Police World Edition 4 2014

Article

Good Evans! London (North of the Thames) Branch - formerly Middlesex branch - has risen from its slumber in recent months and a key mover in its re-awakening has been Martyn Evans, branch Secretary. Section UK's Communication Manager, Lib Jones, noticed the activity in social media and asked Martyn to explain how it is he’s achieved so much in such a short period of time. M artyn writes: Before being an IPA member, I put off applying for months until one day I was asked to conduct a

Martyn Evans

becoming more family orientated. My second task was to start building contacts with other branches and that was easily done. I turned to Facebook and Twitter where I learned that a number of branches had groups; I very quickly jumped on the band wagon and promoted this. This was the start of what would become massive growth (from my starting point). Members of varying ages quickly signed up. This has enabled me to post news stories, add upcoming events where members can click to indicate if they are attending and more importantly it has helped us bond with members worldwide. I myself have personally made friends through this. I also turned to Twitter (username @sec_middxipa). Not only could I connect with members I was able to speak with non members, many of whom had never heard of the IPA. I use the account to promote news stories, current affairs within the police and to promote the IPA by referring people to the IPA website. This approach has been extremely valuable and I can honestly say that it has helped me to get new members. I am also trialling a Region 9 blog page. So far, it has seen a number of people signing up for instant notifications of new posts and has received positive feedback.

When I realised the hard work was not reflected in the number of new applications being received I discovered ‘Middlesex’ branch was being overlooked and people were joining other London branches. I went to the branch Chair and Regional Chair and explained what I had found out. A vote by members to change the branch name soon went ahead. During my short time as Branch Secretary I have seen a MASSIVE transformation of the branch which has been widely recognised. We are now receiving new applications every week. I personally contact every new member to introduce myself, tell them of upcoming events and to encourage them to join our social media groups. Keeping new members engaged from day one is paying off. We are taking steps to encourage visitors to our region and we have built up relationships with popular London tourist attractions meaning we can access a number of venues with visitors. I am also in the process of speaking with management from the Metropolitan Police about increasing our ability to host visitors on development exchanges.

station tour for ten Swedish Officers. I was pleased to conduct the tour and having met some brilliant people who had interesting stories to tell I signed up that day – in November 2012. I joined the Hertfordshire Branch until I went to work for the Metropolitan Police in the Enfield Borough. I transferred to the then named Middlesex Branch. I remember my first IPA meeting where I learned that the Branch was inactive apart from a small number of people and saw this as a shame given the location of the branch and that people across the world come to London. I put forward a number of suggestions to bring the branch back to life and ended up walking out of the meeting having been voted Branch Secretary. It was time to start work. My first task was to get existing members to reconnect and become involved again. I started contacting members to get a feel for who was who and to get ideas of the things they as a branch wanted. I also asked for feedback on what we as a branch can do to reignite the branch and gave members my personal contact details to add a personal touch. The feedback was varied and in short consisted of members wanting to get together socially, getting involved in hosting visitors and

Feedback In a survey of members enrolled between 1 January – 30 September 2014, we received the following positive feedback: A : Good magazines, online section and networking. A : Very similar in most ways but the IPA feels more personal/friendly. Q : What particular aspects of service to you as a member do we do well? A : Facebook... networking is very good. I love reading the magazine. A : Administration. A : Updates and news.

A : The UK website is kept up to date and contains useful information and the staff are all really helpful. A : Keeping me informed via the magazine and emails. A : The network of like-minded people and the opportunities to meet others. The survey also provided the Section with ideas for improvement and all points are being considered and action taken. Those completing the survey were invited to

Q : How does the IPA, as an organisation, compare to other membership organisations of which you have experience? A : About the same; A : Very good... multiple ways to contact and keep updated; A : Very highly. Since joining the IPA I have become involved and warmly welcomed by my branch; A : I am still exploring the benefits that the IPA offer. So far I have been mainly involved in the Defensive Tactics Group which has been excellent and goes from strength to strength. I look forward to sampling some of the other elements of the IPA, in particular education and courses/seminars.

POLICE WORLD Vol 59 No. 4, 2014 example would be my request to meet up with officers in New York city. I was put in contact with very helpful IPA members there. A : The IPA is a very professional organisation as well as a friendly one. Since joining I have had a few occasions where I have contacted the IPA both by email and on the phone. On all occasions my queries have been answered quickly. A : Newsletter. A : First class information networking and putting officers in contact with people who can help. An

enter their names into a prize draw. The winner of the draw was Chris Beards of Birmingham, West Midlands Branch. Chris won an IPA T-Shirt.

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