CUTS

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Today Theresa May, Home Secretary, is due to address the annual conference of the Police Federation in Bournemouth. Police Forces in England and Wales are currently undergoing budget cuts of up to 20% and the most extensive reforms for 30 years. On the 10th May more than 30,000 off duty officers made their feelings clear and marched through central London demonstrating against the changes.

The Government commissioned Winsor review published in March included recommendations such as cutting starting salaries and pension provisions for Police Officers and seemed to be clearing the way for compulsory redundancies and pay cuts. Mrs May has already stated that police officers will still be “well remunerated” and receive “very good” pensions after the reforms are brought in and maintained that the police were not being singled out for any more drastic cuts than the rest of the public sector. “… it’s a rescue mission to bring the economy back from the brink and to make sure the police come through not just intact but better equipped for the future” she said.

However there is general outrage within the Federation and even demands from officers for the right to strike – they have been banned from taking this action for almost 100 years. Paul McKeever, Chairman of the Police Federation (representing officers up to the rank of inspector) believes “This is a bad deal for the police service. We have less resilience, fewer warranted officers, a weakened front line and a radically altered model of British policing. You are on the precipice of destroying a police service that is admired and replicated throughout the world.”

Although the Home Office acknowledges that police numbers have fallen to approximately 136,000 officers (the lowest for 10 years) their spokesman said “As a service spending some £14bn a year it is right for the police to make their contribution to reducing the record budget deficit. Existing pay and conditions were designed more than 30 years ago which is why we asked Tom Winsor to carry out his independent review. We will continue to ensure that police officers are rewarded for doing an exceptional job”.

Last year the Home Secretary’s address to the Conference was met with silence instead of applause. Or as the BBC home affairs correspondent Matt Prodger described it, “silent disdain”. It will be interesting to see the reception Theresa May receives today………………….

HANDCUFF KEYS

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Handcuff keys … where do they go?  Over the years I have had a fair few and they seem to disappear or be ‘borrowed’ by colleagues and never make their way back to me!

Luckily Niton have a good selection of cuff keys which I have tried out … these three are my favourite:

Niton Tactical Swivel Cuff Key

Niton Tactical Swivel Cuff Key

At 11cm long and 0.9cm in diameter this Key is 25% larger than the one I carry.  This is much easier to use, even when wearing gloves.  There’s a knurled shaft which also facilitates a good grip and the swivel head with key ring attachment is useful to use with my lanyard.

This product is made from black aluminium and designed to fit most handcuffs on the market, it also features a double locking pin.

 

Pocket Cuff Key

Pocket Cuff Key

This key also features a double locking pin.  Again this is a slightly longer than average key at 10.5cm long and looks like a ball point pen.

The shaft is nylon which makes it lightweight and there’s a well designed clip at the top which can be attached inside a pocket or pouch.

 

Swivel Cuff Key

Swivel Cuff Key

At 9.5cm long this is the shortest of the three keys I tried out.  It is still a good length when in use and also features the same double locking pin.

Again there is the addition of the ring to attach to a key hanger or lanyard.

 

 

 

I found all three of these keys much better than the one I have been issued with at work.  If I had to choose I would pick the Niton Tactical key but I have to say they are all great products.

THIS IS THE WEATHER FORECAST

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Magnum Waterproof Boots

Magnum Waterproof Boots

Niton has some fantastic waterproof boots on offter …. and I think we’re going to need them!  The Met Office issued severe weather warmings of heavy downpours for Scotland, and last week the River Ouse in York burst its banks.  Hope everyone has stocked up on their Floodsax! There follows a week of wet weather … forecasters are now predicting as much as a whole month worth of rain in the next 72 hours across the south east of England – around 50mm or more.

Floodsax

Floodsax

However, as expected we are told by the Met Office, not that its the wrong type of rain, but the wrong type of soil that its landing on. ie. too dry.  So the recommendation is that we continue to use less water and observe any hosepipe bans.

So what have we to look forward to in May?  Apparently, the coldest May for 100 years!  Don’t discard those warm boots and jackets just yet.  As we move through the year though the predictions are looking more favourable if you like your weather warm.  According to weather experts we are going to experience a weather pattern known as the North Atlantic Oscillation which will produce distinctly different summer weather to what we have experienced in recent years.  Last time this weather pattern was in place (2006) Britain experienced temperatures up to 101.3F (38.5C)

Sunglasses

Sunglasses

As always, weather patterns are subject to so many variables that Jim Dale from the British Weather Services advises us not to get “too carried away with the detail” because for now “it’s guesswork”, adding: “But we almost certainly will see heatwave spells at times.” 

 

IDVue

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IDVue
IDVue

 I have been testing this new product designed to check ID cards available from Niton and don’t quite know how I managed before without it! 

