Surrey Police and RAF join forces to tackle crime
Submitted: 23/02/2005 09:49:45
PC Martin Savage and an RAF police officer
Officers from the RAF Police will be joining forces with officers from Surrey Police this summer for a series of operations to tackle autocrime around Mole Valley’s beauty spots.
The operations are planned from March onwards and will see an increase in patrols around the areas beauty spot car parks at a time when there is traditionally an increase in the amount of autocrime. Officers from the RAF Police based at Headley Court will be joining Surrey Police Officers to help give an even greater police presence.
The operations are all part of a more joined up approach between Surrey Police and the RAF to help tackle crime. This new initiative will see better communication and a greater sharing of intelligence between the two organisations.
The links with the RAF Police have been forged by Mole Valley Rural Affairs Officer PC Martin Savage.
PC Savage said:
“The Mole Valley can be very challenging to police because of how remote so much of the area is. The RAF police already carry out patrols on a daily basis around the Headley Court base and so it seemed like a sensible progression to join forces. Not only will they be joining us for the operation we have planned over the summer but they will also be making regular stops at the beauty spot car parks on their routine patrols. If they see anything suspicious when they are out and about then they will note down any details, such as registration numbers, and immediately pass the information on to police.
“RAF officers don’t have the same powers of arrest that a regular police officer has but the additional eyes and ears that they provide when out on patrol could prove to be an invaluable source of intelligence. They also drive highly visible marked cars that should provide a powerful deterrent to any criminals looking to target the Mole Valley.”
He added:
“This partnership is another unique way in which Surrey Police is keeping the people of Surrey safe and feeling safe and I am very optimistic about its future.”
An RAF Police Spokesperson said:
"Working together with the local police has improved all aspects of security and more often than not, has proven successful in crime prevention in the area. This relationship has made the military more visible in the community and it is with pride that we can help in keeping both Surrey and our assets safe from unwanted attention."
For further information please contact the Divisional Press and Publicity Officer for East Surrey
E-mail: 8688@surrey.pnn.police.uk
The RAF's Emma Bennion keeps troops safe in Afghanistan |
It's been described by soldiers as one of the most dangerous tasks in the world - guarding the gates to the UK's Camp Bastion in Helmand in Afghanistan. But that's where you'll find 26-year-old RAF servicewoman Emma Bennion, from Middlewich in Cheshire. Not only is she charged with keeping troops safe in the camp, she's helping to mentor and train Afghan soldiers. On average, Emma and the RAF police Force Protection team check 150 vehicles a day and up to 300 people. They use sniffer dogs and other security equipment to man Camp Bastion's check point one, which stands 1km ahead of the main gate. Learning the language Corporal Bennion takes it in turns with others to guard the check point with one other soldier and an Afghan interpreter, to talk to locals who come onto the base. She said: "You do try and have a chat with some of them and learn their language, but in busy periods it's hard to - we do try to learn a little from the interpreters we have here." The base is home to some 14,500 British, US and NATO troops and civilian personnel. "There are 36 of us out here, doing several different jobs," said Corporal Bennion. "Our main role is to provide security for the base, go out to the local area and talk to the local villagers. "We provide security for the whole base, we're the first point of contact, its safety for everyone." Suicide bomb attempts Emma said her team are a close-knit group and despite a number of suicide bomb attempts at the base - they manage to keep smiling.  14,500 British, US and NATO troops and civilians live on the camp. |
Despite Afghanistan's conservative culture she said that the gender issue is exaggerated. "You do get a few strange looks when you walk through a crowd of locals - but there is no issue," she said. And although the team are close-knit, Corporal Bennion does still get homesick for Cheshire. "I miss friends and family and being able to go home and just relax. Although you have time off here, there's nowhere to go. But I like the challenge of being here." Commanding Officer Mick Smeath, 43, says that Cpl Bennion and all the team had done an "outstanding job" or their tour. "The RAF regiment in the local villages really are winning the hearts and minds of the people, and the RAF police are working well with the local population who are coming onto the base to work." The team arrived in early December 2009 and are expected home in late May 2010. |
Service with honour
Back row, from left: Cpl Gillian Cartledge, Senior Aircraftman Nigel Butler, Senior Aircraft-woman Leanne Prinsloo, Senior Aircraftman Steve Rowley and Senior Aircraft-woman Lisa Healy. Front row, from left: Cpl Emma Proctor, Sqn Ldr Steve O’Hara, Gp Capt Phil Cox, WO Mick Keane, Lt Craig Macpherson.
