WATCH WORD For

Leicester & Leicestershire Newsletter of CITY & COUNTY NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH – (LEICESTER &

LEICESTERSHIRE) Working in SUPPORT of LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE.

Charity No. 1072275Issue 39/2017

The City & County Neighbourhood Watch is here to represent the concerns of members and their families. We operate entirely outside the police chain of command, so we can always promise an independent and

confidential serviceWorking in SUPPORT of LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE

CITY & COUNTY NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH (LEICESTER & LEICESTERSHIRE)

Have you visited City and County Neighbourhood Watch (Leicester & Leicestershire) Website recently? www.neighbourhoodwatchleicester.net

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

Drones – are you flying yours safely? (and legally?)From:

Ministry of Defence and Military Aviation Authority Published:

28 September 2017

Article focusses on commercially bought drone systems, model aircraft, providing advice on flying safely, looking at guidance and laws that surround their use.

DJI phantom with a camera. Copyright Jacko Jacques. All rights reserved.

Most people will either have flown or seen a Quadcopter type drone being flown about. But how many of you are aware that drones present a hazard to aviation and are subject to the law through the Air Navigation Order?

What is meant by the word ‘drone’? The public and press use the phrase for almost anything that flies and does not have a pilot – we in the services generally prefer the terms; Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) or Unmanned Air System (UAS), you may even hear Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV). This article however is not about the RPAS’, UAVs or UAS used by the military, these systems (from the large (Reaper) down to the very small), are generally well regulated, procured correctly and flown/operated by trained individuals who understand the hazards involved. This article and the use of the phrase ‘drone’ focuses on those systems that are affordable, commercially available and weigh no more than 20kg, though the majority weigh considerably less.

A Black Hornet nano helicopter unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Crown Copyright. Photo: via MOD.

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Most of the commercial drones come in the form of Quadcopters, Hexacopters or even Octocopters, and vary in price and capability. At the bottom end of the market are models that are simply toys, small very lightweight, with limited range and endurance. About £100 will get a Quadcopter with a camera, whilst not of ‘professional’ quality these drones can weigh in the region of 1kg and can have a range that takes them beyond the operator’s line of sight. For several hundred pounds, you can purchase a drone which has full HD video, a range of beyond 1km and decent battery endurance. These drones weigh in the region of 3kg, perhaps more if purpose built or exceptionally capable. Almost all of these drones, with the exception of the very small toys, have the capability to fly to several thousand feet.

In addition to the standard drones - controlled by a hand held 2 stick controller and operated by eye, increasingly there are those which are operated by what is called ‘First Person View’. This is where the operator will fly the drone using a normal controller but will be viewing images transmitted by the drone either through a set of goggles or on a screen.

It ought to be mentioned that legally, model aircraft are also considered drones. These range in size from small light weight models to gas-turbine powered scaled replicas - capable of very fast speeds and weighing close to 10kg.

Drones are readily available on the high street and internet, and are being sold in their thousands, and it is not hard to see why. Not only are they affordable and capable, but they are great fun to fly or operate, and have great utility. Whilst most people use them for personal recreation, they are also very popular with photographers and those that use photography in their business, like estate agents or the media. Those who work at height now use them to get information before climbing or instead of climbing, survey companies use them and large parcel delivery companies have an aspiration to use them for deliveries.

So, drones are here to stay, but what is the problem? In simple terms, for the vast majority of drone users, there isn’t one, but there are those who operate their drones too high or too close to airfields. In 2016 there were over 50 reports from pilots of commercial airliners that their aircraft had almost hit a drone. Military aviation is not immune, there have been near misses with Chinooks at Benson and Odiham, likewise for fixed wing aircraft at Cranwell, and in 2016 a Navy Lynx at 2000ft missed a drone by an estimated 30-50 feet. Whilst there is work ongoing within the aviation industry to fully understand the implications of a drone hitting an aircraft, it doesn’t take much imagination to understand the likely consequences of 3kg of metal and plastic, including the lithium-polymer battery, hitting a helicopter windshield or, perhaps worse, the tail rotor at 100mph. Likewise for a fixed wing aircraft but at greater speeds, hitting the canopy or disappearing into an engine intake. So if you or members of your family are one of the many owners of a drone, or are thinking of buying one then you need to read on.