The IDVue is small enough to be hand held, but large enough to use and view information easily.  When a retailer, club or pub is required to see proof of age for the sale of alcohol, knives etc the IDVue enables you to accurately check a person’s ID card.  The magnification, UV and white LED lights of the IDVue highlight all the security features now in place on driving licences etc in order to combat the proliferation of fake IDs now on the street.  Micro printing, UV ink and holograms become easy to identify.

Since the law changed in 2010 it is me as the business owner (or licencee) who would be responsible if staff sold a restricted item to someone underage, even if they produced ID which ultimately turned out to be fake. I therefore want to make doubly sure that those we are serving genuinely are over 18.  In addition to checking security micro printing and inconsistencies in the printing of ID cards, the one huge advantage this device has over anything else I have tried is the way it can calculate an over 18 or 21 age restriction on a daily basis.  The IDVue ensures no one has to undertake mental arithmatic every evening to work out how old someone is …. just pre-programme the unit for +18 or +21 age restrictions and by flicking a switch the calculation from the date of birth is automatically displayed on the large LCD screen.

We have been using the IDVue as a hand held unit at the door.  However, when we purchase our own we intend to have one mounted next to the till as well as one at the door.  Overall a brilliant piece of kit which will definitely make our work easier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Lexa Eye Shield Utility Pack
Lexa Eye Shield Utility Pack

With winter behind us I have taken to the road on my bike again – not only in an effort to get some exercise but also to save on fuel expenditure.  However, the sun is still pretty low in the sky especially at peak rush hour times and I have been having problems with sun glare.  Every year too many accidents occur because the cyclist and motorist can’t see each other due to the glare of the sun. 

There are a few precautions you can take:

 
  • Wear anti-sun glare eye protection when cycling – this will also stop flying insects getting in your eyes – quite a distraction!
  • If you are riding in the opposite direction of the sun, assume that turning cars cannot see you at all.
  • Use your lights when the sun is at a shallow angle (this goes for motorists and cyclists)
  • Think about helmet lights as well as handlebar lights as these are more visible when your bike is partly obscured by parked cars or abrupt angles.
  •  If you are a motorist – remember to clean both the inside and outside of your windscreen as dirt will form an obscuring film when backlit by the sun.

I have been wearing the Lexa Safety glasses with the sun glare lens and it has made a real difference in my ability to see other road users at all times.  Other options in the pack are an amber lens suitable for shooting sports and clear lens for general eye  protection.  These glasses fit very comfortably, curving around the face and not obstructing my view forward or peripheral vision. Supplied with a black glasses case which fits all the lenses and frames this is a brilliant product with many uses.

 

 

COMMUNICATION

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KWIKPOINT

Kwikpoint
Kwikpoint

Kwikpoint offer a range of visual language translators for a wide range of potentially difficult communication situations. 

If you have strugged to obtain information or offer on the spot help and advice to victims of crime or injury Kwikpoint offer an effective way to comminicate with anyone regardless of language by simply pointing to pictures.

With the 2012 Olympics coming up there will be thousands of foreign competitors and visitors to London and other Olympic venues in the UK.  The Law Enforcement pack helps with property theft, missing children, car accidents, suspect identification etc. ideal for police and security personnel.  Also, the Emergency Medical pack will help with situations involving assaults, sexual crimes, pain symptoms, overdoses, toxic ingestions etc.  These could prove invaluable this summer.

The International Kwikpoint is suitable for personal travel and provides phonetic spellings to help you say 10 essential words and phrases in 9 different languages and offers assistance with hotels, restaurants and transportation.

There is also a range of Kwikpoint visual aids specifically designed for military use in Afghanistan and Iraq and these are restricted for sale to military personnel only.

There are 12 different Kwikpoint visual language translators including: 

TITLE VISUAL ASSISTANCE FOR…
Law Enforcement Robbery, theft, motoring offences, assault etc.
Emergency Services Medical Car crashes, assaults, sexual crimes etc.
Disaster Assistance Food, clothing, shelter, hygiene, health etc.
International Hotels, restaurants, directions, transportation assistance etc.
Personal Safety & Travel Identify danger, ask for first aid, find transport
RESTRICTED TITLES VISUAL ASSISTANCE FOR …
Afghanistan Military Booby traps, ambush, detainee search etc.
Afghanistan Military Medical Falls, bites, wounds, critical pain etc.
Afghanistan Military IED Bomb manufacture, emplacement, concealment etc
Warrior Smart Pre-battle  preparation, combat tips, cultural awareness tips etc.

 I have personally used the International Visual Translator whilst travelling overseas and the Law Enforcement Visual Translator for everyday work use.  Over the past months this product has proved to be invaluable and solved many potentially volatile or emotional situations.

EVERY DAY CARRY BAG

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Every Day Carry Bag
Every Day Carry Bag
We have been using this bag at work and off duty for a few weeks now.  I don’t always wear a utility belt or tactical jacket and just don’t have enough pockets to carry all my kit.  Similarly, at weekends, or particularly when travelling, I was never sure where to securely carry my passport, keys, credit cards, cash, phone, Kindle, water bottle etc.  The Niton Every Day Carry Bag (EDC) has been the perfect solution.
 