Published Date: 27 January 2010
RAF Boulmer personnel have been honoured at a medal ceremony held in the Officers' Mess.
Families of the recipients watched proudly as the Station Commander Group Captain Phil Cox presented the medals.
An Air Officer Commanding No 2 Group Commendation was presented to Corporal Emma Proctor, who is a member of the RAF Police Flight at RAF Boulmer
Female RAF officer learns what Afghan women want
29 Jan 10
An RAF officer is taking the lead in a new initiative to reach out to Afghan women living in the poverty-stricken desert communities near Camp Bastion, the biggest British military base in Helmand province.
Flight Lieutenant Charlie Mee talking with an Afghan woman
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
Flight Lieutenant 'Charlie' Mee works jointly with American military personnel from the nearby US base, Camp Leatherneck. She said:
"For the first time anywhere in Helmand outside the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah, we're meeting and speaking with ordinary Afghan women to find out what their concerns are and what help they would like from us to improve their communities.
"Because of the cultural restrictions Afghan women are under, it's been impossible for my male predecessors to engage with the females. Women rarely leave the family compound, let alone their local village. What I am able to do is meet and talk to the women here in a way that's not been done before."
Flight Lieutenant Mee, together with some American female medics and interpreters, recently obtained permission from male village elders to talk to some of their womenfolk:
"We were allowed inside the privacy of a mud-walled compound to meet women from a small village," she said. "We asked them about their health and found out what medical problems they are suffering from so that we can return soon with the right medicines to treat them.
"We also asked about education and the women said they wanted it for themselves and their children but that it was their husbands who must decide.
"The women, who live in the most basic conditions, are mostly either pregnant or have just given birth. They suffer from irritated skin and rashes, mild fevers, coughs and colds. Their level of knowledge about basic personal hygiene and health is incredibly low. They are not even aware that they need to drink water after childbirth in order to produce breast milk.
Flight Lieutenant Charlie Mee
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
"These women are providing a good snapshot of the surrounding area. The important thing now is to come back with the right medicines and to keep up the engagement process. In future we will try to hold more small meetings at regular intervals in different locations. Familiar faces are important - if the women get to know and recognise us, trust will build up.
"It is vital to engage with the women. Although they're very restricted in society they hold a lot of sway in their own homes and in their own small communities. They can influence what the men do and in particular help form the opinions and actions of the young men of fighting age who might otherwise be encouraged to join the Taliban."
Flight Lieutenant Mee is based at RAF Wittering, near Stamford. She deployed to Afghanistan in December for her second six-month tour of duty in the country.
She is an RAF police officer by trade and joined the military in 2002. She completed a tour to Basra, Iraq, in 2005 and another to Kandahar, Afghanistan, in 2008, where she helped co-ordinate the training and development of the Afghan National Police.
Her current job means she regularly meets with local Afghans - usually male - to find out what they need to make their villages better and safer. She said:
"Of course, improving the security situation is vital, but longer term it's about building a successful, prosperous future for these people so they have the confidence to stand on their own feet, independent of the Taliban. Ultimately we'd like to provide schools, basic healthcare and alternative power, all run and maintained under the direction of the local elders.
"Through building up relationships we also hope to learn more about this area; who lives here, who the leaders are, how they make a living, and of course any potential links to the Taliban.
"The most rewarding thing about my job is that I feel we are making a difference. These people have nothing, but by talking to them we are finding out what they actually want and helping them to build a sustainable community. This is more than just charity, it's about providing a successful future for these women and their families."
RAF police get a good grounding in Boston
Published Date: 13 January 2010 Wednesday, 12pm - ROYAL Air Force police officers have been getting a taste of life on the beat in Boston.
Two officers joined the town centre's Neighbourhood Policing Team yesterday (Tuesday) and will do so again today.
The aim is to gain more experience of policing within local communities.
It is also hoped the exercise will help develop stronger community links between the two forces.
A spokesman for Lincolnshire Police said: "We can confirm that our officers are out on patrol with a number of RAF police officers.
"The activity is for young-in-service RAF officers, which aims to strengthen community links and share good practice."
The RAF personnel joined Boston's officers on an observational basis and do not have any power to police the town's streets, other than those of an ordinary person.
Previously, Lincolnshire Police and RAF Police have liased on events such as Remembrance Day and other parades in the town.
A RAF spokesman said this week's exercise is just for the two days at the moment but depending on how successful it is may be repeated again in the future.
Creetown family receive medal in memory of their son who was killed in action
Dec 25 2009 by Julie Watt, Dumfries Standard Friday
A CREETOWN couple have received a medal in memory of their son who was killed in action in Iraq.