If you are using a drone for personnel use then you are governed by the Civilian Aviation Authority (CAA) Air Navigation Order 2016, specifically Article 241 (endangering the safety of any person or property), Article 94 (small unmanned aircraft ) and Article 95 (small unmanned surveillance aircraft). This is the law and you can, and individuals have been, prosecuted for breaking it. The new Drone Code is available to download at http://dronesafe.uk/ along with a useful Drone Assist App created by the CAA and air traffic control body National Air Traffic Service (NATS) to help individuals understand their responsibilities.

Quadcopter with a camera. Crown Copyright. All rights reserved.

Essentially your responsibilities are:

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to know how to fly your drone safely, and do so within the law to understand that the operator is legally responsible for every flight to keep your drone in sight at all times – stay below 400ft not to fly your drone over a congested area, never fly within 50 metres of a person, vehicle or building

not under your control ensure any images you obtain using the drone do not break privacy laws avoiding collisions – you should never fly a drone near an airport or close to aircraft. It is a criminal

offence to endanger the safety of an aircraft in flight

There are several other things to think about – what is your drone going to do if it runs out of power or fails? Is it going to land/fall somewhere safe? Are you far enough away from people, buildings and more importantly airfields if you lose control of your drone? Also bear in mind that you can be several miles away from an airfield and still be a hazard to manned aviation. Height is very difficult to judge from the ground, you might still be able to see your drone, just, and yet be well above 400ft. You should also consider that many military helicopters will often return to an airfield from all directions at 500ft and fixed wing aircraft can start descending from 1000ft about 3 miles away. So the message is this – if you are going to use drones, have a really good think about where you are, keep your drone in sight, consider what aircraft might be flying about and keep clear – it is your responsibility.

For those who wish to use drones commercially, i.e. for commercial gain, then permission is required from the CAA. They will expect you to attend an accredited course that will train you and assess your ability to safely operate drones. The courses include flying competence, knowledge of the law, risk assessments, decision making and more. They exist to ensure that those who wish to legitimately use drone technology in their business can do so safely and not expose the general public or aviation to unnecessary danger. Further information can be found on the CAA website.

Finally, we all know how useful drones are on operations and some units may consider that these commercially available drones can be put to use to meet service non-core aviation requirements – photography, multimedia applications, surveys etc. If you are considering this, then you need to know that in this instance any drone use for the MOD, will be regulated by the Military Aviation Authority (MAA). Specifically, Regulatory Articles 1600, 2320 and most pertinently 2321. The requirements in these regulatory articles are similar to those required by the CAA. If your unit does not have any aviation expertise you may wish to consult the MAA direct for advice, or, for those with access to the Defence Intranet - view Defence Instructions and Notice (DIN) 2015DIN06-023; Alternatively DINs 2016DIN07-112 and 2016DIN04-178 issued by 700X Naval Air Squadron are a good starting point.

In summary, drone technology is extremely useful, great fun to use and is here to stay. But used wrongly it does pose a genuine hazard to manned aviation, so make sure you know the law, stay within the law and fly safe.

10 things you need to know about flying drones

1. drones can and do present a very real hazard to manned aircraft – pilots (including military pilots) have reported over 50 near misses with drones last year alone

2. drones (including model aircraft) are subject to the law through the Air Navigation Order3. it is your responsibility to fly safely and within the law – if you don’t (and individuals have been) you

could be prosecuted.4. never fly a drone near an airport/airfield or close to aircraft. It is a criminal offence to endanger the

safety of aircraft in flight5. keep your drone in sight and below 400ft6. do not fly over congested areas and never fly within 50m of a person, vehicle or building not under your

control7. if you wish to use a drone for commercial purposes (get paid) then you need to have permission from

the CAA 8. ensure any images obtained do not break privacy laws9. if your unit wishes to buy a commercially available drone for Defence activities (photographs,

multimedia, and surveys at height) it becomes regulated by the MAA and you must follow their rules10. finally, Follow the Drone Code, have fun and fly safe

LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE

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Tactical training for force's specials

Top photo: Special Sergeant James Blackburn, Special Sergeant Aidan Weldon, Acting Special Sergeant Neil Deveney and Special Constable Joe Dibb

Download high resolution image

Issued on 26/9/17 at 2:05 p.m.

Four Leicestershire Police specials undertook an initial Police Support Unit (PSU) training course earlier this month, where they ran through petrol bombs and learned to effectively deal with riots and public violence.

The training, held at Leicestershire Police’s Headquarters, was offered to a range of police officers from across the region, but for the first time special constables were invited to take part and the force hopes to offer the opportunity to more specials next year.

Special Officers James Blackburn, Aidan Weldon, Neil Deveney and Joe Dibb and undertook the tough training course, which provided officers with the skills required to safely and effectively deal with a variety of public order situations.