When described to me I was worried it would arrive and look like a woman’s handbag!  But no, it looks pretty rugged and practical.   There’s a main compartment with a mesh pocket and various dividers designed for pens, torches, mobile phones, cameras etc.  There are also a further five sections to use as you choose.  I elected to fill them with my first aid kit, drinks bottle and note book.  There is also a special access zippered pocket which I use for my wallet.  However, one of my colleagues uses this section for his handgun and is pleased with both the fit and security of this pouch. 
 
The longest I’ve worn this bag is for about six hours during a trip to Barcelona where I tramped quite a few miles around the city.  Not only was the bag comfortable to wear both on the shoulder and with the padded back –  I also knew all my posessions were safe and secure.  There is even a belt keeper on the back so I could fix it in place. 
 
We’ve all enjoyed using this bag and so many of our colleagues have asked us where we got it from we’re thinking of asking Niton for commission!
 
 
 

TAT JACKETS

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Tattooing has been practiced for centuries in many cultures throughout the world.  Despite some taboos surrounding tattooing, the art continues to be internationally popular and British people are apparently the most tattooed in Europe.

We like to think we don’t judge a book by its cover but the reality is that a lot of people do. 

If your job puts you in front of the public such as law enforcement or security your employer may well ask you to cover any visible tattoos.  This used to be a real inconvenience, especially in warmer weather.  Over the last few years tattoo sleeves have been introduced and developed into a product that does a really good job in covering and disguising visible arm tattoos.  Niton sell two TatJackets in different shades to blend with your skin tone.

TatJacket

TatJacket

Some companies such as design firms, technology start-ups, whole food markets or media companies do not mind such artistic self expression (unless the tattoo is an offensive image) but old habits die hard, and it will be some years (if ever) that visible tattoos become totally acceptable for everyone in the workplace.

MAKE SURE YOUR SIA BADGE IS VISIBLE!

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ID Armband

ID Armband

My SIA badge has to be visible when I am working – not only to demonstrate that I am a qualified security professional, but also so that members of the public looking to report suspicious or criminal activity will know who to approach.  This badge has to be looked after – as with all forms of photographic ID its not acceptable to damage, deface or change the licence;  even if this is done by mistake, you would run the risk of being investigated for fraud. 

The SIA carry out spot checks …. as you can never be aware when a spot check is to occur, it is simply common sense to always wear your SIA badge whenever you are engaged in licensed activity.  There are penalties for working without displaying your licence (or for failing to carry it in the case of covert security staff), so its not worth having a casual attitude when it comes to carrying it.  Spot checks are designed to catch those working without a licence, and bringing yourself under suspicion is very unwise, especially when you are a bona fide licence holder.

I have used the Niton ID armband ever since the regulation for wearing the SIA badge came into force.  This holder is made from a tough clear PVC with a protective flap which stops water entering the pocket – this protects the badge from damage and yet still allows it to be visible.  There is an adjustable elastic band giving secure positioning on my upper arm in whatever clothing I have on.  The adjustment goes from just my shirt sleeves up to my outdoor coat.  The armband I use is hi-vis yellow which ensures it is clearly visible under all lighting conditions.

I’m not prepared to take the consequences of not carrying my badge, or indeed, the possible ramifications should it be damaged … that’s why I always recommend this holder to my colleagues and anyone newly qualified.

COMFORT SHIRT THAT LIVES UP TO ITS NAME

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Niton Tactical Comfort Shirt

Niton Tactical Comfort Shirt

At last our uniform has changed to the new comfort shirt style.  As worn by many Police forces in the UK, this short sleeve shirt is available either plain or with ‘Security’ or ‘Police’ on the sleeves in chest sizes 30″ to 56″.

I have been given three of these shirts to wear to work and have found that they wash well even at a low temperature and dry really quickly.  The shirts have been pre-treated with Scotchguard and I have been told this is why any stains or dirt wash out so easily.  The shirt has a closer fit than the traditional cotton polo shirt I usually wear and yet is comfortable, lightweight and breathable. The close fit is obtained by designing the shirt in a tapered fit which avoids wrinkling and creasing – when worn under body armour there are no uncomfortable ridges to deal with.  Another benefit is that the fabric has been designed to wick moisture away from the body keeping me cool and dry (even when cycling).

There are epaulette loops to take button style epaulettes - easy to slip them through the loop and button up.  The zip at the neck is smooth running and I can wear it snugly up to the top when its chilly or even when the zip is  slightly lower the collar still stands well.

Although this shirt has an alltogether more modern look it still maintains a very professional uniform appearance.  I found this shirt far more comfortale to wear than my usual polo shirt as not only was it easier to wear under body armour but it also didn’t ride up or gape when I stretched or leant over.  I now understand why more police forces and security companies are changing to this new more contemporary uniform style.