Sylvia and Rod Shepherd were overcome with pride after being awarded the Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll in honour of their son David, who died on May 19, 2003, while serving with the RAF police on Operation TELIC.
The medal is granted to the next of kin of UK armed forces personnel who have died on operations or as a result of an act of terrorism in national recognition of their loss and sacrifice.
Introduced in July, this is the first time the name of a reigning monarch has been given to a new award since the George Cross was instituted in 1940 by King George VI.
The medal was given to Mr and Mrs Shepherd and their daughter Paula at a special presentation by Group Captain John Whitmell, Provost Marshal (RAF) on behalf of the Queen.
Mr Whitmell said: “Cpl Shepherd was a fine, upstanding RAF Policeman, who embodied all that is good about the RAF. The loss of Cpl Shepherd was felt keenly by all his colleagues; however, we remain inspired by his commitment and sense of duty. He will not be forgotten.”
Proud Mrs Shepherd said: “David was a unique and special person who can never be replaced; we are, however, immensely proud to have received this award in his place.
“Although it was a great privilege, we are saddened that it is one that any parent would not wish to receive in the circumstances.”
Her Majesty The Queen said of the awards: “This seems to me a right and proper way of showing our enduring debt to those who are killed while actively protecting what is most dear to us all. The solemn dignity which we attach to the names of those who have fallen is deeply engrained in our national character. As a people, we accord this ultimate sacrifice the highest honour and respect.”
The arms of the Elizabeth Cross bear floral symbols representing England (Rose), Scotland (Thistle), Northern Ireland (Shamrock) and Wales (Daffodil). The reverse of the Cross is engraved with the name of the person in whose memory it is granted.
RAF Police on the Helmand beat
24 Sep 09
Operating in temperatures touching 40 degrees and under constant threat of attack from insurgents, the Helmand beat is one of the toughest police assignments in the world. Report by Squadron Leader Iain Houghton.
An RAF policeman giving a local Afghan trader a helping hand at Camp Bastion in Helmand province, Afghanistan
[Picture: SAC Neil Chapman, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
RAF Police patrols in the UK-controlled area of southern Afghanistan might face more danger than their civilian counterparts may ever encounter but the aim is the same - to bring the rule of law.
The RAF Police anti-intimidation patrols are a key element of the over-arching International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) strategy to loosen the grip of the Taliban on Afghan communities.
Based at Camp Bastion, operating as part of the ISAF unit brought in to mentor the fledgling Afghan National Police force and clamp down on the endemic corruption that blights many Helmand communities, the RAF team mount daily patrols into some of the province's most dangerous areas.
Patrol Commander, Sergeant Gareth Stagg, said:
"One of the RAF Police's most important tasks is to get out and about - we try to build up a relationship with the locals, show them we are there to help Afghanistan."
When Camp Bastion was carved out of the Afghan desert the area was unpopulated. But with camps and airfields come business opportunities and the Afghans have a strong commercial sense.
A local community is forming in the area around the camp to service its needs and bringing with it a challenge for the RAF Police patrols.
The police call it a village but that's not accurate, it is a group of dwellings and businesses clinging to existence in a way that is difficult to comprehend.
RAF Police with American ISAF counterparts at Camp Bastion
[Picture: SAC Neil Chapman, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
But it is commerce and it is peaceful, thanks in part to the RAF Police's work.
Sergeant Stagg is doing the work of an old-fashioned beat bobby, getting to know the locals, talking to them, making them feel safe - with an armed patrol providing cover around him. He said:
"We try to gain the confidence of the locals and hope in return they'll help us. These are very kind people, working away from home, trying to make money for their families."
On a recent patrol, a civilian vehicle approached and got too close for comfort. Sergeant Ian Young said:
"I had to get it to stop - we did not know who the driver was and the risk of a suicide bomber is very real."
Most locals understand what to do and the car pulls to one side away from the patrol. It is a timely reminder that this is Afghanistan - a violent place.
As the patrol heads home, the day's last stop is at the local market. As Sergeant Stagg walks to the door with his helmet under his arm he spots two Afghans armed with Kalashnikovs.
He makes a quick radio call to the rest of the patrol so there are no misunderstandings as he has recognised the armed men - two local security contractors who have come in to shop.
A familiar ritual follows - sit, talk, be offered and accept a drink - but here Sergeant Stagg makes a more material contribution to the rebuilding of Afghanistan.
