The speaker at the March 2013 Regional Programme Action Meeting was Detective Chief Inspector Debbie Dooley from the Serious Sexual Offences Unit, Rochdale (Greater Manchester Police).
She explained how these crimes are now investigated in Greater Manchester. Historically they were investigated at a local police station by whichever officer was on duty at the time. Now a 2-hub model is used with bases in Rochdale (north) and Manchester (city centre / south). All officers working at these units have applied to work specifically in this field. This is felt to be more supportive for victims of sexual crime, as well as being a better use of resources.
When a crime is reported it is immediately graded as to seriousness. The officers then take a threefold approach – the victim, the scene and the suspect. A number of historical crimes are also now being reported and investigated.
In conclusion Debbie spoke about the Willow Room at Rochdale Police Station – a cosy facility fitted out with the furniture from the (now closed) Stockport Sanctuary Room, originally financed by members of SI Stockport.
In Club News, Norma Parry (SI Ashton under Lyne) gave an update on the ACE Centre, Oldham; Gaile Connolly of SI Bootle provided information about the campaign ‘nomorepage3’ and its online petition; and SI Crosby’s Yvonne Atkinson spoke about her emotional return to Pakistan.
Margaret Molyneux, Regional Programme Action Officer presented flowers to Myra Woodcock (SI Stockport) as a ‘thank you’ for serving as the Region’s Ambassador for Project Sierra (and beyond) from 2007 to 2013.
After lunch, at the Regional Council Meeting, Bozena Benton (FMB Director without Portfolio) gave the SIGBI presentation ‘Building the Future’.