‘It doesn’t get any more real than this...’
...and the truth is it doesn’t. From start to finish everyone who took part in the missing person scenario acted in a manner that would impress any police supervisor. The reality of the consequences of each individual’s actions during the planning and execution of an operation is vital, mistakes and time wasted could potentially cost lives or loss of evidence. This reality was never lost with our learners.
Planning and briefing was meticulous, risk assessments, operational orders and mapping were all compiled and checked before noon. A traditional ‘bobby’s breakfast’ made sure the PSU,SOCO, Silver and Gold Commanders were ready for operational deployment at 1pm. The operation was executed effectively, all learners worked together ensuring that every single square meter of an area the size of 20 football pitches was searched. When potential evidence was found SOCO was informed who then photographed and bagged it.
‘Golfers and passers by looked on in awe...who are these people...?’
Unfortunately, despite evidence being found, the search failed to locate ‘Tim Binns’ who has now been placed on the national missing person’s register. Incidents whether in training or ‘real life’ often do not turned out as expected. Tim Binns was never meant to be found, reality often delivers this disappointing outcome to emergency services personnel...
As a Police Supervisor the responsibility of checking the welfare, training needs and operational deployment falls on me. It is my job to make sure that up to 15 officers at any one time turn up at a given place at the right time, with the right equipment, who are appropriately briefed. I then have to perform any tasks to ensure the effective execution of that operation. This scenario has provided a real life opportunity for the 2nd year nationals to practice exactly my role and that of other police officers.
The skills shown by the learners on this day do not just reflect the skills required by police officers. They are skills that are typical of leaders and most of all crown servants. I would recommend that individuals wishing to use this scenario as part of their evidence for application to the Police or Public Services would be in good stead for some of the core competencies required for successful selection.
I take every opportunity to promote this course when working in a police environment, using examples of good practice carried out by the learners. I will be taking my experiences back with me and highlighting how professional and responsible they have been. This and other similar scenarios have clear links to current industry practice and puts learners on this course at the top of any recruiters list.
Well done and keep it up.
Jason Pimborough
Section Officer
Derbyshire Constabulary
Linnet Clough experience
During my thirty one years of police service, I have completed a variety of roles, each of which required the key skills of teamwork and leadership. During these last two weeks at Linnet Clough it has been excellent to see that these two key skills are alive and kicking within the Uniformed Public Services programme of Chesterfield College.
The students have completed two operational exercises, built from scratch a `go cart` track for the benefit of children and young people visiting the site and the completion of the demanding and necessary chores of catering for the students and staff.
As a senior police officer I demanded form my team hard work, professionalism and dedication focused on delivering a quality service to others. At Linnet Clough the staff has sought the same from the students and without exception every student has met the challenge both in developing their coursework or completing the other tasks.
In these times of uncertainty of work in the public or private sector, the self discipline, attention to detail and determination to succeed either as an individual or part of a team are attributes that provide our students with additionality to their course scores and grades.
There are few young people in our community who can evidence over 100 hours voluntary community service, but our second year students can.
Community and service are words misused in many forums, for our students in Uniformed Public Services they are statements which provide pride and honour which together with the way in which they present themselves make them an opportunity for all employers and universities.
Excellent two weeks, thank you to all who have contributed, students or staff.
Bob Hopkins
Police Superintendent
(Retired)