He buys a case of soft drinks for the patrol for their return to base - a small gesture, but probably one of the ways the hearts and minds campaign for Afghanistan will be won.
This article is taken from the 11 September 2009 edition of RAF News - Voice of the Royal Air Force.
RAFP NCO Wounded In Afghanistan
A LIGHT glinting in the trees warned Corporal Gareth Hughes that something was about to happen.
As he turned to alert the commander of his night patrol, Taliban insurgents opened fire. Within seconds the 25-year-old was hit. But believing the bullet had only struck his body armour, Cpl Hughes pushed forward and fired back. As the searing pain intensified, the former Ecclesbourne School pupil looked down and saw blood coming from a wound in his stomach. "You develop a sixth sense about when things are going to happen and always have to be prepared. When I saw a light in the trees ahead I just knew," said Cpl Hughes. "The insurgents were about 40m away and I was hit within seconds. "I felt the hit, but initially thought it had just struck my body armour so carried on firing. It felt hot and like I had been kicked in the ribs – then I saw the blood. I shouted for help and tried to stem the bleeding with my own hand. "To be honest the main thing I felt was relief, relief I could still move my arms and my legs and relief about the fact that I was still breathing."
With bullets still flying, Cpl Hughes was pulled to a nearby checkpoint where he was treated until a helicopter arrived to fly him to Camp Bastion in Helmand Province for treatment. The bullet hit Cpl Hughes at the bottom of his back before skimming his ribs and coming out the other side of his body – missing his internal organs by just centimetres. But doctors feared the worst and to be sure there was no internal bleeding or lasting damage surgeons performed an exploratory laparoscopy – an internal examination done by making a 25cm long cut into Cpl Hughes' chest so they could look inside. He said: "Luckily there was no damage to any of my internal organs but it could have been a completely different story. The round missed my kidneys, liver and lungs by a matter of centimetres. "I know I am one of the lucky ones. There is no lasting damage and the only signs left are the three scars on my body."
Cpl Hughes is in the RAF police and was on a voluntary six-month tour of duty when he was injured on July 4. His role is to train Afghan police in the war-torn country, and on the day of the incident Cpl Hughes was working alongside Afghan officers and the Light Dragoons, who were clearing an area in Babaji, as part of Operation Panther's Claw. Hooked up to various drips and on strong painkillers, Cpl Hughes was flown from Camp Bastion to Birmingham and taken to Selly Oak Hospital. He was discharged on Sunday and returned home to Chaddesden, where he has been recovering. Cpl Hughes said: "There were lots of other soldiers that had been wounded that were on that flight and a lot of them were in a worse state than I was. "Being shot has not at all put me off going back out there, I would go back tomorrow if I could. All the lads are still out there and I wanted to step off the plane with them at the end of the tour, but instead I came home on a stretcher. "Our job out there is hard and very intense. You are out on operations for days at a time, but it is worthwhile and you can see that progress is slowly being made. "I feel that we are making a difference."
Cpl Hughes admitted that he wrote emotional letters to his parents, Jayne and David, and girlfriend Katerina Kyriacou and gave them to a friend to pass on if he did not return. He trained with Sergeant Ben Ross, from the Royal Military Police, who was killed by a suicide bomber on patrol Gereshk, Helmand province. He said: "Sgt Ross was someone I had done all my training with and was a great bloke. "I was in a different area on the day when he was killed. News that someone you know has died on duty does affect you but it also makes you more determined to get on with the job."
After leaving Ecclesbourne School, in Duffield, Cpl Hughes started a three-year degree course in quantity surveying at Nottingham Trent University. But in his second year he decided to change career and signed up for the RAF police. He officially joined in April 2006 and was posted to the Falklands for four months last year. Cpl Hughes admitted that his mother was nervous about him going out to Afghanistan and said he called her from Camp Bastion after the shooting to say he was coming home early. He added: "I didn't want to scare her so dropped the fact that I had been shot into conversation and said I would be coming home early. To be honest I don't think she took it all in." Jayne, 50, confirmed that was true. She said: "Waiting for him to get back to the UK was the worst 48 hours of my life. I didn't know what to expect and he was hooked up to various drips and things when I saw him. "He was incredibly lucky, the bullet missed all of his vital organs. I am incredibly proud of my son and all the people out there."
BASTION SECURITY ALERTS
Afghan surge sees RAF police rise to the challenge
03 July 2009
RAF News
The RAF Police are helping to tighten security at Camp Bastion as coalition forces step up the military offensive against the Taliban in Southern Afghanistan.