Reflecting on the training, Special Sergeant Aidan Weldon said: “PSU training is something I’ve been really interested in since I joined the specials over five years ago. I really enjoyed the whole course, which was definitely demanding, but in a positive way. It encouraged personal development while reinforcing the importance of teamwork, and thinking of the ‘bigger picture’ of policing.

“The inclusion of specials in the course demonstrates perfectly that specials and regulars can work as one, side by side as a team.

Aidan joined the specials in 2012 and has just finished studying a Master’s Degree in History at the University of Leicester. He balances volunteering as a special with his busy workload, and hopes to study a PhD this year.

He said: “I would definitely encourage other specials to complete the course if the opportunity arises. It’s perfect for officer development and opens doors to a variety of specialist duties, such as policing the football, protests, riots, cell entry and providing mutual aid to other parts of the country.”

“I was a little apprehensive about the petrol bombs at first, but after braving the fire for the first time, it became a lot easier. I really enjoyed learning about building entry, and how to deal with a violent person. It was fast paced and dynamic, and forced us to act quickly and think on our feet.”

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Specials are volunteer police officers with the same powers as regular officers. They typically spend around 16 hours a month, or more, working alongside and supporting regular officers to tackle crime in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Emma Corns, the force’s manager for Volunteers in Policing, said: “It’s brilliant to be able to offer specials the same training as regular officers, and in turn offer them the same opportunities of deployment. I’m incredibly proud of the commitment shown by all of our specials, and this training really gave them a chance to show their capabilities in policing.

“We are currently accepting applications for those wishing to join the specials, so if you’re ready for a new challenge, please do submit an application form or get in touch with my team.”

If you’re interested in joining the Special Constabulary, please visit our website: leics.police.uk/join-us/specials for more information on the role and how to apply.

LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE

Cross-border initiative yields results for rural policing teams

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Issued on 26/9/17 at 10:53 a.m.

Neighbourhood police officers from Leicestershire and Northamptonshire joined forces with vehicle inspectors from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to take 18 dangerous and illegal vehicles off the road in just one day.

On Friday 22 September, officers from both forces carried out marked and unmarked patrols and worked with DVSA operatives to carry out vehicle roadworthiness and driver checks in Church Brampton, Northamptonshire, and Market Harborough, Leicestershire.

In Church Brampton, six vehicles were banned from the road for safety issues including defective tyres and steering, and seven people reported for criminal offences including vehicle defects and breaching weight restrictions.

In Market Harborough, nine more vehicles were prohibited and one person reported for further offences. Three vehicles were also seized – two for having no road tax and one where the driver did not hold a driving licence. PC John Hutchings, of Northamptonshire Police’s Neighbourhood Rural Team for Daventry and South Northants, said: “As part of on-going regular work with my Leicestershire neighbourhood counterpart PC Stephen Winn and colleagues from the East Midlands Operational Support Service (EMOpSS) and the DVSA, we conducted a day of action without borders.

“By thinking outside the box we achieved high visibility patrols, took criminals off the road, reduced the risk to road users with the other prohibitions and reassured our communities that we are listening to them and acting on what they tell us.”

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PC Hutchings added he was looking forward to continuing to work with neighbouring community teams and the DVSA to identify and prevent criminal activity in the area.

Richard Gent, Neighbourhood Watch coordinator and police liaison for Church Brampton said: “I was really impressed with PC Hutchings' proactive cross-border operation on Friday to help tackle crime in Church Brampton. It’s great to see some quick results.”

District Sergeant Sam Dobbs added: “This action shows we are prepared to cross borders to prevent crime, because the people causing problems in Northamptonshire are the same people doing so in Leicestershire. “Our new policing model is all about this kind of smarter working, providing reassurance messages to the local community in a different way whilst creating a hostile environment for rural criminals.”

LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE

Fallen officers remembered in Cardiff ceremony

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Issued on 25/9/17 at 10:41 a.m.

Leicestershire Police joined colleagues from across the UK at a service yesterday (Sunday 24 September) for National Police Memorial Day, which honours officers who have given their lives in the line of duty.

The Memorial Day takes place on the nearest Sunday to St Michael’s Day (September 29) each year, as he is the Patron Saint of Police Officers.

This year, the service was held at St David's Hall in Cardiff and brought together colleagues, family and friends from across the police service in remembrance of the more than 4,400 officers who have died while serving their communities.

