choose you can help out. My experiences allow me to present genuine first hand knowledge of things I see, which allows me to bring to the public in support of police through social Media and web based presentations what many never see or understand. I am not at liberty to discuss details or specifics i.e. peoples details as like the police I had to become security vetted to undertke this role.

So wheres this updated blog heading ? The very emotive and controversial subject arming Police officers with minimun of Taser.Why do I raise this point? because lately its been suggested every officer should carry minimum of taser and I believe that should be the case. Giving our police the tools they need to do the job is so important, stopping the huge number injured and assaulted is a big issue. A Police officers job description does not include acceptance of assault its not part of that job. It happens and is becoming a more publised fact as recent Cases have sadly highlighted.

We  need considerably more police on the front lines not less which sadly we are seeing happening through many issues. My questions are this “would you go up against lethal weapons without the right equipment?” I know the answer already I am sure, so why would a police officer who is no different to you or me feel anything different? It is a job they do to protect us being there when circumstances happen in our lives which we cannot deal with.

We must give them the tools they need to protect not only us but most importantly themselves.

An objective opinion all from a 10 shift!

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No secret that past few weeks have been traumatic for my family and I It’s never easy losing a loved one we have all at times felt the pain and sorrow of that time in our lives when you have to face that harsh reality. My Dad was a very honorable man, simple in his beliefs and life style never one to be flamboyant or flash he liked a simple easy going life. He loved his country, all his family friends and my mum most of all. He taught me many things in my life, I learned some hard lessons but of all those the biggest thing he taught me was respect, and that advice I have preserved through all of my adult life.Often talked in depth to us all about his days in the RAF,I kind of aligned him at times quite jokingly with the TV character Uncle Albert from only fools and horses who was often heard quoting “during the war” it never got boring no matter how many times he told us the stories. There is an unwritten law in this life which says “you have do what you’ve got to do for family” Last night I had a message from a senior police officer who I have become friends with through my voluntary role with Hampshire Constabulary. He said John” we keep the people we love with us in memory the loved are never lost”

I am fortunate that my social media and Internet presence enables me to engage with all walks of life,and its no surprise that my admiration and respect for our Police and NHS staff along with all 999 family play a huge part in my every day routines. I get very frustrated by the negativity portrayed by much of the press relating to Police and NHS. Its very easy to highlight negatives but highlighting the positives is by far a greater thing to do.

Sat here Monday morning thinking about things, seeing once again how good our 999 family actually is prompted me to drop down a short blog. There is not enough positives shown to all these great people who go way beyond the normal to help everyone in times of need. Lets all remember what my dad taught me “Respect” it costs nothing but means a great deal to millions.

 

 

Blog 09\05

Saturday night just gone saw me once again deeply indebted to the 999 family to which I hold a small role in support( Police Volunteer). At a little after midnight after returning from a night out with my son and a few mates I found my wife collapsed with severe abdominal pain. A “code red” meant she was quickly transported by ambulance to the emergency unit at Southampton General Hospital and placed in care of a junior Doctor and her team of nurses and technicians. Pleased to say shes now out of surgery and on road to recovery but my 24 hours in there prompted this blog update.

Saturday night in A&E at any hospital is manic any Police officer or medic will tell you the same- but this night was pretty full on. I saw, drunks, drug addicts,mentally disturbed people taking up 60% of these valuable facilities and resources. All absorbed dealt with by a professional crew of Drs and nurses fighting not only these people to resolve their issues,but tiredness,stretched patience and abuse,they do this each and every shift without question or hesitation. The never ending string of alcohol related incidents delayed unnecessarily some serious cases being dealt with. At one point up to 4 hours to see the Dr who was so in constant demand. Drs and nurses should never be subject to any form of physical or verbal abuse as with our Police but it happens and I saw it Saturday night. 

On top of this they are being pressured with new contracts and unfair working practices which to be fair is now being reviewed and rightly so by the Government minister responsible! Lets hope talks work out because I tell you we need these people they are unique,tremendously loyal devoted people who like our Police Teams make a huge difference. We rely on them at times of great distress in our lives to help us over come adversity. The pressure in the A&E I was in Saturday night into Sunday could have been cut with a knife!

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Making a difference 26\04

 

Friday night just gone I spent the evening out with my local SNT police team, well sort of the team to be honest it consisted of 2 PCs and 1 very willing volunteer me! forming a very thin blue line in our town. Now on the face of it, if it’s quiet ( learned never mention that word while on shift) that’s not the end of the world as we have RPU teams about for those that don’t know our terminology that Road Policing Unit. Also to be fair backed up by dog handling units if required. The problem comes whereby these teams are spread thin stretching this valuable resource to the limit. When the Sierra Hotel India Tango hits the fan and it doesn’t always come in ones! then the problem impacts greatly on response to incidents. Hence the term” Thin blue line”

 

I am a volunteer a member of the public who gives time to support Police in the execution of their respective duties. To be honest I am a lot more involved than most volunteers through my own choice because of my ability to deal with most things no matter what we respond to. The way I see it is being a Police volunteer helps, another pair of hands another pair of eyes all works to keep the peace. With more budget restrictions and reduced FLP numbers volunteers can make a difference. I am based in a small Town on the edge of the New Forest where you would think nothing much would happen within that community. Well suffice to say that is not the case there is always someone,drunk,drugged, mentally disturbed or just angry that wants to fight the world.

 

When anyone is affected by this type of behaviour first thing they do is call 999 and expect the police to turn out and resolve whatever is going on at the time. Friday saw us dealing with a number of not too major incidents, domestic disupte,concern for welfare, and suspected drug dealing. What I see that many do not, is front line police dealing with absolutely anything that’s thrown at them. Therefore my understanding of the serving police officers role is much greater than most. I have the privilege to be able to work alongside a great team of male and female officers who look after our town extremely well. So my message is this, “do not be critical of the police resources, if you’re not prepared to do something to help” Now that may sound harsh but remember it is not the fault of the teams or those who control them that they are under pressure. Everyone now understands “Cuts have consequences” and that sad consequence is not enough officers on the beat. Can you make a difference?

 

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