Force Protection duties at the coalition base have been intensified following a surge in the number of US and UK troops arriving in the country as the focus of international attention shifts from Iraq to Afghanistan.
Working as part of Force Protection, the RAF Police are increasing foot patrols beyond the wire and tightening security into and out of the Bastion base, mounting stop and search operations, manning roadside check points and carrying out regular foot patrols
Operating at distances of up to five km from the base, police teams are also mounting intelligence gathering operations in local villages and operating anti-intimidation patrols to loosen the Taliban grip on local communities.
Cpl Samantha Smith said: “With the increase in activity there is a heightened need for counter intelligence field force teams of the base.”
RAF Police teams operating with ISAF security forces to crack down on drugs lords operating in the Southern areas of the country have recently faced fierce attack from battle-hardened Taliban.
As part of a multi-national team brought in to train the Afghan National Police, they have faced rocket attacks as war lords continue to target forward operating bases in some of the most dangerous areas of the country.
Cpl Smith said: “As soon as we got here we put together a nine-day arrivals package. As soon as that was done we organised night-time internal foot patrols and operations beyond the wire.
“Within the first week there had been a number of incidents involving escalation of force drills, as locals attempted to approach the camp out of hours.”
As part of their role training and mentoring the Afghan National Police, RAF Police have been brought in to investigate local crime in the Kandahar region and to deploy to forward operating bases to investigate the deaths of multi-national Service personnel killed on duty.
Cpl Smith said: “This deployment has clearly shown the professionalism of the RAF Police and the exceptional adaptability of No 1 RAF (Tactical) Police Sqn.
“Impressing every Commander in theatre, the RAF Police has shown how versatile, strategically minded and operations focused it has become.”
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Lorna was 'one of us' for many years;
possibly at Debden when
you passed
through on basic
(Norman was my basic Instructor -
Webmaster (she was
when
I was i/c
Basic Trg 70-71). Not a member as far as I know, but there
must be some who will remember her, the rest is self
explanatory.
The sponsored headshave went
ahead (no pun )
and expecting only a 'fun collection' of
about £50-ish ,
Lorna actually raised
nearly £1000, and, it would appear
there's more to come. Big C should be
quite proud of
her.
Regards, Norman Billows
FROM THE RAF/MOD WEB SITE
RAF Police to take over dog unit in Iraq - Thursday 22
January 2009
A crack squad of specially trained RAF Police are soon
to take charge of
the UK forces' dog
unit at the
Contingency Operating
Base in Basra. In a
first
for the
Royal Air Force, the
Henlow-based
team will assume
control of the dog
section,
providing crucial support to ground troops. As
part of
their role the
RAF Police team will provide force
protection dogs to control crowds during
operations, and
sniffer dogs to
locate arms caches and take part in roadside
check points
to combat illegal gun
and drug running in
some areas of
southern
Iraq. It is the first time
that RAF
Police dog handlers have
been responsible
for the joint
Army/RAF dog unit on
operations in
Iraq to protect the Contingency
Operating
Base.
They will take over responsibility from the Royal Army
Veterinary Corps
(RAVC), whom they
have been supporting
since 2006. In
addition to the patrol
teams,
specialist
dog teams from the
Theatre Military
Working Dogs
Support Unit
(TMWDSU) search
vehicles at control of entry points for
concealed weapons
and
explosives. They also provide
protection to Army teams mentoring the Iraqi Army
and
Department of Border
Enforcement.
Flight Lieutenant Karim Coslett, Officer Commanding
TMWDSU, said: "My
handlers and I are
relishing the
challenges that lie
ahead and are confident
that this
new
and exciting
capability for the
RAF
will play an important part of
force protection of current
and
future air and land
operations for years to
come."
The teams are currently undertaking a full range of
pre-deployment
training and will
exercise alongside their
RAVC
colleagues and members of
the
Army
and RAF Regiment.
Squadron Leader Jeff Brock, HQ RAF Police, said: "The
reorganisation of
the RAF Police
under Project Darwin 2 in
April 2008
has meant that, for
the
first time,
the RAF
Police has
had greater
flexibility to manage its resources
more
efficiently in support of the
homeland task. "As a
consequence, we are able
to deploy
whole Formed Units such
as TMWDSU
rather than individual
augmentees in
support of
deployed
operations."
This article is taken from the January 2009 edition of
RAF News - Voice
of the Royal Air
Force.
RAF Police
on the beat in Basra
A "You feel
like you're affecting
what's
happening out here. People's
lives are at risk if you don't do it properly.
It's a
pretty effective job
that we're doing."