Assistant Chief Constable Julia Debenham, who joined colleagues at the service, said: “The National Police Memorial Day gives us a chance to stop and reflect on those who lost their lives while protecting others.

“It is important for us to support the families who have sadly lost their loved ones. It was an emotional day, but one filled with pride.”

Sergeant Sanjay Chauhan of the Spinney Hills Neighbourhood Team represented Leicestershire Police Federation at the service. He said: “Yesterday was an opportunity for us all to remember our fallen colleagues and those who died serving our community. I feel honoured and privileged to have attended the ceremony on behalf of Leicestershire Police Federation.”

Lord Willy Bach, Leicestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Police officers protect us, support us and help us when we are most vulnerable. As we’ve seen so starkly this year, we rely on their courage when things go wrong and they risk their own lives in the line of duty. National Police Memorial day is particularly poignant for the families, friends and colleagues of those who paid the highest price for their bravery and my thoughts are with them all.”

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You can find more information on the annual celebration on the National Police Memorial Day website.

LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE

Eighty officers now Taser trained

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Issued on 25/9/17 at 10:27 a.m.

Eighty officers from response and local policing are now carrying a Conductive Electrical Device (commonly known as Tasers) in addition to their colleagues in the East Midlands Operational Support Service (EMOpSS).

The move, which was announced in November 2016, is intended to increase public safety and the safety of police officers. Another seventy officers are in the process of being trained which will bring the total number of Specially Trained Officers (STOs) to 150.

The officers are spread across the force area. Previously, the Taser capability available to Leicestershire Police was only provided by EMOpSS officers who provide specialist police services to the communities of Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

Assistant Chief Constable Rob Nixon, said; “This Taser uplift means officers will be better equipped to protect the public and themselves. Taser reduces the need for physical contact and we know that the mere presence of a Taser is often enough to defuse an angry or dangerous situation and stop it escalating further.

“By training and equipping an additional 150 Leicestershire officers with CED capability we’re removing the pressure from our firearms officers and ensuring that we can respond more quickly and effectively with the appropriate resources. Our use of Taser is closely scrutinised by the Home Office to ensure it is used correctly and in the right circumstances.”

LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE

ADVICE & INFORMATION

Vehicle Crime

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Leicestershire Police takes vehicle crime very seriously and understand the effects of such crime can be distressing and cause a lot of inconvenience for the owner.

The more security you are able put in and around your vehicle, the less attractive it will be to thieves. Always look for products recommended by ‘Thatcham’ or ‘Sold Secure’, as these meet certain attack test standards. Consider adopting some of the following security measures in order to try to reduce your likelihood of becoming a victim of future crime.

Protect your vehicle. Don’t give thieves an easy ride.

leave it on show expect it to go! Always remove valuables from your vehicle remove sat nav’s including the support cradle and cables. Wipe away any suction pad marks don’t leave tools in vans overnight make sure that doors are locked, windows are closed and keys are removed when you leave the

car, even if it’s only for a moment on icy mornings, never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running park your vehicle in a well-lit spot that is visible to others, or covered by CCTV if you have a garage, use it. Always lock your vehicle and garage consider fitting a metal cage to your catalytic convertor or have it etched register any vehicle equipment such as CD players, in-car DVD payers, and sat nav’s, for free with

immobilise.com

LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE

POLICE SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM

CENTRAL LEICESTER NPA

RIVERSIDEEach dedicated neighbourhood team is supported by the Special Constabulary.

Your dedicated neighbourhood team

PC Ian Line

Collar number: 2859

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I have been a Police Officer for 7 years, during this time I have always worked at the City Centre Police Station.

I have previously spent 2 years as the Principal Beat Officer on the Cultural Quarter area of the City and a further two years on the City Safer Neighbourhood Team.

I excel at multi agency approaches to problem solving and am keen to build on relationships with residents, business owners and service users alike. I aim to contribute to making the Beat a safer and more enjoyable place to work and live.

Send an email to your neighbourhood team Leave a voicemail for PC Ian Line by calling 101 and follow the instructions to leave a message for an

officer. When prompted, key in the identification number 2859.

PCSO Jasmine Poppy

Collar number: 6638

During my short time at Mansfield House Police Station, since joining Leicestershire Police in June 2017 I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a Police Community Support Officer as part of the Riverside beat team. I have enjoyed working with the diverse community within Leicester city centre, working on the events that come to the city. I have loved working with the community to combat issues on the riverside beat, working with different agencies, communities and the student community. Feel free to stop me and say hi.

