BRONZE COMMANDER QUALIFICATION
Question: What do big football matches, political demonstrations and music festivals all have in common?
Answer: They all attract big crowds and, certainly in the case of football matches and political demonstrations, not everyone in the crowd always agrees with everyone else!
In order to ensure public safety at all major events, the RGP uses three levels of command, Gold (strategic level), Silver (tactical level) and Bronze (the operational level). The RGP’s Inspector Sean Picton has just returned from Kent where he was successful in passing the College of Policing’s Public Order, Public Safety Bronze Commanders’ Course.
Elements of the course included Operational Planning, Legal Requirements, Resources, Use of Cordons, Barriers and Vehicles, and Contingency Planning. The task for Inspector Picton was slightly more difficult than that of other students because Gibraltar’s legislation is slightly different from that in UK. In some of the other discussions, such as the “Best Use of Police Horses” it was rather difficult for him to make a meaningful contribution!
“Throughout the course, it was stressed that, as we live in a democracy, we must allow for some people to disagree with others and for people from both sides of an issue to be able to express their views,” said Sean.
He added, “However, always at the forefront of our planning was the essential need for the public to be kept safe. Often, this level of public safety can be ensured by good forward planning.
“In my 13 years as a police officer, this was one of the best courses I’ve attended. It had a real relevance to my job and it gave me a different perspective on my duties at a major event.”
It was smiles all round after a Gibraltar charity received a cheque for £2,000 from the Royal Gibraltar Police.
The money was raised by the RGP’s 2023 Recruit Class during a community event.
The money was donated to Cancer Relief Gibraltar, which has been providing support to people living with cancer on the Rock for over 40 years.
On hand to receive the novelty-size-cheque at the charity’s headquarters were Laina Sultana and Bianca Yeo.
Bianca, who works in the charity’s Events and Fundraising Department, said, “We couldn’t run this place if it wasn’t for community fundraising events such as this, which are really important to us.
“All the money received goes to providing free services to anyone affected by cancer in the community, not just patients but also carers.
“We’d like to thank everyone who came to the event and donated money, and of course to all the officers who helped organise the event, we know how much work goes into organising these sorts of events.”
For more information visit www.cancerrelief.gi
PASSING OUT CEREMONY
Royal Gibraltar Police and Gibraltar Defence Police officers marked the end of their Training School with a Passing Out Parade at Central Hall.
On parade were twelve RGP and three GDP officers who were inspected by His Excellency the Governor, watched on by Minister John Cortes, local dignitaries, friends and family.
The new officers come from a wide variety of backgrounds and include a Royal Marine Commando, a Chief Inspector from Police Scotland, a Parking Management Official and a student. There are also a number of UK police officers who have moved to Gibraltar from the UK.
During the ceremony, PC Andrew Newton received the “Best Academic” award, whilst PC Tristan Lark received the “Best All Round Recruit” award.
In his address, Police Commissioner Richard Ullger, said, “Policing Gibraltar over the coming years will be challenging for our newest of recruits, but they can be confident that the skills they have been taught over the past few months will equip them to deal with the different incidents they will be deployed to.
No two incidents will ever be the same, and we shall make mistakes in our journey, but we shall learn from them, share our experiences and become better at what we do.”
Samantha Sacramento, the Minister for Justice, added, “Today marks a momentous occasion for the Royal Gibraltar Police as we congratulate their new recruits on their Passing Out Parade.
“Their dedication and commitment to serving and protecting our community is truly admirable, and I have no doubt that they will uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in their duties. As the Minister of Justice, I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes for a successful career ahead.”
The new officers will now join their more senior colleagues where they will spend the next two years on probation.
