Page 7 - Manchat Winter 2016

vIEWpoINT

Our Privileged Position

CHIEF Setting Standards We also need to recognise that even when using
CONSTABLE As the world and GMP is changing we need to social media in a personal capacity we are repre-
ensure we keep a focus on standards and the senting the police service. Whatever we do and
Ian Hopkins
Code of Ethics. We often get frustrated by media say will be scrutinised not only by our peers
coverage, but some of this is fuelled by times when but also by our communities.
we fail to maintain those standards. It is important that we challenge those that seek
We can overcome this if we continue to raise the to unfairly tarnish the image of policing and of GMP;
bar within everything we do from how we look to remaining silent can appear like a passive accept-
how we input data. ance of the commentary. It is the reason why we
eing a police officer is a privileged position Raising standards will help us to provide the best regularly challenge the media for inaccurate or
in society. We have significant powers that possible service to the public as we have the right unfair reporting of events or issues involving GMP
B can deprive people of their liberty and this information, equipment and uniform for the job. officers and staff.
means people have high expectations of officers
and their behaviour. It is something that becomes
“We should make sure this is the GMP we
obvious when we put on the uniform and join the
want where we support colleagues and
police.
As we are welcoming around 500 new recruits
in the coming months, it is a point I have been work together as a team”
raising with them. Around 200 that have already
joined were already working within GMP as Special
constables, PCSOs and police staff. Standards are important throughout all aspects Celebrating Our Best
In January, we will be welcoming the first recruits of our lives both at work and at home. As police People have high expectations of police officers
to come from outside of GMP and we all need to officers we accept the burden of being in and staff, which has been evident throughout the
make their arrival a positive experience. the spotlight every day so that we can help years. They judge our actions, behaviour and com-
We should make sure this is the GMP we others. The same is expected online as well as in ments from that position.
want where we support colleagues and work the real world. Whether it is online or in the real world, we need
together as a team. to keep raising the standards and showcasing the
Although the new officers are not going to Social Media best of what we do.
increase our numbers, they are essential in main- We all use social media, and as a national lead for I was proud to be able to recognise great work
taining the current establishment figures. social media engagement, I have seen the great during the recent GMP STARS awards and I hope
More than that, they are also going to help us things that can be achieved through using new that you will look to nominate colleagues for next
ensure we have a workforce that is more represent- platforms. I also see the worst behaviour, the crim- year’s ceremony.
ative of our communities. If we can achieve that inal activity and the abuse that takes place online. There is great work taking place every day and
then we can secure the legitimacy we have We must be aware of how to tackle the problem a lot of it goes unnoticed. I will continue to find
to police Greater Manchester and build a so we are able to help people who come to us in ways to highlight the best in what we do and
workforce for the future. distress because of social media harassment. hope that you will do the same.

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