Send an email to your neighbourhood team Leave a voicemail for PCSO Jasmine Poppy by calling 101 and follow the instructions to leave a

message for an officer. When prompted, key in the identification number 6638.

PCSO Jaysha Valand

Collar number: 6560

I have recently joined the Leicestershire Police as a Police Community Support Officer. I currently cover the Riverside Beat and find it to be a brilliant location to Police. If you see me out and about stop me to have a chat and say hi.

Send an email to your neighbourhood team Leave a voicemail for PCSO Jaysha Valand by calling 101 and follow the instructions to leave a

message for an officer. When prompted, key in the identification number 6560.

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PCSO Phil Grimwood (High Harm)

Collar number: 6858

I have been working for Leicestershire Police since May 2009.

I have been a city officer for most of my time although I have worked on the Riverside beat previously.

I enjoy my current role and enjoy working in the community. Please come and speak with me if you see me out on the beat.

Send an email to your neighbourhood team Leave a voicemail for PCSO Phil Grimwood (High Harm) by calling 101 and follow the instructions to

leave a message for an officer. When prompted, key in the identification number 6858.

PCSO Rhianna Summers

Collar number: 6013

I have been working for Leicestershire Police since October 2016 and have always been based at Mansfield House Police station. I enjoy my role on the Riverside beat and enjoy engaging with the community of residents and new students that we get every year. If you see me out and about feel free to stop and say Hi.

Send an email to your neighbourhood team Leave a voicemail for PCSO Rhianna Summers by calling 101 and follow the instructions to leave a

message for an officer. When prompted, key in the identification number 6013.

PCSO Stuart Plane (High Harm)

Collar number: 6135

PCSO Stuart Plane is a High Harm PCSO who is dedicated to reducing harm. I have been based at Mansfield House since November 2016. I am part of the City Centre beat team so patrol this area on a regular basis. I am friendly, approachable and get a lot of satisfaction from helping others in the community. I enjoy being part of the team and helping to make the city a safe place to live, work and visit.

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Send an email to your neighbourhood team Leave a voicemail for PCSO Stuart Plane (High Harm) by calling 101 and follow the instructions to leave

a message for an officer. When prompted, key in the identification number 6135.

Sgt Neil Kendrick

Collar number: 0602

I joined the police in 2001, starting out in the city centre police station – Charles Street as it was then. I thoroughly enjoy being in the police and have been fortunate to have worked in a number of different roles including both neighbourhood and response policing.

I am working with a fantastic team of people who have a great deal of experience and enthusiasm and we are keen to understand what matters to you, the local residents. I am a firm believer in recognising that we (the police) need the support of and help from you (the local community) if we are to make a significant difference in preventing and detecting crime and anti-social behaviour, and protecting vulnerable people.

I am keen to listen to your concerns and act upon them, so please get in touch with me or another Dedicated Neighbourhood Team officer and we will do what we can to tackle them. You can contact us either in person or via e-mail, letter, through the force website, or phoning 101. I also understand that some people may prefer to speak to us in confidence and this will always be respected. Alternatively, Crimestoppers (0800 555111) is a way of anonymously passing information.

Send an email to your neighbourhood team Leave a voicemail for Sgt Neil Kendrick by calling 101 and follow the instructions to leave a message for

an officer. When prompted, key in the identification number 0602.

FACEBOOK GROUPS

Why not consider joining a Facebook Group for your Area. You will then be able to comment and discuss issues with others in your area, on topics that are of interest to you. Blaby District: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BlabyNeighbourhoodWatchCCNWA/ Charnwood Borough: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CharnwoodNeighbourhoodWatchCCNWA/ Harborough District: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HarboroughNeighbourhoodWatchCCNWA/ Hinckley & Bosworth Borough: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HinckleyBosworthNeighbourhoodWatch/ Leicester City: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeicesterNeighbourhoodWatchCCNWA/ Leicestershire: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeicestershireNeighbourhoodWatchCCNWA/ Melton Borough: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MeltonNeighbourhoodWatchCCNWA/ North West Leicestershire District: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NorthWestLeicsNeighbourhoodWatch/ Oadby & Wigston Borough: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OadbyWigstonNeighbourhoodWatch/

EAST MIDLANDSDERBYSHIRE: www.facebook.com/CCNWADerbyshire LINCOLNSHIRE: www.facebook.com/CCNWALincolnshire NORTHAMPTONSHIRE: www.facebook.com/CCNWANorthamptonshire NOTTINGHAMSHIRE: www.facebook.com/ccnwanottinghamshire

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